The Big Sing

Had a wonderful evening last night at the grand finale of the Big Sing.

The Big Sing is the NZ Choral Federation Secondary Schools Choir Festival. 18 choirs put on a hugely enjoyable show. Their performances ranged from the pure classical to wonderfully entertaining acting and singing routines such as “Don’t Tell Mama”, from Cabaret.

The entire evening was not just great entertainment but also uplifting. You had 750 young Kiwis absolutely hyped up. Even before the formal show started, they were singing en masse random songs such as Slice of Heaven. You could tell there was no one there who wasn’t thrilled to be competing, and having a great time.

Superb sportsmanship also. Many teams gave standing ovations for other teams – especially from their neighbouring schools. And some touching scenes as the awards were presented with conductors and students hugging each other.

Not to be overlooked, is that the music and singing was also great. Not only did the students sing, but some also did the musical backing also.

Belcanto from Burnside High School won the overall trophy. They were by chance the first team to perform, and set the bar. Easily world class.

Cantala from Wellington East won the youth ambassadors award for their overall contribution, demeanor etc.  I thought they were superb also, and performed a fiendishly difficult number with Bitte Betti.

The finale concert was to a packed audience in the Wellington Town Hall. If you get the chance to get tickets to it in future, you should do it. Even if you can not make the finale, they have three days of competitions which you can attend for free. The NZSS Chior also does a free lunchtime concert. Plus it is all streamed over the Internet.

The only downside to the evening was it took an hour to get out of the James Smith carpark afterwards!