A Night to Celebrate the Arts

Elliot Hall was alive with colour, sound, and celebration on 16 October as our College community gathered for Celebrating the Arts 2025. This annual evening recognises the creativity, discipline, and achievement within our Performing Arts programme.

Guests were welcomed by the smooth energy of the Jazz Combo, followed by performances from the Pipes and Drums and Big Band, setting a tone of excellence for the night ahead. The event, part formal celebration and part showcase, offered a seamless blend of awards, live performances, and reflection on a thriving year for the arts.

Arts Prefects Arden Matheson and Amy Chen opened the evening with their year in review, capturing the spirit of collaboration and innovation that has defined 2025 across music, dance, and drama. Their reflections provided the perfect prelude to a night highlighting both emerging and established talent.

The programme featured standout performances across disciplines: the Year 13 Dance Performance, the Theatresports Premier Team, and a beautiful waiata led by vocalist Nora Caffery and accompanied by the Chamber Orchestra. The seamless interplay of music, movement, and story captured the essence of the schools Performing Arts culture, a community that continues to nurture confidence and creativity in equal measure.

Awards were presented throughout the evening, culminating in the presentation of Arts Colours and the symbolic passing of the mantle to the next generation of creative leaders in Tamsin Low and Caleb Bisley. The evening concluded with the announcement of the Performer of the Year Awards, recognising two students whose talent and dedication have shone brightly across the College’s arts community.

Middle School Performer of the Year – Oliver Bennett

Senior School Performer of the Year – Nathan Dick

In presenting the Senior award, Principal Damon Emtage commended Nathan’s artistry and leadership. “He is a performer of extraordinary talent, heart, and discipline; a true role model who has elevated every stage he’s stepped on.”

The 2025 celebration affirmed the vitality of the College’s arts culture, one defined by commitment, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.