VILLA CHOIRS
Prima Voce, Con Brio and Vivace
The College choral programme is fully integrated featuring three choirs; Prima Voce in Years 7-10; and Con Brio and Vivace in Years 10-13. Vivace is our advanced senior choir, and members are selected from within Con Brio.
Our choirs have often made the Finale of the Big Sing Competition, which is a national competition organised by the New Zealand Choral Federation. Secondary school choirs from all over the country compete at regional competitions, with only 24 selected to take part in the Finale. We are incredibly proud of our singers, making the Finale for the past three years in a row, and each time winning a coveted Silver!
Expert singing lessons are provided in individual and group settings making them accessible and affordable for everyone.
2022 Big Sing: Silver!
We were delighted to be back at the Big Sing competition in 2022, held in Christchurch this year. Our choirs enjoyed great success with Vivace being awarded Silver and Con Brio achieved Bronze. Congratulations to our singers!
2019 Big Sing: Silver!
We congratulate our singers in Con Brio, who were awarded a Silver at the 2019 Big Sing Finale in Dunedin. Both Con Brio and Vivace were selected to sing at the Finale, with Con Brio chosen to represent the College. Well done girls!
2018 Big Sing: Silver!
Con Brio was awarded a Silver at the 2018 Big Sing Finale in Wellington. Just making the finals is an enormous honour and well deserved!
2017 Big Sing: Silver!
At the 2017 Big Sing National Finale, Con Brio was awarded a Silver award along with the Youth Ambassadors Trophy; this award is given to the choir that, in the opinion of the organisers, demonstrates outstanding engagement with all elements of The Big Sing National Finale and, through their general demeanour, shows the qualities and spirit requisite of Ambassadors for Youth – a real honour!
Choral Director
Emma Summers is the Choral Director of Con Brio and Vivace at Villa Maria.
After a decade working as a Secondary School Music Teacher, Emma is now a busy Mum of two young children, working as a full time voice teacher and conductor across many Christchurch schools, as well as performing frequently herself as the vocalist of Jazz Trio, After Five.
Emma has spent over 20 years singing in choirs and has a passion for working with treble voices to develop a mature, robust sound, as well as introducing them to a wide range of styles and languages. Emma has a focus on student hauora and finding joy in singing and connecting with others.
With some wonderful leaders, voices and repertoire, we are excited for the year ahead!
