A Community Trust South Create Scholarship is helping one young Southlander turn a passion for music into an international success story.
In 2025, Create Scholarship recipient Emma Jones toured Asia, Europe, and the United Kingdom as a member of the New Zealand Youth Choir.
Performing in iconic venues, from Singapore’s spectacular Gardens by the Bay to the historic St John’s Smith Square in London, the choir showcased the very best of Aotearoa’s musical excellence.
A standout moment came at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, where Emma delivered a moving solo in the choir’s rendition of the traditional spiritual The Battle of Jericho arranged by Moses Hogan. Her performance played a pitch‑perfect role in the choir being awarded the prestigious Choir of the World Award.
Their achievements didn’t stop there. The choir also won three additional international trophies, including the Grand Prix of Nations Award at the European Choir Games in Aarhus, Denmark. These two top honours represent the highest awards from both international competitions attended.
Beyond the accolades, the tour was a celebration of connection—sharing music with communities, offering workshops to young singers, and embodying the values of aroha, collaboration, and cultural exchange on the world stage.
Emma says the experience has been transformational—and made possible through the support of Community Trust South.
“My involvement with the choir, and the international tour, has strengthened my passion for music whilst also highlighting the importance of community service and giving to others.”
Through talent, dedication, and community backing, Emma and the New Zealand Youth Choir have returned home not only with trophies, but with a legacy that will inspire the next generation of Kiwi artists.
Community Trust South’s Create Scholarship focuses on supporting emerging and early‑career artists, ngā toi Māori practitioners, heritage and cultural activators across all art forms, cultures, and creative disciplines.
Seeing Emma embrace every opportunity—representing her country, honing her craft, and growing as an artist—the Trust is proud to have played a small part in helping her reach her potential.
