NZ National Singing School Sacred Solo Award
The CVMFT has funded the NZ National Singing School Sacred Solo Award.
In 2019 this was awarded to Libby Montgomery.
Here she is with CVMFT Trustee, Kay Shacklock.
About the CVMFT NZ National Singing School Sacred Solo Award.
At the Gala concert of the 2019 NZ Singing School in Napier, the inaugural CVMFT award for Sacred Solo was given. With the support of the Directors (Judy Bellingham, Rachel Fuller and Catrin Johnson), I chose Libby Montgomery. She was surprised and honoured.
As per discussions, the award focuses on the performance of an oratorio/sacred song at the Sunday service in Napier Cathedral (6th January), the 3rd day of the 11-day school. Classical stream singing students are asked to audition for this opportunity on the first day of the school. This year, 7 students were chosen. All were very fine singers, with much to commend them. The field performed well but I felt that Libby had a slight edge, presenting a song called “Charity” by Stephen Glover. It was heartfelt and she sang to everyone with poise and warmth, an uncluttered and honest performance. Although not the most advanced singer of the 7, everyone agreed that Libby’s performance made the most direct impact on the audience and the panel.
Trusteee Kay Shacklock
Libby Montgomery was born in Wellington but now lives in Auckland. Libby sang eagerly as a child, and this lead her to join her first school choir at the age of 8.
Singing lessons commenced at 10, and soon became a favoured activity. Choral singing became one of her greatest passions, soon followed by an awakening of her solo voice after becoming a student of Dr Morag Atchison at 15.
Not long after, Libby made the decision to pursue solo performance and began to study to fulfil her desire to pursue a career in music.
She is currently a member of Auckland Youth Choir and Auckland Chamber Choir, and has thoroughly enjoyed many wonderful performance opportunities and experiences with these groups. Now in her second year of a Bachelor of Music: Classical performance at the University of Auckland.
She is delighted to receive the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust award for Sacred Solo at the 2019 New Zealand National Singing School.
Mia began cello lessons with Sarah McDowall in 2014, with her younger sister Mele starting the violin a short while after.
Both girls quickly flew through the lower exam grades with excellent results, and are now working towards Grade 7 and 5 respectively.
Mia (14) has performed at an ABRSM High Scorer’s Concert, passed her Grade 5 Theory, her Trinity Intermediate Performer’s Certificate and is now a senior member of the Majors ’n’ Minors Orchestra.
Mele is just 11 years old, and confidently leads the orchestra. She passed Grade 4 Violin with a High Distinction in 2018.
The girls enjoy playing in public and contribute hugely to their church community with their music.
