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.

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".

"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.

mark.john@odt.co.nz