The Big Sing in full swing

Karamu High School, Nga Korimako choir, performing at The Big Sing, held at the Waiapu Cathedral in Napier, yesterday. Photo/ Warren Buckland.

Choirs from across the East Coast sung their hearts out yesterday as day one of The Big Sing kicked off.

Local choirs performed three contrasting musical numbers in Waiapu Cathedral, Napier,
showcasing harmonies, movement and diction.

The Big Sing East Coast is the third largest region in the country, following Auckland and Wellington, and includes 34 choirs from Gisborne to Central Hawke's Bay.

East Coast co-ordinator Glenys Kempshall said the standard had improved from last year and the atmosphere was "electric".

"It was excellent. All of the students sung very well and the adjudicator was delighted with the high standard."

Ms Kempshall said there was a real range of performances with some schools performing traditional Maori songs and others performing pop songs or early music.

Three awards were handed out yesterday and Napier Girls' High School won the European song award, Taradale High School won the New Zealand composition award and Karamu High School walked away with the other style award.

"They were all just beautiful and we were thrilled with the application from all schools, and the boy choirs stood together well too."

After the competition the gala was held at 6pm where each of the choirs performed a song to the public.

Ms Kempshall said the cathedral was full, with spectators all eagerly listening and enjoying the music on offer.

Today another 16 choirs will perform as part of the competition before another gala is held at 6pm.

At the conclusion of the event the new award announced by the New Zealand Choral Federation will be presented to the chosen choir.

The federation have partnered with the Ministry of Youth Development to create the 'Spirit of the Festival' Youth Ambassador Award.

Ms Kempshall said it was always good to add new awards and was exciting for the students.

The prize offers development opportunities to student singers, conductors, composers and accompanists.

The winning choir of the two-day competition will also be announced today.

People can attend The Big Sing during the competition today for $5 or at 6pm for the gala concert for $15 for adults and $10 with Gold Card.

Tickets can be purchased online for the gala at Ticketek or from Napier Municipal Theatre for $15 for adults and $10 with Gold Card.