Professionalism came to the stage of the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre for this year's Aria.
That acclaim comes from one who knows the true meaning of musical professionalism, maestro Hamish McKeich.
It was under his baton that the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra accompanied the New Zealand Aria's 10 finalists; five women and five men, on Sunday.
"This year's singers were so very professional, accomplished, it's been a privilege working with them, each will keep on going into the future," McKeich predicted.
Winner Isabella Moore was a popular choice, but Australian adjudicators John Bolton Wood and Merlyn Quaife admitted being so hard-pressed to narrow the place-getters' field to four they instigated two very highly commended awards.