THe Tron SOngsters in CHIna
Our China Trip to Chengdu - Panda's Singing 2024
17 of our students have just returned from an incredible trip to China with the Tron Songsters Children’s Choir.
Marieke Nation, Choral Director and Chris Nation, guitar accompanist took 29 people, 17 children and 12 parents to China - endorsed by the Chengdu Radio and TV station. The 17 children: Arielle Carson, Kaia Nation, Heidi Salter, Emma RItchie, Noah McColl, Harper Weight, Jasmine Salter, Millie Trusttum, Jasmine Colloty, Harper Topia, Lela Joseph, Olive Metcalfe, Sakith Samaratunga, Mia Vidic, Piper Joseph, Samara Nation and Eva Termaat, represented New Zealand at the “Pandas Singing” International Children’s Chorus Week in Hamilton’s sister city, Chengdu. The invitation was a real honour and allowed the singers to showcase their talents on an international platform. The two concerts were screened live on television to hundreds of thousands of viewers.
During their week-long visit, the group explored various cultural landmarks, experienced vibrant local traditions and even saw pandas up close eating bamboo. They enjoyed ancient architecture and culture and were treated to several different Chinese shows including face changing Opera. They navigated the subway system and enjoyed being amongst the locals, experiencing the sights, crowds, sounds and smells of food stalls in the busy streets and markets. They shopped in the world’s largest building, the Global Centre, and went to a traditional tea ceremony and performance.
They were so well looked after by Jing, the TV representative, their local guide Alice and interpreter Vivi, courtesy of Chengdu TV. The children did really well in both performances and did their country proud!
Welcome back to the Tron Songsters!
Make up and Hair
for forest concert
Back stage
Make up and Hair
for concert in europe centre
Preparing for our big formal concert and giving gifts
Thank you Alice, Vivi and team!
Thank you to the most amazing team of parents!
Media release: 10 June 2024
Tron Songsters Children’s Choir to travel to Chinese sister city for International Children’s Chorus Week
Hamilton’s Tron Songsters Children’s Choir has been honoured with an invitation from Hamilton’s sister city in China to perform at the 2024 “Panda’s Singing” Chengdu International Children’s Chorus Week.
This prestigious event will be held in Chengdu, in the Sichuan province of China from 19 July to 23 July 2024. It is hosted by the Press Office of the Chengdu People’s Government, the Chengdu People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Chengdu Radio and Television.
The invitation was extended to the Tron Songsters through the office of Hamilton’s Mayor Paula Southgate. Hamilton’s relationship with Chengdu started in the mid-1990s, based on mutual interests in agri-business and education, and has since evolved to include a wider range of mutually beneficial interests in trade, education and culture. The sister city relationship was established in 2015.
Mayor Southgate hosted Chengdu Mayor, Wang Fengchao, to discuss cultural connections, and economic, education and tourism opportunities in October 2023.
Mayor Paula Southgate said: “I am incredibly proud of the Tron Songsters. They are amazingly talented, and this special invitation enables them to showcase that at this high-profile international event and to grow as young leaders. Hamilton has strong cultural and economic connections with Chengdu.
“This is a great opportunity to continue strengthening the special links we have between our two sister cities. I wish the Tron Songsters the very best!”
The Tron Songsters, aged between 8 and 19 years old, will perform alongside choirs from around the world at the Grand Concert during International Children’s Chorus Week. The group will also participate in a range of cultural activities in the Sichuan region including visits to Chengdu Panda Base and Jinsha Site Museum.
Choir Director, Marieke Nation said: “This invitation is a testament to the hard work and talent of our choir members. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to experience the richness of China’s culture and to represent Hamilton on a global stage.”
The group will be presenting their hosts with a gift package including locally made art and taonga.
The organisers will generously cover the costs of flights and accommodation for the choristers. However, the choir is fundraising to cover additional costs including costumes and chaperones. Hamilton City Council is not funding the trip.
We thank our generous sponsors: Caiger Charitable Trust, KOROK Building Systems, The Lookout Bar and Kitchen, Pinnacles Civil, Waitomo Music Society, Cantando Choir and Music Planet for their support.
How to support
-
Help the Tron Songsters get to China for Chengdu International Children’s Chorus Week by donating on Givealittle.
-
We invite businesses and individuals interested in supporting the Tron Songsters’ journey to China to contact Choir Director, Marieke Nation at tronsongsters@gmail.com.
-
Sponsorship packages are available to suit different levels of support and ensure significant visibility and recognition for our sponsors.
About the Tron Songsters Children’s Choir
The Tron Songsters Children’s Choir is a dedicated group of young singers from Hamilton, committed to excellence in choral music and fostering a love for singing among children. Our mission is to provide high-quality musical education and performance opportunities, helping our members develop their talents and grow as individuals.
Further information
For further information, or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Katy Ritchie, Communications Manager, Tron’s Songsters Children’s Choir
tronsongsters@gmail.com