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Support Auckland Choral

The fallout from COVID-19 has hit the arts sector particularly heavily, with concerts worldwide cancelled: artists, groups and venues left without any certainty as to their future. For the first time since the influenza epidemic of 1918 (which caused the cancellation of our Elijah & Messiah concerts) we too were forced to cancel our last concert, Haydn’s The Seasons - at significant financial cost.

Now, more than ever, we are seeking donations, gifts in kind, sponsorships and bequests to ensure Auckland Choral can continue its day-to-day operations and performances in the future.

If you or your company would like to support us, please consider donating or becoming a sponsor. Contact Carey McDonald on admin@aucklandchoral.com for more information

Past Seasons

2017: St John Passion

St John Passion concert banner

Of all the treasures of Western choral music, the two passions by J.S. Bach rank among the highest. The St John Passion is an unforgettable experience. There are feisty choruses that speak for the madding crowd, sublime chorales that reflect on the harrowing events, and lyrical statements of faith that emanate from the rich vocal contributions of six soloists.

For those who were brought up in a Christian tradition, this work serves to confirm and enhance their faith. For others, the intense spirituality of the music is present everywhere. And for everyone, the St John Passion is, in a single phrase, Bach’s and Baroque music at its best.

Marlena Devoe Soprano

Sarah Court Mezzo-soprano

Henry Choo Tenor

Christopher Bowen Tenor, Evangelist

David Greco Baritone Petrus & Pilatus

Barry Mora Bass, Jesus

Auckland Choral

Pipers Sinfonia

Uwe Grodd Conductor

 

Saturday 1 April 7.30pm

Holy Trinity Cathedral

 

This concert in the news: 

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Auckland Choral 100th Hallelujahs Documentary

Watch the full documentary of about Auckland Choral's 100th consecutive performance of Handel's Messiah: 

 

Who we are: Get to know some of our choir members

  • Rachel Harrison

    Picture of Rachel HarrisonI am originally from the UK where I studied music. After a few years in London working in Orchestral Management the call of the sea became strong and I spent the next few years yachting. During my time in the Pacific I ended up sailing to New Zealand where I decided to step ashore and have called New Zealand home for just over 9 years. 

    During my time at sea I missed my music, but my clarinet playing days were long gone. I decided I would give singing a try, even though I was a little nervous of my abilities, so I approached Auckland Choral. As soon as I attended my first rehearsal I realised this is what I had been missing and have been a member of Auckland Choral ever since. Auckland Choral became a family to me, and I passionately supported it by being on the Management Committee for several years until May 2016, including Convener of the Music Committee. I love my Wednesday night rehearsals and being able to perform magical works in fabulous venues with friends!

     

  • Nigel High

    Picture of Nigel HighNigel grew up choral singing with the choirs of Kings School and Kings College in Auckland, but then took a break for the next 30 years while focusing on his career as a Consulting Engineer in Ottawa Canada where he moved with his wife in 1981. Later he joined a choir in Ottawa as a way of relieving the stresses of the daily grind, and found that he really enjoyed the challenge, stimulation, and therapy that choral singing provides. He sang with Coro Vivo Ottawa and the Ottawa Festival Chorus for many years, and part time with Auckland Choral since 2006 on his many visits back to New Zealand, before moving back to Auckland with his wife Ming, last year.  He sings as a Tenor 2.

    He thoroughly enjoys the music and camaraderie of Auckland Choral, and the high standards demanded by the professional team headed up by Uwe Grod.  While not singing, he spends as much time as possible sailing on the waters of the Hauraki gulf, and since retiring is a keen traveler and cruiser.   

     

  • Colleen Elliott

    Picture of Colleen ElliottColleen Elliott joined Auckland Choral in 1999. She comes from a musical background starting with piano at aged 7 which also included being a foundation member of the Whangarei Childrens Choir formed by her Mother in the mid 1950’s. Colleen passed LTCL performers in piano but never completed it as the desire to sing became more the focus and formal vocal training commenced.

    After marrying and raising 3 children over the next 2 decades, singing lessons ceased and all music was put aside until she heard Auckland Choral perform in 1997 at the opening of the newly refurbished Auckland Town Hall. This inspiring performance ultimately led to the courage to audition and acceptance as a singing member. Colleen loves learning the vast range of wonderful new works, the regular vocal coaching given every week, sharing her love of music with others and benefits significantly from the health benefits that singing offers. She has been actively involved as Membership Secretary for NZ Choral Federation for the past 4 years. Vivante Recording, a supporter of Auckland Choral is managed by her husband Larry who records most performances for archive purposes and has engineered two CD’s for Auckland Choral in past years.

     
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