Arts News Term 2, Week 2 2026

The combined power of sound
It may have been the first week back of school, and only day two, but the Combined Orchestra was in ‘full swing!’ The highly anticipated Orchestral Extravaganza took place at Christ’s College as a combined affair, celebrating three orchestras, a massed orchestra, and a combined string orchestra. 

SMC collaborated with Christ’s College and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School to present a vibrant and diverse programme. The full group met for their first combined rehearsal just hours before the concert, quickly creating a powerful combined orchestra. There were around 150 musicians onstage, all of varying abilities, but all sharing their love of music. 

The string players from all three schools delivered a rich, unified sound in the Theme from Spartacus and the Lady Gaga Fugue, and the massed orchestra performed highlights from the musical Wicked! and an arrangement of Gershwin’s American in Paris. It was an inspiring night of music-making and collaboration, highlighting the talent, dedication and energy of all involved. The energy and stamina was of particular note, as it also followed a day of Cross Country. They may have been spurred along by the icecream at dinner!

The combined orchestra is now busy preparing music for the Combined Concert at Christ’s College later this month.

There is also an Itinerant Concert coming up in Week 4, for any budding performers.

Some of the students performing in the Orchestral Extravaganza gave some feedback. When did you join the orchestra and what do you play? 

Yijia Han joined the orchestra towards the end of last year and plays cello.

Sonya Liu started this year and plays flute.

Julia Nguyen has been in the orchestra for four years and plays violin.

Isabella Rosco joined this year and plays clarinet and Jody Ye is in her second year of orchestra and plays violin.

What did you think when you heard all three orchestras together?
It was stunning. There were so many good players. It makes a brighter sound with more people playing, but it was also very loud! It feels easier as you’re more supported.

Music changes your emotions and even more so with lots of people.

It’s really cool when the schools come together because it sounds bigger and better.

Were there any challenges? 
The Wicked medley was definitely a challenge and the Gershwin was really fast, especially in the concert. All conductors conduct differently and you have to adapt.

The violin part was difficult as there were divided parts and the trumpets behind us were really loud!

The first time playing with all three schools together on the day is difficult at first and it was really tiring. I was aching the next day!

What did you enjoy most about the experience?
I enjoyed making new connections and getting to know other school players.

Hearing all the music come together and seeing the hard work paying off was fun.

I liked chatting to others and combining with the schools.

The actual concert was the most enjoyable because it was the most exciting part after working really hard. 

What did you learn and take away from this event?
I learnt not to be afraid and play confidently and that you should believe in yourself. There are always people better than you, but you’re still good. You realise that you’re still a big part of the orchestra even though you’re only one player. 

The girls enjoyed the whole experience and can’t wait to do it again soon!

MUSIC

Strike Percussion strikes again!

Yr 3-Yr 8 were fortunate to hear Strike Percussion on their South Island tour Strike to Schools at the end of last term. Percussion instruments were banged, hit, scraped and struck to produce many different types of noisy sound. The event incorporated not only percussion, but a violin and even part of their old tour bus into the performance! Students were introduced to many different types of percussion instruments, but the highlight moments were the battle of the teachers and the onstage student experience.

Mrs Wilford and Monsieur Adams were voted onto the stage and the drum battle commenced. Monsieur Adams appeared to have some hidden drumming skills and won the overall battle.

Then it was the audience's turn, and students from different year groups were selected to try out their skills. Everyone had a great time and we look forward to their return to SMC in the future.

PRODUCTION

Les Misérables is on sale! Don’t leave it too late to book tickets to one of our 6 shows at Christ’s College, as tickets are selling well. Students have been busy rehearsing, not just onstage, but building props and sets throughout the school holidays too. See Ida Van Kan and Maddison Elstob‘s designs come to life from page to stage.

Don’t miss your chance to join the uprising - prepare to be moved, inspired, and utterly enthralled. Join Christ’s College and St.Margaret’s College and experience the phenomenon that has captured the hearts of over 130 million people worldwide. 

May 12-16 7pm | May 16 2pm at Christ’s College Auditorium

Les Misérables - Christchurch - Eventfinda

SENIOR ARTS COUNCIL

As a part of our Senior Production, Les Misérables, we have been joined by some junior members of both Christ’s College and St Margaret’s College who will take the stage as Gavroche and Young Cosette/Young Éponine. Recently some of our cast got to sit down with the youngest members of the Les Mis family and catch up with them about their favourite parts of the show process so far.. Introducing Max, Hamish, Romilly and Lola! 

Max Zhao and Hamish Dark take on the role of Gavroche, a young, passionate soldier, destined to leave his mark at the barricades! We asked Hamish what superpower would be useful for Gavroche at the barricades. Toward the end of ‘The Second Attack’, Gavroche climbs over the barricade in hopes of finding spare ammunition. Whilst he does find some, he unfortunately gets shot in the process. Hamish thought invisibility most definitely would have helped him here. Hamish is part of the Dream Cast and will be performing on May 12, 14 and in the Matinee performance on May 16. 

Max commented that his favourite song to sing was “The Beggars” as he has fun portraying Gavroche, standing his ground and acting like the boss of the street. During “The Beggars” Max gets to showcase the cheeky, confident and brave personality of Gavroche, which truly brings the character to life. Max loves expressing Gavroche’s loud, playful and energetic character! Max is part of the Stars Cast and will be performing on May 13, May 15 and during the evening performance on May 16.

