Variety is the spice of life. The Saint Kentigern Girls’ Musicale Showcase was certainly flavourful, with a taste of all the incredible music groups that had performed throughout the year. Our girls have been hard at work, perfecting their crafts, and for the first time in a few years, they had an opportunity to perform for a live audience.

Hosted by the enigmatic trio of Mr Seamus Ford, Mrs Anji Toy and Mr Isaac Williams the audience was treated to a wide variety of music from centuries ago, through to last year’s hits. The Kapa Haka group opened the night with a pōwhiri and three musical items, E te hoko, Rona, and Te Inoi.

Following the light harmonies and flowing melodies of the kapa haka group, the orchestra performed two pieces. With girls of all abilities, it was incredible to see Bologne’s Symphony in G major performed by the group, a famous work performed by paid, professional orchestras.

The crowd was then treated to three very different Rock Band performances, bringing a youthful sound back into the evening. Some incredible vocal performers in the rock bands creatively reimagined old classics and new hits. From ‘There She Goes,’ by Sixpence None the Richer and ‘All I Want’ by Olivia Rodrigo, to ‘Another One Bites the Dust,’ each had toes tapping and heads bopping alongside the performers.

The Vox Box choir featuring our youngest singers, closed the first half with a beautiful rendition of Pink’s ‘Cover me in Sunshine.’ The audience had a chance to stretch their legs before returning for the second half, beginning with the Chamber Ensemble. The five-woman group played Brahms’ ‘Hungarian Dance,’ and Mozart’s ‘Rondo from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.’ Both were done with class and skill, not being easy pieces to master.

A few more Rock Band performances followed the Chamber Ensemble with their renditions of ‘Backyard Boy’ by Claire Rosinkranz, ‘Stitches’ by Shaun Mendes and cult classic ‘Teenage Dirtbag.’ The Ukulele group continued the fun with two songs. ‘Where is the Love’ by the Black-Eyed Peas featured a unique touch with several soloists singing and rapping along to the ukulele accompaniment.

Finally, the Highland Belles, SKG’s auditioned choir, sang ‘All is Found’ and ‘Whakaaria Mai,’ with beautiful harmonies and a surprise violin instrumental break done by ear. Mrs Jill Wahlstrom closed the night by thanking each student for their hard work, the teachers for their dedication, and the parents for their constant support.

We want to echo this and thank Ms Candace Cassie, Mr Seamus Ford, Mrs Anji Toy, Ms Gina Hemmingsen, Mr Isaac Williams and Mrs Judy Norton for all their effort throughout the year. We are incredibly proud of the calibre of musicians coming out of the school. We know it is a testament to many extra practices, tutoring and relentless effort.

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