Inspiring Regional Activity in May
3 Jun 2025
May was packed with regional activity. Wellington held the annual May Workshop, and further regional workshops were held in Auckland, Tauranga and Palmerston North.
Our sincere thanks to the presenters, the Regional Events Coordinators and volunteers who brought these events to life.
Read on for a roundup of four great events and keep an eye out for more Singfests and Workshops coming up later in the year!
Wellington, 3-4 May - Highlights from Mendelssohn's Elijah
The Wellington May Workshop has been held annually since 1988 and attracts singers from around the country. This year Mark Stamper directed the rehearsals and performance of highlights from Mendelssohn’s Elijah, one of the most dramatic oratorios in the choral repertoire.
With over 80 registrations, singers came from Northland, Auckland, Cambridge, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Wairarapa, Kāpiti and Nelson to work with the core of Wellington singers. They were joined in the performance by a wonderful group of soloists including experienced bass Simon Christie as Elijah, Sophia Gittings (soprano), Eleanor McGechie (mezzo) Theo Moolenaar (tenor) and 14-year-old Flo Summers as the Youth.
Congratulations and thanks to conductor Mark Stamper for his inspiring leadership, to pianist Heather Easting, and to coordinator Marianne Taylor and her team of volunteers.
These quotes from the feedback received sum up the success of the May Workshop:
- “A chance to learn and sing a new piece I'd never get to do any other way.”
- “Excellent conductor, brilliant pianist, very good soloists.”
- "The camaraderie was wonderful.”
Auckland, 3 May – Pacific Voices: an exploration of Samoan songs
Tuilagi Dr. Igelese Ete led this interactive workshop for a capacity group of 70 singers. As well as learning the melodies, meanings and cultural significance of Samoan songs, participants were able to sing and learn the background of some of the Samoan pieces presented in the film Tinā from the film’s Pacific Music Supervisor. It was a happy and satisfying afternoon highlights from the feedback include:
- “The cultural introduction and background to Samoa. Being able to sing beautiful harmonies from a film most of us were familiar with.”
- “Not only was the workshop informative from a cultural perspective, it was also inclusive and musically rewarding.”
- “Dr Egelese is a wonderfully engaging teacher. Love the music.”
Tauranga, 10 May - Sing music from Tinā
The film Tinā also inspired a workshop in the Waikato-Bay of Plenty region, this time led by David Squire, who directed the off-screen choir in the movie. This workshop drew 80 singers from throughout the region, including some who don’t sing in choirs. In feedback, singers said they enjoyed the insights into the film-making process and loved the music:
- “Always love working with David. The music was great. Met several new people from other places, all with a shared love of choral music. What's not to love!”
Palmerston North, 10 May – Sing for Life
Twenty-five singers from around the Manawatū-Whanganui region joined in Palmerston North to learn about the tools needed to sing for life. They came from as far afield as Ohakune, Taihape, Marton and Whanganui and included leaders of school choirs and members of community and church choirs. And remarkably, they made up a pretty balanced choir! The workshop presenter was Elise Bradley, internationally respected as a conductor, educator and clinician, who led them through a wide range of music to focus on the tools to ensure healthy singing at any age. Highlights from the participant feedback included:
– “Technical knowledge. Cheerful, energetic presenter.”
- “The information about the techniques to help better your singing.”
- “Elise taught me things I had never learned before and which I will use to improve my singing.”
Watch out for details for the following events:
4 October SingFest Waikato-Bay of Plenty
11 October SingFest Auckland
12 October SingFest New Plymouth
11 October Regional Workshop Blenheim Judy Bellingham: “Viagra for Voice”
18 October Regional Workshop Christchurch James Harrison: “Finding Balance”
18 October Regional Workshop Wellington Tim Wayne-Wright: “The Art of A Capella”
15 November Regional Workshop Hawke’s Bay Tim Wayne-Wright: “The Art of A Capella”
More events and details to come!