Arts and Culture News

The Big Sing Finale showcases more than 800 talented young singers across three days of competitive recitals in a vibrant celebration of youth and song. Twenty-four of New Zealand's top secondary school choirs perform various musical styles, from waiata to classical, gospel, jazz, and pop.

The Finale will be held from Thursday, August 29, to Saturday, August 31, at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington.

Congratulations, Bel Suono. We couldn't be prouder.

Last month, the Dio choirs received top accolades at the Waikato/BOP regional Big Sing competition in Tauranga.

Cantiamo was awarded Highly Commended.

Bel Suono was awarded Very Highly Commended, and the Award for Best Performance in the Choral Art category for Laudate Dominum.

Music - Instrumental

By Joy Liao - Captain of Instrumental Music

Orchestra

On June 12, the Dio Orchestra had a workshop with Simon Brew, the General Manager of the Cambridge Town Hall and a classical saxophonist. He is currently the conductor of Youth Orchestra Waikato, of which many of our talented musicians are members. The orchestra had a great time with Simon and learned much from him.

Rhapsody in Rotorua

On 26 June, Dio’s Jazz Band and Orchestra travelled to Rotorua for Rhapsody in Rotorua, one of Australasian premier youth music festivals. Owen Clarke adjudicated the orchestra's performance, Nick Tipping adjudicated the jazz band's, followed by workshops. Congratulations to both groups on being awarded festival gold, which is amazing news. Well done to all our talented musicians and amazing teachers and coaches.

Street Dance Success

Holly Wine has just returned from Sydney with a few new shiny items in her luggage! She competed in World Supremacy Battlegrounds with her crew, Street Dance, representing New Zealand. Awesome, mahi!

Holly came away with a total of three medals:

• Gold for Monster Varsity Mega (crew of 30)

• Silver for her Duo

• Bronze for Varsity (crew of 9)