Like any year, the calibre of music which Burnside High School’s Senior Chorale produced was above and beyond what is expected of a high school choir. 

Going on the Southern Choral Tour with Chorale was one of the most rewarding experiences of the year. Being able to travel around New Zealand with friends while making such extraordinary music is an experience only a handful of people ever have in their lives.

Among other things, Chorale performed as a guest choir with ex-student Rebecca Nelson. The concert was absolutely outstanding, and it is refreshing to see that ex-students from the music department have stuck with their passion and gone on to have such amazing careers all over the world.

Chorale was lucky enough to sing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (Ode to Joy) with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. This proved to be very challenging in terms of both learning the music (and German text), and then having the stamina to rehearse and perform such a difficult work of music. In the end it paid off and the result was an absolutely spectacular finale to an outstanding concert.

Senior Chorale’s year then concluded with Burnside’s Choral Extravaganza. This concert happens every year, and showcases the various choirs’ year of work. It is safe to say that no one left there untouched by the music performed by the choirs that evening.

It’s been another brilliant year for the choral programme, and Senior Chorale has certainly been a large part of the success in which the programme is known for.

Ben Johnson, Student Leader