Cecily Shaw once thought Hamilton was a big, scary city. Now she's living in London, preparing to head back for the first time in three years for one of New Zealand's most prestigious vocal competitions.
The former St Peter's Cathedral choir member and Sunday School teacher shares her story, from the friendships and mentors to the 'face-palm' moments that made her time at the Cathedral unforgettable.
Cecily recalls joining St Peter’s Cathedral Choir in her early twenties. “I would have been about 21,” she said.
While music played a central role, it is the joy and camaraderie of choir life that she vividly remembers. “I remember all the giggles and notes I shared with the choir members; we were honestly like school children! Lots of hilariously immature jokes.”
A particular moment has stayed with her, leading to one of her favourite memories.
“One of my favourites was on Palm Sunday when we kept getting whacked in the face by the palm branch decorations... And I said ‘facepalm’, which set us off laughing for the rest of the service.”
“I still have that ‘Facepalm Sunday’ photo.”
Key influences: teachers, mentors, and community
Many influential teachers and mentors have shaped her musical journey.
“My singing teacher Glenese Blake, Dr Rachael Griffiths-Hughes, Francis Cowan, Greg Neil, David Griffiths, Stephanie Acraman and Dame Malvina Major all played a huge part in my undergrad and postgrad studies at Waikato University.”
In addition to teachers, Cecily highlights the close connection between the Cathedral and the University of Waikato, which provided valuable performance opportunities.
The impact of the wider musical community has been just as significant. “I’d say everyone in the Cathedral Choir and Vox Baroque has influenced me significantly. I wish I could list all of their names, but it would take far too long!!!”
As she prepared to move overseas, further guidance helped shape the next step.
“I’m also really grateful for the lessons I had with Gina Sanders and Kristin Darragh before I left for London; they did an amazing job of preparing me for that huge next step.”
“Rachel Fuller and Catrin Johnsson also provided me vital musical and moral support, especially when my anxiety was high!”
Reflecting on that time, she adds, “The whole Cathedral community will always be really special to me. My friends and colleagues were always so kind and supportive. I will always treasure my memories of singing in the choir and taking the Sunday School.”
Finding the path
Her ambition to pursue opera began early, even if confidence wavered along the way.
“When I saw my first opera at the age of 12, I thought ‘THIS is what I want to do!’ but I sort of lost confidence as I got older.”
“I tried to convince myself that I wanted to do something easier and less stressful, because opera is a notoriously difficult industry, and I’m autistic.”
Ultimately, being surrounded by others pursuing performance helped her make the decision. “But by the time I started Uni and saw all the performance students following their dreams, I finally said, ‘fork it, I’m going to be an opera singer!’”
Life now: balancing passion and reality
Life in London is busy, combining rehearsals with the practical realities of living in a major city. “My weeks are quite varied. Often, we’ll have rehearsals all day, but sometimes we get time off to work on music learning.”
“I try to work whenever I can—mostly ushering—because London is so expensive. It can be a real balancing act sometimes!”
Cecily is also preparing for a significant moment this year, after being selected as one of the Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest semi-finalists. She will be returning to New Zealand in July for the first time in three years and hopes to visit the Cathedral while she is back in the country.
What home means now
Living and working internationally has reshaped her understanding of home.
“I remember hearing mezzo-soprano Rachelle Pike say you sort of ‘become your own home’ when you’re performing internationally, and I think she’s right.”
“I’ve concluded I’m going to have to be open to moving around a lot and making new places ‘home’.”
She reflects on how far she has come. “To be honest, I’m amazed I’ve got to this point. In my early years of flatting, I got incredibly anxious and homesick. Travelling terrified me, and even Hamilton seemed like a big, scary city. I’ve never liked uncertainty or change.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever leave the country. And yet here I am in London, and it feels like my second home!”
Despite being overseas, her connection to the Cathedral remains strong.
“The cathedral will always be like my family. They sort of raised me. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
“I’m really grateful to have found such a friendly, sound and open-minded church during my time in Hamilton. The world needs more places like that!”
Stories like Cecily's are just one of many that show how the Cathedral has been part of people’s lives.
The Cathedral has received a formal notice requiring earthquake strengthening, and significant funds now need to be raised to carry out this important work. The first stage of the project, a dedicated Music Centre, will provide seismic strengthening to the Nave. To learn more about the appeal and how you can support it, please visit: Saving Waikato Cathedral