2019 Season

Ann Whitehouse

I learnt to sing on my mother's knee and have been singing ever since! In school in Wales I sang in small and large choirs in the eisteddfod. As soon as I left school I joined a choral society and have always been a member of one choir or another. I joined Auckland Choral in 2006 and have been on the management committee for the last 2 years. Choral singing has given me opportunities to make and keep wonderful friends, to travel, to see magnificent buildings, to hear all the major works and many new compositions, and to be part of a fabulous music making machine, always striving to improve. I have sung Handel's Messiah in 4 continents, in 2016 clocked up my 70th Messiah, and I still love it. I am also a semi retired speech language therapist and enjoy spending time with my 5 grandchildren.

Josephine Shakira

With a long history in music and performance, Josephine was singing in choirs from the age of 5. She has had the privilege of singing under Dr Raymond White, Sir David Willcocks (Kings College, Cambridge) and was a member of the New Zealand National Youth Choir with Professor Peter Godfrey from 1985 – 1988.

Josephine’s eclectic tastes took her into a multitude of performance genres, including Opera, voiceover for TV and Radio jingles, singing in Rock and Punk bands (although some might have labelled that screaming) Street Theatre, and a Children’s Entertainer with ‘The Aunties.’  She has a degree in Education, and qualifications in Film and Multi-Media.

Josephine works as an Alternative Therapist and Empath.  In January 2015, she returned to classical music, joining Auckland Choral as an Alto 2.

Albert Wilson

Hi! I’m Albert Wilson, and only joined Auckland Choral in 2018, as a Tenor.
Originally from South Africa, I have sung in choirs since I can remember, therefore it was only natural to join a choir again and continue this passion, when I relocated to New Zealand.
Choral music is so much more than singing… It creates a sense of belonging and community - being part of something special and inspiring. Therefore, being part of Auckland Choral is truly special!
With its rich history, committed leadership and world-class conductor, I feel extremely honoured to sing in the choir, especially at the centenary celebration of Handel’s Messiah. Performing this piece is a dream come true, and I feel very lucky to be part of it.