The OD Glee ensemble had its first rehearsal in the Musical Theatre Dunedin rooms in South Dunedin in preparation for next month's "Big Night In" community concert.
"It's very exciting. Most of them don't know each other yet and are meeting for the first time," artistic producer Doug Kamo said yesterday.
"They're all still at high school and most are aged between 15 and 17, so it's certainly going to be the biggest gig they've ever done in their short careers. They've got no choice now but to step up, put their best foot forward and perform to their absolute best," he said.
"It was important to us to incorporate the regions, as it's Otago's stadium as much as it is Dunedin's stadium."
The 16 singers were selected after Mr Kamo and musical director Stuart Walker spent two months auditioning 40 young hopefuls around the South Island for the 16-member ensemble.
"They are all very, very good solo performers in their own right," Mr Walker said.
"Their enthusiasm has been great. It's a fantastic opportunity for them to perform in front of a stadium full of people."
Kavanagh College pupil Kylie Price (18), who won the Good Morning "Find a Star" national television talent competition in August, said it was the biggest opportunity of her career.
"This is going to be so much fun. I haven't been to the stadium yet, so I can't wait," she said.
"It's a huge event for Dunedin and it's going to be awesome to see big national artists like Tina Cross perform. Being on stage with the lights and the applause and everyone there to celebrate the ODT and the new stadium is going to be amazing," she said.
"I think it's really cool it's a free concert, too, with donations to get in, because it means everybody can come and see a big family show, no matter what their circumstances."
The "Big Night In" will be held on November 12 at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
The free concert celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Otago Daily Times and is being supported by the Dunedin City Council as the opening community concert in the new stadium.
Gold-coin donations will be accepted at the gate for KidsCan and Lions.
