Choirs and presenters at Sing Aotearoa
5 Jun 2026
Sing Aotearoa ‘26 promises to be an inspiring celebration of choral music in all its diversity, bringing together a wide array of ensembles alongside a rich programme of workshops and presentations designed to inform, inspire, and uplift singers and conductors alike.
Presenters and workshop topics
We’re excited to announce our series of workshops and presentations led by expert practitioners from Aotearoa and abroad. Among the highlights will be a masterclass with internationally acclaimed singer Rachel Weston, who brings her extensive global experience with the Swingle Singers to work with the emerging ensemble 8bit. Click through to our Guest Presenters page to read more about Rachel.
Technical development is well supported through sessions such as Judy Bellingham’s workshop on breath management, and Karen Grylls’ engaging exploration of Takatimi rhythm, offering practical tools to enhance precision and ensemble cohesion.
Cultural perspectives are a strong focus again at Sing Aotearoa, with Elisha Fa’i-Soialo’s workshop exploring the richness of Pacific traditions, and a collaborative session by Takerei Komene and Bianca Beard on performing waiata Māori with authenticity and greater cultural understanding.
Other sessions address key aspects of musicianship and wellbeing, including Rachel Fuller’s strategies for managing performance anxiety, Bridget O’Shanassy’s practical rehearsal techniques, and Julian Raphael and Laura Durville’s inclusive approach to collaborative choral leadership.
Participants will also have the opportunity to explore specialised areas such as Gregorian chant with William McElwee and the moving practice of threshold singing with Shirley Harvey.
Performing choirs
Among the performing line-up are acclaimed Auckland-based women’s choir Luminata Voices; and the celebrated Sitting Room Singers - both of whom achieved notable success at the 2024 World Choir Games.
A further four choirs will build on their successful performances at the World Choir Games with recitals at Sing Aotearoa: Opera North, an auditioned choir from Whangārei specialising in opera and musical theatre; The Voice of Fragrant Rhythm Choir representing the Auckland Chinese choral community; The Doubtful Sounds pop ensemble led by well-known broadcaster Bryan Crump; and the Auckland-based New Zealand Children’s Choral Academy, who will run a holiday programme alongside Sing Aotearoa.
Two new ensembles will bring a fresh sound to the lineup: 8bit, an exciting new vocal octet formed in 2025, and Vox Aurore a women’s choir from Waikato/Bay of Plenty that will make its debut at Sing Aotearoa.
A strong line-up of choirs from the Waikato-Bay of Plenty region includes the long-standing Rotorua District Choir; the multi-cultural Heights Tira Waiata, from Western Heights High School in Rotorua; the recently formed Waikato Youth Choir; and Hamilton Civic Choir, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year!
And all the way from ‘the Nacky’, bringing male voices out from the back row, are The Taranaki Songmen, whose 3-part arrangements of popular songs from the 60s and 70s will appeal to a wide audience.
Together, the performances and presentations at Sing Aotearoa 2026 will offer a dynamic and enriching experience for all involved. Visit the Sing Aotearoa pages of our website for further details on how you can take part, and be sure to secure your registration at the Earlybird rates!