Latest news with #RosieAuchinvole
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Second big win for youth choir
A national choir, with a Dunedin singer in its ranks, has taken home the top award at an international competition. The New Zealand Youth Choir, with singers aged between 18 and 25, was named Choir of the World at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales on Saturday night (local time). The choir blended waiata and kapa haka with a traditional choral repertoire. It comprised about 50 singers, including former Columba College and University of Otago student Rosie Auchinvole, and operates on a three-year membership. The award came hot on the heels of another win at the European Choir Games in Denmark last week, where the choir won the Grand Prix of Nations, after receiving a score of 97.5 from 100 in the folklore category. The New Zealand Youth Choir wins Choir of the World 2025. PHOTO: FACEBOOK / NZ YOUTH CHOIR At the time, Ms Auchinvole told theit was a "huge honour" to represent New Zealand internationally. Labour arts, culture and heritage spokeswoman Rachel Boyack said the "outstanding young singers" were incredible ambassadors for New Zealand. "I watched their winning set this morning after waking up to hear this very exciting news," she said. "I've been lucky to see the choir perform this year, including at Waitangi on Waitangi Day, and it is incredible to see how much they've achieved — I am hugely proud of every one of them." Also on Saturday night, New Zealand Youth Choir conductor David Squire was awarded the Jayne Davies Conductors Prize. The New Zealand Youth Choir last won the Choir of the World title in 1999. — APL/RNZ
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Proud to sing anthem
A Dunedin choir member was proud to sing New Zealand's national anthem on a global stage after winning a top award. The New Zealand Youth Choir was awarded the Grand Prix of Nations at the European Choir Games in Aarhus, Denmark, last Sunday. Former Columba College and University of Otago student Rosie Auchinvole, who is a member of the choir, said it was a "huge honour" to represent New Zealand on the world stage. Former Columba College and University of Otago student Rosie Auchinvole after a performance at St Paul's Cathedral. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON When the choir was awarded 97.50 out of a possible 100 points, they rushed the stage to join choir director David Squire and sang the national anthem. God Defend New Zealand was "sung proudly in te reo Māori and English", she said. The choir then performed a haka in honour of Mr Squire. She said performing karanga, mōteatea, waiata ā-ringa and music from Samoa and Fiji to an international audience and judging panel was "very special". The New Zealand Youth Choir singing at the European Choir Games. PHOTO: SUPPLIED "When we performed at friendship concerts and talked to members from other choirs, they all commented on how beautiful the Māori, Samoan and Fijian songs were and how many of them had never seen them performed live before. "When I was performing them in the competitions, I could see several of the judges smiling and being emotionally moved by the pieces." Ms Auchinvole said she was nervous before performing, but relied on her knowledge of the music to prevent major nerves from building up.
