There will be a few sore vocal chords tomorrow, after 11 days of training and tweaking at the IFAC Handa New Zealand Singing School.
As well as classes with nationally and internationally renowned tutors, 70 students took part in a Festival of Song concert programme which was run in association with the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation.
Performances were held at various locations throughout Hawke's Bay to showcase this year's talent. Students took the stage solo, in ensemble, massed opera or music theatre choruses and covered a broad section of genres from oratorio to classical, music theatre and some pop tunes.
"It's an essential component of the student's study," New Zealand Singing School chairwoman, Jill Tobin said. "The calibre is high and it is the perfect place to spot the ones to watch out for."
The 2015 programme included a service at St John's Cathedral in Napier, cabaret evenings at Tabard Theatre in Napier, classical as well as opera at Havelock North Function Centre and the Century Theatre. But for those who have missed out there's still one to come - the final gala and prizegiving concert at Napier Municipal Theatre tonight, which brings together the best of the best from 7.30pm. "The final night gala is an exciting energy-charged finale to the intense school programme and Festival of Song" she said.