The key to success in Christ’s College Sedley Wells Music Competition
21 Oct 2026
From funk rock to a soaring Elgar concerto, Sam Leete and Richie Tu have scored the top instrumental spots in the Christ’s College Sedley Wells Music Competition.
While in the vocal category, Cole Moffatt and Hamish Dark have proved to be in harmony with the spirit of the contest, being named the winners in the senior and junior sections, respectively.
Praising the “two awesome evenings of vocal and instrumental excellence”, Director of Music Hugo Zanker has congratulated bass guitarist Sam, cellist Richie, and singers Cole and Hamish on their masterful performances in the annual event.
“We have been fortunate to have Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Chief Executive Dr Graham Sattler as the competition adjudicator this year,” he says. “Dr Sattler has highlighted the great attitudes and skill of the boys, commenting on the diversity of acts. It has also been wonderful to see such an excellent turnout this year.”
The competition has also featured violinists, organists, French horn players, pianists, and classical guitarists, and an incredible array of vocalists.
Winners
- Cole Moffatt (senior vocal) – She Was There by Frank Wildhorn and Nan Knighton
- Hamish Dark (junior vocal) – Where’er You Walk by George Frideric Handel
- Sam Leete (senior instrumental – bass guitar) – The Awakening by Les Claypool and The Holy Mackerel
- Richie Tu (junior instrumental – cello) – Adagio / Moderato – Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85 by Edward Elgar
