The Big Sing’ National Finale 2006

The Big Sing’ National Finale 2006

750 talented and enthusiastic choristers will gather in Auckland this August to compete in the 18th annual NZCF ‘THE BIG SING’ National Finale 2006.

The Big Sing National Finale showcases the best and most promising secondary school choirs in New Zealand. “This year’s competition promises to be of the highest quality”, says NZCF spokesperson Leonie Lawson.

Sixteen choirs from throughout New Zealand have been selected as national finalists from regional festivals involving around 6000 students from over 200 choirs. Mrs Lawson praised the work of the expert regional adjudicators who selected the finalists. “The impressive number of students who took part in the regional festivals this year shows that choral singing is thriving in our schools. The adjudicators set very high standards and it is indeed a high honour to be selected as one of the top 16 choirs.”

The 16 finalists who will perform for national awards at THE BIG SING National Finale in the Auckland Town Hall during 24th to 26th August are:

Bel Canto Burnside High School Christchurch

Cantrices Christchurch Girls high School Christchurch

Chapel Choir Christ's College Christchurch

Colla Voce Havelock North High School Havelock North

Con Brio Villa Maria College Christchurch

Craighead Chorale Craighead Diocesan School Timaru

I See Red Chilton Saint James School Wellington

Key Cygnetures Westlake Girls' High School Auckland

Mainly Men Rangitoto College Auckland

Queen Margaret College Chorale Queen Margaret College Wellington

Seraphim Chilton Saint James School Wellington

St Cecilia Singers Auckland Diocesan School for Girls Auckland

The Fundamentals Rangitoto College Auckland

Tauranga Girls High School Chorale Tauranga Girls High School Tauranga

Twilight Tones Tawa College Wellington

Wellington College Chorale Wellington College Wellington

Seven guest choirs from regions not represented in the selected group have also been invited to perform. They are:

Mancando Mahurangi College Northland

Madrigal Choir New Plymouth Girls' High School Taranaki

Cantilena Western Heights High School Waikato/BOP

Cantate Wairarapa College Manawatu/Wanganui

Belle A Capella Waimea College Nelson/Malborough/West Coast

Combined Choir Otago Boys' and Girls' High Schools Otago

Femme Southland Girls' High School Southland

The three day finale event features workshops, free daily recitals in the Town Hall and lunchtime performances in the Auckland CBD. The Finale concludes with a Gala Concert featuring all 23 Choirs at 7pm, 26th August in the Auckland Town Hall. Tickets are available from Ticketek $20 adult, or $10.concession

The Adjudicators for the 2006 Finale are:

• James Tibbles, (Auckland University),

• Maria Guinand (Venezuela), international composer, choir director and vice president of the International Federation of Choral Music.

• Guy Jansen, (recently returned to NZ from Queensland University)

Ms Guinand will be presenting 2 workshops with special emphasis on 20th Century Latin American choral music. Dr Jansen will also present 2 workshops focusing on NZ choral music, including one of his own compositions.

Ends