For the second year in a row, our choral students have achieved great success at the New Zealand Aria Competition held in Rotorua with Saint Kentigern being awarded the largest number of prizes from any one school. Fifteen College students travelled to the event and each can be very proud of their efforts.

Last year was the first time the College had entered singers to compete at this level. The Waiariki Institute of Technology New Zealand Ariacompetition is one of Australasia’s most prestigious singing competitions. The event, in its current format, has been held annually for the past 14 years and has offered life-changing opportunities to entrants and launched the careers of some fine young singers.

Over the years, the competition has generated such a widespread reputation that it attracts a high calibre of entrants, judges and conductors. The impact is enhanced by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

Nine students competed in the U16 category which involved 4 separate sections: 'Own Selection', 'Folk Song', 'Light Entertainment' and 'Sacred'. Two fine young singers, Liam Braithwaite and Isaac Samuels both sang superbly to win their sections. Sid Chand gained two second places and two highly commended which placed him second overall in his section.

Two younger singers from the Girls’ School were also successful with Amelie James-Power winning the U10 section and Scarlett Jacques awarded second place in the U13 category.

Well known recent Old Collegian, Manase Latu was cheered on by our students and was also very successful again this year.  Manase gained three first placings, three third placings as well as retaining the trophy he was awarded last year for Most Promising Competitor.  

UNDER 16
Own Selection 
1st - Liam Braithwaite
Very Highly Commended - Sid Chand
Commended - Isaac Samuels, Victoria Tse and Crystal Sun

Folk or Traditional
2nd - Sid Chand
Commended - Liam Braithwaite, Emily Young, Victoria Tse and Crystal Sun  

Light Entertainment 
3rd - Emily Young
Very Highly Commended - Sid Chand
Commended - Luca Heard

Oratorio or Sacred
1st - Isaac Samuels
2nd - Sid Chand
3rd - Victoria Tse
Very Highly Commended - Emily Young 
Commended - Liam Braithwaite

Under 16 Overall
2nd Sid Chand

18 AND UNDER 21 

Own Selection
Very Highly Commended - Sam Downes  

Folk/Traditional
Highly Commended - Sam Downes 

Oratorio or Sacred Song
Highly Commended - Sam Downes 

Light Entertainment
Highly Commended - Sam Downes 

16 AND UNDER 18
Own Selection 
3rd - Lili Taylor 

Folksong
3rd Aaron Leng 

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