Performing Arts

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

With the cancellation of so many arts events at national and international level; including festivals, competitions, exams and prestigious courses for secondary students, it has been amazing to witness the drive and creativity that has emerged on digital platforms to keep the passion alive. Dio girls involved in our arts programmes have risen to the challenge and we are proud of their connectivity through dance, drama and music during these uncertain times.

Staying connected through the arts has made it possible for programmes to continue during lockdown and with the opening of our new theatre later in the year, we know these highly motivated students will appreciate, like never before, the opportunities this fabulous multi-disciplinary facility will offer.

Shelagh Thomson, Director of Performing Arts.

Arts Prefects From left to right: Jessica Woo, Lucy Bartlett and Anna Casey.

ARTS COUNCIL

This year’s Arts Council prefects bring a wealth of knowledge across all arts genres to the table and they have an exciting vision for this year’s Arts Council – Tuwhera, to be open.

Since starting at Dio 13 years ago, Anna Casey has always been very involved in the arts. This year she is leader of the Symphony Orchestra, and is also a member of the Chamber Orchestra, Senior Choir and is the alto 2 section leader in the St Cecilia Singers choir. Anna is participating in two chamber ensembles as part of this year’s NZCT Chamber Music Contest – as the violinist in the Nino Rota Trio and as violin 2 in the Dio Octet. Anna received a NZQA Scholarship in music in 2019, a year that also saw her achieve Grade 8 with Distinction in violin. As one of this year’s Deputy Arts Prefects, Jessica Woo brings a wealth of experience across the disciplines. As well as being leader of the Chamber Orchestra, she has been a member of both the Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra since Year 9, is a Grade 8 violinist, and performed as first violin 1 for the musical ensemble of the Diocesan/ Dilworth musical Beauty and the Beast. In addition to this, she is performing in the Dio Octet as part of the NZCT Chamber Music Concert and is a member of the premier advanced debating team.

Lucy Bartlett has loved being involved in the arts throughout her 13 years at Dio. She has been a member of Dio choirs every year since the Junior School through to Year 13 and feels very fortunate to have been given the roles of Deputy Arts Prefect as well as Deputy Senior Choir Leader. She has been a member of Dio’s St Cecilia Singers for the last three years and was chosen to play one of the lead roles in this year’s Dilworth/Diocesan musical Little Shop of Horrors.

We asked the girls some questions, and record their responses here:

What positives do you get out of participating in the arts?

There is a certain buzz that comes from participating in the arts. It is not often that you are part of a group that gives you such a strong sense of community. It also provides a huge amount of balance to our day-to-day lives. It