Choirs Collaborate on Carmina Burana
2 Oct 2025
Wellington's Orpheus Choir is heading north to join Auckland Choral for the second of two monumental performances. Last weekend the combined forces of these choirs filled the Michael Fowler Centre with an electrifying programme: Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana paired with Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. This Sunday, the Auckland Town Hall will resonate to the same musical magic.
Pulling together such a project is no small feat. Between the two choirs there are 240 singers taking part, supported by children’s choruses, three soloists, two conductors, two pianos, an army of percussionists, Wellington Brass Band (Wellington only), and a mountain of behind-the-scenes organisation.
The collaboration reconnects these two choirs for the first time in three decades: Auckland Choral and Orpheus last combined forces back in 1991 for Belshazzar’s Feast with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Brent Stewart says “The real joy of this project has been the partnership. Auckland Choral and Orpheus Choir bring different traditions and personalities, and together we’ve created something unforgettable.”
Uwe Grodd reflected after the Wellington concert on the power of this collaboration. “What a magnificent sound from these two symphonic choirs together – the sweeping power of ‘O Fortuna’ filled the Michael Fowler Centre with full resonance … It was a truly wonderful night. I’m excited about our weekend in Auckland, where we will experience the sublime acoustics of the Town Hall.”
Managing the logistics of so many people and parts is an art in itself. Stage management and seating plans have been drawn up with military precision, ensuring everyone knew their place in what at times felt like an immense human jigsaw puzzle. Christine Pearce, who oversaw the surtitles, noted the importance of giving audiences clear access to Orff’s vivid texts, while others coordinated rehearsal schedules and technical requirements to the last detail.
The journey between cities has been dubbed the ‘great migration’ – a steady flow of singers, luggage, and music folders (and some unusual props!) moving back and forth. While many travelled by air, some choir members have made the epic trip between concert venues by road, such is the dedication and enthusiasm fuelling the project. The camaraderie of rehearsals, and the sense of anticipation before the first downbeat, and some excellent home baking carried singers through any travel fatigue.
Alto Nicola Burton echoed this sense of excitement and camaraderie: “The wow factor of the performance was incredible with two large symphonic choirs joined. It was also a real winner from the social side, a weekend away with fellow choir members, loads of fun and getting to meet new people in Orpheus.”
Now, the focus shifts to the Auckland Town Hall. Expectations are high for another unforgettable performance on Sunday 5 October at 4.00pm, with soloists Emma Pearson, Stephen Diaz and James Harrison; Edmond Wong and Rosemary Barnes on the two concert grands; a battery of percussionists; and Westlake’s Cantare singing the children’s chorus parts.
This collaboration has shown what is possible when forces are combined, and when singers, conductors, audiences – and administrators – embrace the scale and splendour of works like Carmina Burana and Chichester Psalms. Beyond the music, this project has been about community. It’s been about hugely committed and enthusiastic people working together across two cities to bring something truly special to life.
Tickets are still available for the Auckland performance on Sunday 5 October, 4pm, in the Auckland Town Hall. Click here to book.