Many of our talented musicians at the College spend hours refining their skills. Though much time is spent alone running scales to perfection, many of our instrumentalists also join together for frequent orchestra or band practices each week. To foster a stronger sense of community, chamber ensembles have become increasingly popular among our musicians. They offer an opportunity to play and perform with friends, form new friendships, and learn beautiful, intimate pieces that still require an element of collaboration.

The week before the Auckland Chamber Music Competition, the College hosted its Chamber Music Evening, an intimate show for family and friends of our chamber groups. Eight groups performed, most of which were made up of all Saint Kentigern members. The night featured a variety of ensembles including several piano trios and some unique combinations, such as the four-man percussion ensemble ‘Good Vibes’.

Our performers then went on to impress the judges at the Auckland Chamber Music Competition in a bid to advance to the regional and national competitions. ‘Trio Élégiaque’ featuring violinist Amy Chen, cellist Hyun Jae Lee, and pianist Peter Hu won Best Overall Group on the night. This group went on to place second at the Northern Regional finals and received a June Clifford Award at the National Final.

We also had a full College percussion ensemble receive Highly Commended and Best Performance of an NZ Work awards. ‘Good Vibes’, the aforementioned four-man group featuring Isaac Chang and Peter Hu on piano and Jason Wong and Christian Maio on percussion, performed brilliantly.

Two other Saint Kentigern students received Highly Commended placings as a part of mixed school bands: Ryan Cen from ‘Chiron Junior’ and Elisa Wu from ‘Milhaud a Rio’. Elisa’s group also received the NZ Double Reed Society Award with their flute, oboe, clarinet, and piano ensemble. Her group went on to win third place at the Regional Final, and finished their year with third place at Nationals. 

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