AOTEAROA: LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD

The Australian Boys Choral Institute has been proud to resume touring internationally in this, it’s 85th year. Forty-five young people and five adults gathered at Melbourne Airport on September 21, for eight days in New Zealand. Despite the 6:00am sign-in time, everyone was all set... luggage packed and smiles on their faces.

The two touring ensembles, the Performing Squad and the Kelly Gang, had worked hard in the lead up to the tour. Artistic Director Nick Dinopoulos had chosen an inspiring program focusing strongly on Australian and New Zealand repertoire, alongside other favourite ABCI selections.

On the weekend before the tour, the Choir gave concerts in Geelong and Bendigo. Whilst part of the Choir’s regular regional concerts, these events also doubled as some final pre-tour travel and performance experience.

Following a similar route to that of our 2015 tour to New Zealand (albeit in reverse!), Wellington was the first destination. After a day of travel, there was time to explore before dinner. A wander down to the harbour and various landmarks provided a chance to stretch legs, take group photos, and hit some playgroup equipment (participation was not limited to the younger members of the group!). Delicious pizza, a short rehearsal and a relaxation session finished off the day.

The following day, the first buffet breakfast of the trip set everyone up for a visit to the Te Papa Museum, followed by the first concert of the tour. The beautiful St Mary of the Angels was a lovely venue and the Choir enjoyed singing with Wellington Young Voices.

The next day’s coach drive to Whanganui offered the first taste of New Zealand’s famously beautiful landscape, and after many rolling hills (and, of course, sheep) the group arrived at Whanganui Collegiate School. The visit included a tour of the impressive buildings, lunch in the cafeteria, a workshop with students, and a performance for the entire student body. Performing as guest artists in the evening, at a music contest hosted by the school rounded off a rewarding day.

Day Four’s scenery included mountains featured in The Lord of the Rings movies, Lake Taupo, and Huka Falls. The falls were experienced at the end of an amazing walk along the Waikato River. After checking in at Rotorua, it was off to Mitai Maori Village. The cultural displays and the incredible hangi feast were a tour highlight for many. In a particularly lovely moment, the boys were delighted when the tour guide recited a Maori proverb, the words of which form one of their favourite songs – and in return sang it for her before boarding the bus.

More Rotorua sights (and, yes, smells) featured on Day Five, including a visit to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. The arrival at St John’s Presbyterian Church, the venue for the tour’s third concert, had been timed to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ for a member of the congregation celebrating her 100th birthday. The delight on her face was priceless. The boys presented a beautiful concert afterwards, certainly earning that night’s delicious Mexican dinner.

Excitement was high for the Hobbiton Movie Set the next morning. The weather was great and the tour didn’t disappoint – another highlight for many. The boys performed an afternoon concert at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Cambridge. The venue was full of very appreciative audience members and, as per usual, the boys enjoyed chatting with them during interval.

After travelling from Cambridge to Auckland the following morning it was straight to Takapuna Grammar School. A traditional Maori welcome and a shared choral workshop were highlights. The Performing Squad and Kelly Gang enjoyed pizza with the Takapuna students, and performing with and for each other afterwards. After checking in to the hotel, the Auckland Sky Tower was a great early evening sightseeing excursion (depending on one’s stance on heights).

One last buffet breakfast preceded a pleasant walk to St-Matthew-in-the-City, the stunning venue for the final concert. The week spent together was evident in the boys’ performance, which included a lovely collaboration with the Auckland Boys Choir. Spirits were high on the bus ride to the airport.

The way in which the tour participants conducted themselves was impressive. Compliments about their behaviour were frequent. The music and caring staff, whilst not surprised, appreciated the boys’ positive attitude, support for each other and willingness to help. As the group’s bus driver commented one night, with a slight degree of amazement, “they just all get along”.

For these boys, the time spent at rehearsals and residential programs over the years mean that they are used to the ABCI culture, expectations, and processes. Mr Dinopoulos (artistic director and conductor) and Mr Mallis (conductor and accompanist), along with caring team volunteers Ms Byrdy, Ms Westcott, and Mrs Heyden were pleased and proud about how well these terrific young people represented the ABCI whilst in New Zealand. The musical benefits were evident at the Choir’s homecoming concert, and the memories of shared experiences will be lasting.