Despite the meteoric rise of our choral and singing programmes, no one could have predicted the success achieved by College singers at the New Zealand Aria Competition held in Rotorua during the first weekend in November. This is the first time that the College has entered singers to compete at this level.

The Waiariki Institute of Technology New Zealand Aria competition is one of Australasia’s most prestigious singing competitions. The event, in its current format, has been held annually for the past 13 years and has offered life-changing opportunities to entrants and launched the careers of some fine young singers.

The event is the largest competition of its kind in the country, and its fame has spread throughout Australasia’s world of opera. It attracts aspiring opera stars who pit themselves against some of Australasia’s best young singers. The opportunity this engenders, along with the attractive prize money, contribute to the winning performers’ further development in this demanding art. Entrants often go on to take part in major productions both in New Zealand and overseas.

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.

Within our own community, Manase Latu has become a superstar but this weekend he took on New Zealand and put together three stunning performances to claim 2^nd place in the U18 category. A day later, in a field of 20, including several university students, he presented four beautiful performances and claimed 2nd place in the Under 21 category.

Manase was also singled out by both judges for his exceptional potential and was awarded the NZ Aria Most Promising Singer U21 Years.

The other outstanding overall performances came from Year 12 student, Jamie Hofer who placed 3rd in the U18 category and Sid Chand, Year 9, who won the U16 category. Liam Braithwaite, Year 10 and Aaron Leng, Year 11also won 1^st prizes in various individual classes.

Each age group offers 4 categories and the aggregate points (NZ Aria age group winner) for each category is determined by the first 3 of those categories. In all 8 students finished the weekend with a total of 20 placings and 9 commended awards:

13 and Under 16

Own Selection
Liam Braithwaite 1^st
Aaron Leng 2^nd
Sid Chand 3^rd

Light Entertainment
Sid Chand 1^st

Folk or Traditional
Sid Chand 2^nd
Aaron Leng 3^rd

Oratorio or Sacred Song
Aaron Leng 1^st
Sid Chand 2^nd
Liam Braithwaite 3^rd

AGGREGATE: UNDER 16 NZ ARIA CHAMPION
Shiddrath Chand 1^st

16 and Under 18

Own Selection
Manase Latu 3^rd

Light Entertainment
Manase Latu 2^nd
Jamie Hofer 3^rd

Folk or Traditional
Manase Latu 1^st

Oratorio or Sacred Song
Lili Taylor 2^nd

AGGREGATE UNDER 18 NZ ARIA CHAMPION
Manase Latu 2^nd
Jamie Hofer 3rd

16 and Under 21

Lieder or Art Song
Manase Latu 1^st

Oratorio or Sacred Song
Manase Latu 3^rd

AGGREGATE UNDER 21 ARIA
Manase Latu 2^nd

NZ ARIA AWARD MOST PROMISING SINGER U21
Manase Latu

Share this