The NZ Singing School Trust has this week made the difficult decision to not proceed with the school for 2023. Applications from students have been unexpectedly low, despite the Trust extending the application period.
"It is disappointing, but this is an unfortunate roll-on effect of Covid and the economic situation, and our discussions with our artistic Directors Christine Douglas and Mark Dorrell have led us to agree that there are insufficient student to continue," says Trust Chairwoman Helen Walker.
There seems to be a similar post- Covid pattern happening elsewhere in the arts, as young people chose to focus on earning opportunities and university costs , and families being careful with spending in the current economic climate.
Covid is still affecting musicians throughout the country, preventing them from rehearsing and performing while they isolate, and that is another risk that some students may be unwilling to take being at the school this summer.
Singing School NZ was offered every 2 years over 40 years until Covid forced the cancellation of the summer 2021 school.
The Trust had contracted a high quality faculty of NZ and overseas-based tutors and accompanists, made easier by travel restrictions being lifted.
The Trust will take time to consider options for a different model of school as they are keen to offer singing students a rewarding learning experience in Hawke's Bay in the future.