Lola Brinson (Yr 9) and Romilly Comyn (Yr 7) play the role of Little Cosette, Fantine’s child who is rescued from the cruel Thénardiers by Jean Valjean and becomes the symbol of hope and redemption in the show. When we asked Lola about her favourite part of the experience so far, she shared how much she has enjoyed being part of such an iconic production. Beyond the excitement of trying something new and stepping outside her comfort zone, Lola has formed strong friendships with the older students and significantly expanded her performance skills. Lola is part of the Stars Cast and will be performing as Little Cosette on May 13, May 15 and during the evening performance on May 16. Romilly is in the Dream Cast and will perform on May 12, May 14, matinee May 16.

Photos: Gail Harris

DRAMA

The Gruffalo - Christchurch City Walking Festival

Over the school holidays, I was a part of the Gruffalo Walk. This was a walk designed for young families and children. Girls from our school either were dressed up as characters from the book or guides to help direct people. 

Heather and I were fantails. We had costumes that were brown dresses, each with a bright orange tail, and masks. We arrived at Bottle Lake Forest in the morning and then we walked around the track and found our places for the day. The fantails were the last characters on the walk, after the foxes, owls, snakes and the Gruffalo.

When the kids started coming, they were all super excited to see us. Where we were stationed, there was a little fairy door which the kids loved to open. Throughout the day there was a constant stream of little kids. Over the whole day we probably gave a million high fives, hugs and photos. Overall, it was a super fun day and was a really great experience. 

Sophie MacKenzie-Rickards Yr 10

Nationals here we come!

Following the recent success at the Shakespeare Festival, 23 girls will be going to Nationals to perform a 15 minute excerpt from The Winter’s Tale. The girls will be ‘treading the boards’ in Wellington over the King’s Birthday weekend and we wish them the best of luck as they showcase their performance at the National Festival.

DANCE

All 65 Year 8 students are busy preparing for this year’s Showquest, which takes place at the Town Hall on 18 May.  The girls are working hard with Ms Goldsworthy to produce a piece ready for the day.

Showquest, now in its ninth year, is a nationwide performing arts programme for students across Aotearoa, giving young people the chance to create, perform and lead on professional stages around the country.

Each school develops an original performance that weaves together the six elements of Showquest - Art, Music, Dance, Drama, Culture and Technology -  exploring a theme chosen by the students themselves. From concept to curtain call, it’s entirely student-led: choreographed, designed, produced and performed by students in a celebration of creativity and community.

Showquest empowers students from Years 1-13 to build confidence, collaboration and leadership skills, while developing a lifelong connection to the arts. Whether performing on stage or contributing as choreographers, designers, musicians or crew, every participant plays a vital role in bringing their school’s story to life. Schools perform their stories onstage to compete for the trophy, as judged by industry mentors. 

Following the stage performances, audiences are treated to the TOI wearable art showcase - a collaboration with the World of WearableArt (WOW) that celebrates young textile and visual art designers from across Aotearoa. 

The girls are performing in the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium in the Junior section. Please make sure you purchase tickets for the correct performance. Tickets are on sale on the Showquest website. Click the link to access tickets Home | Showquest

Creative Technology

Congratulations to the following students whose concepts and costumes have been selected for the TOI wearable art competition, which runs in conjunction with the World of Wearable Arts and Showquest. These students have been working since the beginning of year attending the newly created Fashion Lab. They will be presenting their garments as part of the Showquest performance and we wish them well.

Junior Section 

Charley Bennett, Stella Lee, Georgia Hartley: How Deep  

Charlotte Gong, Zoya Chauhan: Red Rose 

Kaia Armstrong, Vera Lin, Sissy Evans: Lavender Clouds

Ellie Fridd: Forest of the Unknown 

Rosa Smallman:  Cotton Candy Cloud (All Yr 6 students)

Senior Section:

Omega Spencer-Berry,  Lucy Gredig, Sienna O'Connell: Tidal Resuscitation  

Annabel Rogers: She Who Burns  (All Yr 10 students)

OPPORTUNITIES

Showbiz Christchurch’s production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has opened to rave reviews at the Isaac Theatre Royal. The season ends this Saturday May 9 so don’t miss out if you want to see some of our girls performing! 

Auditions for the Music festival are taking place soon: choir auditions (21 May) at Avonhead School and instrumental auditions (25 and 29 May). Students will need to organise their own transport to the auditions. ‘Cello auditions will be held at Avonhead school (25 May) and Violin and Viola auditions (29 May) at St Margaret's College. It is possible for girls to audition for both groups.

CELEBRATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Briar Sharp, Year 11, attended the Arapera Country Music Awards in Auckland over the school holidays. She won all 3 of her intermediate (13-18 yr old) sections  - vocal solo, country gospel and country rock.

Additionally, she won the Intermediate duet with a friend. She has now qualified for the Country Music finals in Rotorua in October.   

Several of the judges were very encouraging and she can’t wait to compete at the Finals. You rock Briar!

Congratulations to Sonya Liu Yr 9 on being awarded Highly Commended in the SGCNZ/Dawn Sanders Shakespeare Costume Design Competition. She is also travelling to Nationals with the Shakespeare team.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

12-16 May - Les Misérables

18 May - Showquest

21 May -  Itinerant Concert

22-23 May - Rockquest

27 May - Combined Concert

28 May - 1 June Shakespeare Nationals 

5 June - Big Sing Regionals

9 June - Chamber Music NZ Regionals

10 June - Rockband Showcase