The Choral Showcase over the weekend provided our College Premier Choir groups the opportunity to perform their repertoire to an audience in preparation for the Auckland Big Sing. The show which brought together amazing young talents underscored the choral programme’s focus on excellent singing and musicianship.
After a rough start to the year, having to rehearse outdoors due to Covid restrictions, our choir groups were delighted that they could rehearse indoors again, albeit keeping safe distance, and to perform in front of a live audience.
This year’s Choral Showcase opened with the Junior Choir’s debut performance of ‘The Moon’ by Andy Beck. The Year 7 and 8 students who formed this choir group and is working towards The Kids’ Sing later this year performed this song beautifully. The performance of a song about a wish for the moon to return the next night was led by Choir Leader Grace Gao.
One of the College’s Kentoris member Xarya Knox then came on stage for her solo performance, singing ‘Homeward Bound’ by Marta Keen. Xarya’s stunning recital was followed by a new choir group Kentatonix or formally known as the Massed Choir, singing ‘Fofoga Mai Ma Iesu’, a traditional Niuean piece arranged by our very own Choir Director Mr Denzel Panama. The group then entertained us with their second number ‘Everybody Says Don’t’ from Anyone Can Whistle, paying tribute to the late Stephen Sondheim.
Every year we have an Old Collegian who pursued their passion for music which started during their College years perform at our Choral Showcase. We continued the tradition by welcoming back Sid Chand who mesmerised the audience with two inspiring songs.
Finally our Premier auditioned choir Kentoris came on stage to perform ‘Im Grünen’ by Felix Mendelssohn, ‘Sanctus’ by Richard Oswin, and ‘Count the Stars’ by Andy Beck.
The night ended with Kentoris performing alongside Old Collegian Sid Chand and the Choir Director, singing Ka Waiata. This piece will be sung en masse by all performing choirs at the conclusion of Big Sing Gala Concert.
Our thanks to the lovely Choir Director Mr Denzel Panama, Vocal Coach Ms Kate Webber, Collaborative Pianist Mr Juan Kim, and Ms Soomin Kim, who accompanied Kentatonix, Kentoris and our soloists for the evening.
We would also like to acknowledge the emcees for the evening, Imogen Perry and Josh Evangelidakis, who kept the audience informed with plenty of information on the choir groups and their pieces throughout the evening.
Well done to all our choristers for the wonderful evening of songs.
