It was exciting to see the return of many choirs to the Big Sing after the previous three years of disruption from Covid. While the competition ran successfully in 2022, choir numbers were much lower. This year 15 choirs participated in this regional competition, from Dunedin, North and Central Otago and South Canterbury. Not only were more choirs competing this year, but the standard of performances was also higher, ensuring a tough competition.

Held at the Dunedin Town Hall, the day began with each choir presenting their programme of three songs chosen to fit the Big Sing competition criteria of three contrasting categories (see below).

Polyhymnia's song choices for each category were:

CATEGORY 1 - New Zealand Composition/Arrangement

‘E Pari Ra’ by Paraire Tomoana, arranged by Dale Irvine

CATEGORY 2 - Choral Art Music Secular or sacred music of any age

'Do Not Stand and Weep' by Greg Gilpin, lyrics by Mary Elizabeth Frye

CATEGORY 3 - Open Choice

‘Wannabe’ (arranged as an English madrigal) – the Spice Girls, Matt Rowe and Richard "Biff" Stannard, arranged by Nathan Howe

Following the competition performances, choirs were given a break before the evening Gala Concert.

The evening Gala Concert was open to the public and show-cased each competing choir performing only one song from their programme. Our students overwhelmingly voted to sing 'Wannabe’ – a crowd favourite. The prizegiving followed the concert.

Results for Polyhymnia:

• Category 1 – Highly Commended
• Category 2 – Highly Commended
• Category 3 – Winner of the John Leslie Trophy for best performance in Category 3.
• Winner of the te reo Māori trophy for best performance of a song in te reo. (new trophy)

A huge thanks must go to Dale Irvine and Kris White (Directors) for putting in the hours of work needed to get Polyhymnia to this high standard. And, of course, the students for their commitment and hard work. Thanks to accompanist Jo Dryden and to the Scenic Hotel for hosting Polyhymnia for our warm-up before the competition.