On Monday, the Senior and Junior Madrigal Choir conducted by Miss Courtney Hickmott competed at the Big Sing’s Otago/South Canterbury Regional.

Both choirs had a great day and sang amazingly, ending with Cantus Columba (the Senior Madrigal Choir) being awarded a ‘Commended’ prize.

The Junior Madrigal Choir sang ‘Celtic Blessing’ by Dunedin composer David Burchell, as well as singing a beautiful rendition of ‘The Rising’ by Andrea Ramsey, and ‘Edelweiss’ from the Sound of Music.

Cantus Columba sang ‘E Pari Ra’ (arranged by David Hamilton), which is a waiata that mourns the loss of men during World War 1, written by Paraire Ellison, who’s son died in World War 1. The second song the choir sang was ‘Il Est Bel et Bon’, a French Renaissance song where a group of women discuss their husbands: one says, “My husband is great - he does all the housework and never beats me!”, and the song also imitates the clucking of chickens. The last song, “And They May Tell You” by Andrea Ramsey, and with poetry by 17-year old, Isabella Cook, the text of this song explores the challenges faced by women, encouraging them to embrace their strengths.