The Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts was alive with music as the Te Rauhii Annual Celebration Concert 2026 took to the Concert Chamber stage.

The highly anticipated event showcased the musical growth, dedication, and diversity of young performers from across Hamilton, mixing solos and ensemble pieces, cellos and bucket drumming, recorders and singing. As 54 students performed an incredible 32 pieces, the audience was blown away by the love of music clearly shown by Te Rauhii students.

The concert kicked off with the full choir, who demonstrated the immense value of choral singing. Group vocal performance goes far beyond just learning lyrics; it teaches students breath control, active listening, and blending their individual voices into a harmony. Performing a fun rendition of Harry Belafonte’s Turn the World Around and Toto’s classic, Africa showcased these developing skills beautifully!

Solo training within the Te Rauhii String Scholarship programme builds both personal discipline and accelerated instrument expertise. This growth was on full display as soloists rotated throughout the programme, capturing the inspiring range of the students’ progress, from beginners performing Twinkle after just weeks on the violin, to the culmination of five years of cello practice with a masterful performance of The Swan.

The diversity of the concert was further elevated as the audience was introduced to the harmonium – a unique reed organ that many in attendance had likely never seen before. Two Te Rauhii students were joined on stage by their whaanau to perform Jay Jay Radha Raman Hari Bol together.

Groups from the General Music programmes showcased impressive versatility, performing across an array of instruments including the xylophone, bucket drums, recorder, and ukulele. This type of group percussion and wind training is fundamental for developing a child’s rhythm, motor skills, and ensemble listening abilities. The students were particularly excited to debut their skills from the brand-new group violin lessons, an initiative designed to give students looking for an extra challenge the perfect opportunity to expand their musical repertoire.

The grand finale proved to be a spectacular display of community. In a touching nod to the programme’s legacy, Te Rauhii alumni Vili, Terrence, and Annie returned to the stage to perform alongside the current string students and Te Rauhii tutors, sharing their expertise and anchoring the massive soundscape. The concert ended with a thrilling, fast-paced crescendo of Edvard Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King.

Behind the scenes, the event was full of community collaboration. The students were well-fuelled for the massive physical energy of the day thanks to the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), who provided pre-concert meals, and Te Rauhii staff were supported by an amazing team of parent volunteers assisting backstage during final rehearsals.

This annual event serves as a reminder of the community effort required to sustain such an impactful initiative. Te Rauhii extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated tutors, the Board of Trustees, and the generous funders whose ongoing support makes the programme possible.

The profound impact of this collective effort was perfectly captured in this touching testimonial:

“I just wanted to extend my sincere thanks to you and your fabulous Te Rauhī team for a fantastic show on Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful range of music and instruments that were showcased. It is amazing how you can cater to such a wide range of skills and talent levels among the children. I especially love your philosophy that all children have the right to experience music, regardless of their background. I can see the growth in the children and the confidence they are developing — something that will no doubt stay with them for life.”