Northlander on musical high note

Annemieke Hendriks with the certificates from the prestigious Trinity College London.

A Northland singer has been recognised by London's prestigious Trinity College.

Annemieke Hendriks sat for an Advanced Certificate in Classical Voice in November 2014 through Trinity College London and passed with distinction earning 90 out of 100.

It turned out to be one of the highest marks in New Zealand for the advanced certificate and one of only five in this grade level awarded.

Ms Hendriks said it takes about a year for Trinity College London to collect the information from the different centres to compare the scores internationally for the highly sought after Exhibition Award.

"This year Trinity awarded 18 people in New Zealand, from the 2014 year, between grades 5, Advanced Certificate [one "grade" up from Grade 8], with five at advanced certificate level. I was one of them, again the only one for singing," she said.

"I was actually in Las Vegas on holiday of all places, when I found out that I had won an Exhibition Award and it is one of the most unexpected, and humbling emails I have ever received."

There will be a ceremony in Wellington later in the year, which will also acknowledge 2015's advanced certificate and higher "grade" recipients, as well as the highest marks in new Zealand award winners for 2015.

"I sat for the award in Wellington where I am at Victoria University doing a BSc majoring in Ecology and Biodiversity, with a double minor in Geology and Geography," Ms Hendriks said.

"Sally Barratt-Boyes, who is now based in Auckland's North Shore, prepared me for the exam. During high-school I was coached by Evelyn Hatfield, who was my original singing teacher when I started and currently I am taught by Linden Loader."

Her accompanist for the 30 minute recital was Huge McMillan and Ms Hendriks' next singing endeavour is to go for ATCL, similar to a BSc in music performance.