Big Sing success earns Macleans College places at Finale and Cadenza

The Big Sing, organised by the New Zealand Choral Federation, brings together more than 9,000 students from over 260 secondary school choirs across 11 regions. This year, Auckland recorded its largest festival yet, with 85 choirs performing over four days.

Macleans College’s premier mixed choir, Chorale, was awarded runner-up for Best Recital by a Mixed Choir, placing them among the top six mixed choirs in the Auckland region. Their performance also earned selection for the Big Sing National Finale, where the country's top 24 secondary school choirs will perform in Christchurch from 27-29 August.

The school’s choral programme has continued to grow in 2026 with the introduction of two premier choirs. More than 250 students audition each year, and the expanded programme has created additional opportunities for talented singers to participate in high-level choral performance.

Voce Castello, Macleans College’s premier treble-voice choir, received the award for an Excellent Performance of a Choral Art Piece. The choir was also invited to the Cadenza Festival in Rotorua from 18-19 August, recognising them among the top 60 secondary school choirs in New Zealand.

Vox Virtus, Macleans College’s premier lower-voice choir, impressed audiences with a confident and varied recital. Their energetic performance of the Newfoundland folk song Excursion Around the Bay received an immediate standing ovation.

With invitations to both the National Finale and Cadenza, the festival has marked an exceptional year for Macleans College’s growing choral programme. The achievements reflect the dedication and talent of the students, along with the commitment of the staff, directors and instrumentalists who support them throughout the year.