Olivia Stewart will be among soloists at tomorrow’s Mid Canterbury Choir’s Christmas Concerts. Photo Jamie AdairLike so many school leavers, Olivia Stewart did not know what career path she wished to pursue.

Following completing Ashburton College last year at the age of 17, the keen singer decided to have a gap year to give her more time.

She worked as a teacher aide at her former primary school of Dorie, and contemplated becoming an air hostess.

But in the end her passion for music won out, and next year the 18-year-old will attend the New Zealand School of Music at Victoria University to study classical performance.

The soprano classical singer began singing lessons at the age of 13 and is currently taking lessons with Amanda Atlas in Christchurch.

She is a Mid Canterbury Choir member, and will be among soloists to perform tomorrow  at the choir’s Christmas Concerts at St Stephen’s Church.

She said her involvement with the choir, and also participating in the Mid Canterbury Primary Schools’ Music Festival this year as a Dorie School conductor, had helped solidify her goal of following a musical career.

“This is really what I want to do, why throw it away for something you are not sure,” Olivia said.

Tomorrow’s concerts will feature Christmas Carols, and Olivia will sing Do You Hear What I Hear and Oh Holy Night.

There will be two other choir members also performing as soloists – Julie Harris, who will sing Ave Maria, and Elizabeth Small, who will sing O Little Town of Bethlehem.

The musical director will be Kathy McKimmie, and the concerts will be at midday and 5pm, with admission $5 at the door.

By Susan Sandys © The Ashburton Guardian - 15 December 2016