A SingFest with Direction

2 Jul 2026

Choirs and conductors in the Manawatū-Whanganui region recently had a wonderful opportunity to work with the New Zealand Youth Choir and conductors Rowan Johnston, Sarah McNabb and Ana Erčulj over three evenings in Palmerston North.

The multifaceted event was the brainchild of Nigel Tongs, NZCF’s Regional Events Coordinator for Manawatū-Whanganui, and was made possible through a collaboration between NZCF and Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand (CANZ).

With a daughter and son-in-law in the previous Youth Choir that won Choir of the World in 2025, Nigel was excited to learn of NZYC’s upcoming visit to Palmerston North in 2026 and was keen to make the most of the opportunities their visit could offer local choirs and conductors. Nigel writes: "Many of the choral directors in our region were interested in exploring a different model for our Singfest event.  From there it was as if the stars aligned.  The New Zealand Youth Choir confirmed they would be touring through the city as part of their mid-year training course, just in time for Matariki. The concept was formulated and choirs bought into the vision of a collaborative concert, featuring local choirs, the NZ Youth Choir and finishing with a massed choir performance of two works celebrating Matariki.  David Hamilton and Takerei Komene were so generous in permitting us to use their pieces for the massed items.”

New Zealand Youth Choir’s conductor Rowan Johnston and manager Rachel Hardie worked with Nigel and NZCF’s Events Manager Emma Billings to create a programme that spanned three evenings. The schedule included a rehearsal of the massed choir items, a Giving Direction workshop for local conductors, and a final concert showcasing local choirs alongside the NZ Youth Choir.

The concert opened with the Manawatunes barbershop chorus performing two popular numbers from the movies. Local legend Roy Tankersley then conducted the Palmerston North Choral Society in selections from the choir’s recent Seasons concert, and the Renaissance Singers closed the first half with an Agnus Dei and Gloria under the direction of composer and guest conductor Stephen Lange.
After the interval, the NZ Youth Choir delighted the audience with a varied programme ranging from Māori and Pasifika works through to pieces by American composer Rosephanye Powell and Finnish composer Jaako Mäntyjärvi. The SingFest culminated in all four choirs joining to sing Lullaby for Matariki by David Hamilton and Matariki by Takerei Komene.

Nigel says: "All of our choir members benefitted from 'tuning in' to the technique and vibe that was brought by the NZ Youth Choir.  We found ourselves contributing to a soundscape that some of us only dream of.  Our dreams came true, and it opened our eyes, and our ears, to the potential we have to create music and sound of greater quality and vibrancy.  From what I have heard, all the participating choirs have certainly been inspired by the experience."

              ^{Manawatunes                                                           Palmerston North Choral Society                               Renaissance Singers}

Giving Direction

Having the Youth Choir and their conductors in town was a golden opportunity to run a Giving Direction workshop, enabling conductors to hone their skills with a ‘Ferrari’ choir. Five local conductors and two NZ Youth Choir members took part in a session led by Rowan Johnston, which included a demonstration of voice matching. Each participant then had the opportunity to conduct the Youth Choir and receive feedback on their gesture from visiting Slovenian conductor Ana Erčulj.

One of the ‘set pieces’ for Giving Direction participants was the traditional Korean song Arirang, arranged by NZYC member Robin Park. Robin also took part in the workshop and writes:

It was a joy to have the chance to work with Ana Erčulj. As a new conductor, I was grateful for her warmth, humour and patience. I hope the experience will help my growth as a conductor and the choirs I work with.

It was also a great privilege for my arrangement of ‘Arirang’ to be one of the set pieces for Giving Direction. I’m glad to be able to share a piece of my culture with the people of my hometown — the mighty Manawatū!

 The NZ Youth Choir also visited Rangitīkei College, where they led a workshop aimed at encouraging the development of choral music within the school. We hope to see a choir from Rangitīkei College at The Big Sing next year!

Nigel Tongs sums up the three days, saying: "The NZ Youth Choir, Rowan Johnston, Sarah McNabb and Ana Erčulj certainly left their fingerprints on the local choral scene.  The NZ Youth Choir have sustained their role as remarkable ambassadors for choral singing and our country."

NZCF is very grateful to local coordinator Nigel Tongs, Choirs Aotearoa and the New Zealand Youth Choir for making these events possible!

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