Tuesday 29 July 2025
Going on the Kapella tour was such an incredible opportunity. Travelling to a country across the globe to sing at an international choir festival was such a unique and rich experience. Choirs came from places all over the world and we were able to meet people from places like Ukraine, Taiwan, New York, and learn about their countries, cultures and stories.
As high school choir students, having the chance to talk to singers who had so much more experience than us let us learn so much during competition sessions and mass choir rehearsals as we interacted with each other. Music is a universal language, and though everyone at the festival came from different backgrounds, we were all able to connect over this interest we shared. Being able to bring and represent the culture of New Zealand and Polynesia was such a privilege. Even though we make up such a small corner of the globe, we stood so proudly on stage as we shared a piece of who we are through our music.
The responses and curiosity from people who had never seen Māori and Pacifica culture reminded us all to recognise and appreciate how special our country and its culture is. This trip will forever hold a special place in my heart and created memories I will never forget.
Athalia Moala-Oliver (Year 13, Marion Bruce)