There were familiar faces, new voices and a few emotional moments as Choralation gathered for its final concert of 2026.
On Wednesday 21 October, the choir presented Swansong, a special farewell performance for family, friends and alumni, bringing together the music and memories of another busy year.
The evening featured Choralation’s full 2026 repertoire, along with several pieces the choir hadn’t previously performed.
One particularly special moment was the premiere of a new work in te reo Māori, composed especially for Choralation by Takerei Komene, intern conductor of Nota Bella.
The three-movement evensong mass, accompanied by piano, organ, bass and cajon, brought something entirely new to the choir’s repertoire and gave the audience a chance to hear the work performed for the very first time.
There was also a lovely passing-of-the-torch moment when incoming 2027 singers joined the current choir for two pieces, offering a little glimpse of what’s to come next year.
With Choralation alumni also turning out in support, the evening was as much about the people and friendships formed through music as it was about the performances themselves.
A fitting farewell to our departing singers, a warm welcome to those joining in 2027, and a wonderful way to close Choralation’s year.
