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News
Menasing has returned from Wellington with a Gold Award from this years’ Big Sing Finale! The College all-boys’ choir spent several days in Wellington last week competing with 24 selected choirs from around the country. The boys sang two recitals of challenging music which covered a wide range of styles and demanded high levels of excellence.
With a great deal of hard work, passion and determination, the boys were one of only six choirs to receive Gold status. Menasing is now one of only three boys-only’ choirs to have ever reached this standard of choral singing in the long history of the festival.
The students were extremely well received by their peers, bringing the audience to its feet for standing ovations on two separate occasions during the competition. The elite group of 16 singers were commended over the duration of the Big Sing for their confidence, vibrant sound and the style and class they brought to some very demanding repertoire.
The competition was streamed live as well as recorded by Radio New Zealand. The Big Sing will be showcased on RNZ’s ‘Young New Zealand’ programme every Sunday afternoon and the entire festival was covered by Maori Television to be turned in to a 12-part series later in the year. Videos of the boys’ performances will be uploaded to YouTube in the next few weeks so they can be enjoyed over and over again!
The Gold Award follows on from the success in June of the College Premier Choir, Kentoris who won Most Outstanding Performance of the Big Sing for their NZ Premiere of Ola Gjeilo’s Luminous Night of the Soul and further strengthens the College’s Choral programme as one of the best in New Zealand.
Thanks to College staff Ross Gerritsen, Gracie Francis and Lachlan Craig for their work helping to prepare the students.
Menasing Recital One
The Moon is Distant from the Sea – David N. Childs
The Pasture – Randall Thompson
La Chanson De Mardi Gras – Michael McGlynn
Menasing Recital Two
Good-Night – Matthew Emery
Leaning on a Lamppost – arranged by Robert Wiremu
Check out videos of Menasing's performances at the Big Sing Finale below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mti7_FTToDg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlV_rlgA0Us
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwiqDGSlGMg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYjkC-01jfU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALrm67bK_tQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tDnU9xN_1A
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