From 10-20 July, New Zealand hosted the World Choir Games, the world’s largest choral competition and festival for the first time. More than 11,000 singers from 40 countries were involved in this prestigious event, including our premier mixed-voice choir, Choralation.
The students had an exciting week of music-making. Their schedule included interactive workshops facilitated by internationally acclaimed choral clinicians such as Cristian Grases, shared ‘Friendship Concerts’ with international choirs, and performances in stunning venues such as St-Matthew-in-the-City, the Auckland Town Hall, and the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
Competing in two Champion Competition Categories—Youth Choirs and Sacred Choral Music A Cappella—Choralation presented their recitals to a diverse panel of adjudicators. We are thrilled to announce that Choralation earned GOLD medals for both their competitive recitals at the World Choir Games. This achievement is particularly significant for Choralation as it was their first time competing in the World Choir Games.
Choralation was also one of eight invited New Zealand choirs who performed in the World Choir Games’ concert, ‘Matariki He Kahui Reo’ This groundbreaking concert, celebrating the nine stars of the Matariki cluster, was performed entirely in Te Reo Maori, and was a powerful musical and cultural experience for audiences.
The World Choir Games was a special time for Choralation. The students made global friendships (particularly with singers from Australia, the United States, the Philippines, and Indonesia), enhanced their musicianship, gained valuable performance experience, and broadened their musical horizons.
