Polyhymnia celebrating Silver win at Cadenza Competition
King's and Queen's High School combined Choir Polyhymnia performed in the Timaru Basilica South Island 2022 Cadenza Competition last weekend taking out the Silver.
South Island Cadenza
Polyhymnia was selected for the South Island 2021 Cadenza, our inaugural year singing as a combined choir. Sadly, four days before we were to head to Timaru, all fundraising completed and songs perfected, Cadenza was cancelled due to a lockdown. So we were thrilled that in 2022, despite not being able to rehearse in term one, we were again selected. In the weeks leading up to this year's event we had a number of students fall ill or have to self isolate. Fortunately, we were able to go with all 28 students fit and well, 13 from King’s and 15 from Queen’s.
The event comprised of massed workshops with a Choral Specialist Elise Bradley, who is an award winning and internationally respected educator. She was also the adjudicator of the event. Twelve choirs from across the South Island sang a repertoire of three songs each. On Saturday evening a public Gala Concert showcased one item from each choir's Cadenza repertoire, the items were chosen by Elise. Two massed items, which had been prepared in the workshops, were also performed. Singing in the Sacred Heart Basilica in Timaru was certainly an amazing experience.
A very big thank you needs to go to Emmanuel Keane, Year 13 who has been our accompanist. His skill, enthusiasm and dedication has been hugely appreciated by all of us. Especially by Ms Irvine, Ms Dryden and myself.
Finally some words from the students;
Aidan Broome
“Getting to meet people from all over the South Island with a similar interest and working with a world renowned Choral Singer/Conductor were definitely highlights for me!”
Apisalome Tudreu
“I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and had fun listening and watching the other choirs perform. I also enjoyed the fun times that were had in the motel.”
Connor Gray
“I really enjoyed the time getting to know one another, singing together, and playing games like Mafia. I think singing is a great way to bring people together.”
Emmanuel Keane
“Gathering together to hear different choirs again, since Cadenza was cancelled last year. Bonding and singing as a choir while enjoying ourselves along the way.”
Mathew Latuivai
“I liked that we sang our songs really well, and having fun with the other students.”
Aayden McKenzie
“It was really great to just get out of school and listen to other choirs in the south Island. Also it was nice to get to know people better and make friends.”
Semisi Taungapeau
My highlights of the Cadenza were our rap battles and rhythm games that we played. I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to perform in such a nice Basilica and having the chance to compete with choirs from all over the South Island. I had fun travelling with Polyhymnia and feel that we grew closer from this experience.
Gallery
