Ben brothers create youth choir history
‘‘By coincidence, we all enjoyed music. However, due to the age difference between me and the twins, we haven't had a lot of opportunity to be in the same groups.’’
Three Auckland brothers created history after being selected to sing in the New Zealand Youth Choir (NZYC).
It is the first time the NZYC has had three siblings performing at once in its nearly 40 year history.
Twins Benedict and Benett Tan, 20, and their older brother Benjamin, 23, are loving the opportunity to sing together.
The last time they sang in the same choir was in 2010 at high school - it was Benjamin’s final year, and the twins’ first year at Westlake Boys High School.
Benjamin and Benett are studying at the University of Auckland, while Benedict lives in Dunedin.
Benjamin and Benedict sung together in the NZYC last year but it will be the first time singing in the national choir for Benett. Benjamin and Benett sing tenor while Benedict sings bass.
‘‘We grew up with a lot of support from mum and dad, and they always encouraged us to pursue our interests,’’ Benjamin said.
‘‘By coincidence, we all enjoyed music. However, due to the age difference between me and the twins, we haven’t had a lot of opportunity to be in the same groups.’’
Other than their love for music, the brothers don’t share many of the same interests other than playing video games and badminton. The Tan’s parents liked seeing the three brothers being in the same choir.
‘‘Our parents see the choir as a real treasure in New Zealand, and a really awesome opportunity for represent the country and taking high quality music making all over.
The trio are preparing with the choir for its first show in Wellington on ANZAC weekend.
NZYC has been the springboard for some impressive singing careers for Jonathan Lemalu, Anna Leese and the Sol3Mio ensemble.
Formed in 1979, the choir has performed all over the world and won many prizes, including the Choir of the World title in 1999 at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales.