See our feature on Tecwyn’s career development from NZSSC member to international conductor based in Sweden.
A native of New Zealand, Simon O’Neill has established himself as one of the finest helden-tenors on the international stage. He has frequently performed with the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Berlin, Hamburg and Bayerische Staatsopern, Teatro alla Scala and the Bayreuth, Salzburg, Edinburgh and BBC Proms Festivals, appearing with a number of illustrious conductors including Daniel Barenboim, Sir Simon Rattle, James Levine, Riccardo Muti, Valery Gergiev, Sir Antonio Pappano, Pietari Inkinen, Pierre Boulez, Sir Mark Elder, Sir Colin Davis, Daniele Gatti, Edo de Waart, Fabio Luisi, Donald Runnicles, Sir Simon Rattle, Thomas Hengelbrock, Jaap Van Zweden and Christian Thielemann.
As an occupational therapist for over 30 years, Emma has been privileged to walk alongside many rangatahi in their rehabilitation from serious injuries as well as in her work in the education system (primary, secondary, and tertiary). This has included considerable focus on overall wellbeing and mental health. Emma currently operates her private practice in Whangārei where she lives with her husband and one teenager, the other two having flown the nest.
A classically trained singer passionate about music, Emma is one of Whangārei’s established soloists, sings with Opera North, and has performed in many concerts, musical theatre shows, and recitals. Emma has had the priviledge of learning from some of Aotearoa’s finest and relishes continuing to learn. Combining her passion for music and her considerable professional skills, Emma has found herself well suited to the role of Student Welfare Manager for the NZSSC.
Born in Nelson but now residing in Wellington, Charle Rainey is currently in his first year studying a BA BMus conjoint degree majoring in History and Classical Performance at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University. Prior to this, he studied at Nelson College where he was a part of the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir from 2021-2022. In his spare time, Charle enjoys playing piano and tuba, but choral singing is his passion in life! In Wellington, Charle sings with Orpheus Choir, directed by Brent Stewart, and St Paul’s Cathedral choir, directed by Michael Stewart.
Sam is a Judges’ Clerk at Auckland High Court and recently completed at BA/LLB(Hons) conjoint degree at the University of Auckland. He joined the NZ Youth Choir as a baritone in 2023. Sam also sings in and manages the Auckland Youth Choir and plays clarinet in the West City Concert Band. In 2023, he was appointed as the Oceania representative on the inaugural youth committee of the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM).
