1st NZ Choral Academy

While enjoying a large and vibrant choral scene in New Zealand, not all choristers end up singing in our national choirs. But many are interested in finding out how these choirs work and how to be able to sing the repertoire they sing.

With that in mind Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand created the idea of a National Academy of Choral Singing. Next January the first Academy will take place over Auckland Anniversary weekend. All three national choirs - NZSSC, NZ Youth Choir and VOICES NZ - will be in residence and keen singers from around the country are invited to come and experience these choirs in action, to sit in and sing with the choirs and join workshops in musicianship, vocal and conducting techniques.

A fantastic line up of professional artistic staff will conduct the academy including Dr Karen Grylls, David Squire, Dr Morag Atchison, Michael Stewart, Brent Stewart and more. From mentoring to ensemble and language skills, and vocal coaching to conducting – not to mention meeting like-minded people – this will be a great weekend.

Participants can join one of three groups to mirror the age groups of the choirs: 13-17 year olds mirroring NZSSC, 18-25 year olds NZYC, and 25 year plus singers can register for the group mirroring VOICES. Young singers can build on existing choral knowledge and further their skills.

To join the NZYC and voices groups a good choral skill level is preferred, although you don’t have to audition to join the academy.

Cost for the whole weekend is only around $100 per person.