Take note – national orchestra roles for Christ’s College trio
10 Dec 2024
Three outstanding young Christ’s College musicians will feature in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra (NZSSSO) in 2025.
Cellists Joshua Padayachee and Jago Wallace and trumpet player Oscar Stove have all been named in the orchestra, reflecting their exceptional standards of musicianship. All are highly promising musicians, with Jago and Oscar in Year 11 and Joshua in Year 9.
College Director of Music Robert Aburn describes the NZSSSO “as one of the pinnacle groups for young orchestral musicians to aspire to”, adding that its origins date back to the 1960s.
“Playing in a full symphony orchestra is something that many students don’t get to experience and I am delighted that three of our incredibly talented musicians have been selected to join the group for 2025,” he says.
Marking his orchestra debut, Jago describes his selection as “a big honour because cellists from all across New Zealand audition for the limited spots”.
He also welcomes the “chance to play with some of the best secondary school cellists”.
“A big benefit of being in this orchestra is the opportunity to meet amazing musicians, along with the experience of working with such a good conductor.
“I have played the cello since Year 2, when I was just six years old. I hope to continue to grow as a musician by experiencing different orchestras and music groups that help to extend my understanding of music.”
For Oscar Stove, a trumpet player who also sings and plays the piano, it is also his first year in the orchestra.
“I’m very proud to be selected as a lot of effort goes into these auditions,” he says. “It is a great privilege as musicians from all around New Zealand apply. There are about 80 places available and only five for the trumpet, meaning that it is highly contested.
“For me, it is a great opportunity to meet incredible musicians from all over New Zealand and make life-long friends. It is also a great experience to play alongside talented musicians and learn from others and from the tutors involved.”
Oscar, who has been playing the trumpet for about 10 years, “would love to continue to play and sing”.
“One of my goals is to be involved with many orchestras and bands and to gain as much experience as possible from the people I meet,” he says. “I will definitely continue with music throughout my life and further extend my knowledge and skills.”
The NZSSSO offers the boys an opportunity to perform full-scale orchestral works, an important step for young players wanting to take their talents to the next level. It rehearses in Christchurch each year during the Term 1 school holidays.