Call For Talented Singers For Skycity Symphony

Call For Talented Singers For Skycity Starlight Symphony And Coca-Cola Christmas In The Park

Organisers of the SKYCITY Starlight Symphony in the Auckland Domain (February 2005) and Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park concerts (December 2004 in Christchurch and Auckland) will be holding auditions next month (July) for talented singers for the free entertainment events.

Artistic Producer Kate Ward Smythe and Musical Director Penny Dodd will hold auditions in Auckland on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July, and in Christchurch on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July.

“Last year the turn out was tremendous and we cast nearly half the Christmas programme from the auditions. We look forward to hearing what’s new and fresh in New Zealand this year,” says Ms Ward Smythe.

“While professional experience isn’t always necessary, both concerts showcase only the best, so the standard, as always, is high”.

Kate says she is often asked to give an indication of what they are looking for and to give advice on auditioning. “I always start by saying - be yourself. Showcase your strengths and give us what makes you unique and different. We want to see and hear the ’X’ factor.

“I think the standard of singing and performing in NZ has improved greatly over the last few years, and I put that down to an increase in opportunities, and a surge in national pride and awareness of home-grown talent, through campaigns such as NZ Music Month’s National Anthem, as well as television shows such as NZ Idol and Wannabe’s. It’s great to see young, talented people making the most of everything the industry has to offer”.

“For the auditions, the right song and tempo is vital”, she adds. “A long, slow version of an obscure song, sung with no light and shade or flare, is not going to win you fans. Choose something dynamic and memorable that showcases your vocal range and personality within a couple of minutes.

“On the whole I am pleasantly surprised at the level of performance the audition process brings and I have full confidence in finding some magic to thrust into the limelight again this year.”

Advertising for the auditions has been featured in Auckland and Christchurch newspapers.

SKYCITY Auckland has been major sponsor of the SKYCITY Starlight Symphony since 1998 with next year’s concert its seventh year.

“SKYCITY is thrilled to sponsor the SKYCITY Starlight Symphony, a free public outdoor event for Auckland City which celebrates New Zealand performance and epitomises the Kiwi lifestyle,” says Megan McSweeney, SKYCITY General Manager Communications.

“The SKYCITY Starlight Symphony is one of New Zealand’s largest free community performance events – nearly a quarter of all Aucklanders gather in the Auckland Domain to enjoy it and it’s great to be a part of making it happen every year,” she says.

SKYCITY’s sponsorship portfolio includes the Kidz First Children’s Hospital, Starship Children’s Hospital, The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, NZ Special Olympics, Auckland Rugby, and the Vodafone Warriors.

The Giltrap Motor Group will be the associate sponsor of the 2005 SKYCITY Starlight Symphony.

© Scoop Media