Voices United at Sing Aotearoa

4 Nov 2026

More than 200 singers, conductors and choral enthusiasts gathered in Rotorua for Sing Aotearoa over Labour Weekend.

Returning to Rotorua for the first time in a decade, the festival combined the joy of singing together with opportunities to explore new repertoire, skills and perspectives. Delegates sang in three choir streams led by Artistic Director David Squire, Kate Bell, and international guest conductor Dr Michael Barrett, while combined singing sessions brought the entire festival community together, culminating in the performance of a brand new piece by Takerei Komene, with kupu by Bianca Beard, called Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata.

The festival kicked off on Friday night with a musical pub quiz and singalong, before officially opening on Saturday morning with a special pōhiri at Te Papaiouru Marae. Other highlights of the weekend included a ‘scenic sing’ amidst the steam at Kuirau Park, evening recitals by community choirs, chamber ensembles and a cappella groups, and lunchtime concerts that took choral music out into venues across the city.

Of particular note was the richness and diversity of the workshops and presentations. Delegates could choose from sessions exploring topics as varied as Gregorian chant, Baroque performance practice, te reo Māori in choral music, Pasifika repertoire, breath management, vocal colour, rhythm training, rehearsal skills, performance anxiety, an a cappella masterclass, and singing for those at the end of life. International guests Michael Barrett and Rachel Weston shared insights drawn from their distinguished international careers, while New Zealand presenters showcased the extraordinary breadth of expertise within our choral community.

Here's what people had to say... 

Sing Aotearoa 2026 was an incredibly enriching experience and the invitation to conduct one of the festival’s streams, as well as to share in conducting the massed choir, was a true gift. Nestled in the heart of Rotorua, this festival is truly about whanaungatanga: people arrive as strangers and leave as family. I felt so at home in beautiful New Zealand and I simply can’t wait to return.

This past weekend reminded me once again of the power of choral music to build community and of its importance in shaping a society better equipped to meet the challenges we face. The world needs more festivals like Sing Aotearoa. My heartfelt thanks to the New Zealand Choral Federation for an inspiring and life-changing festival. - Michael Barrett

 

We had a simply fantastic time in Rotorua - the entire event was a joy, from the shared moments with everyone singing the fabulous music, to smaller opportunities with friends from decades ago and more recently as well. We loved the streams - I am STILL getting "Modimo" as an ear worm from our sessions with Michael! We also were thrilled to bits to be a part of the concert series - the lunchtime venue was fun and interesting, and it was truly an honour to sing in front of a choir audience on the Sunday night. I would like to add my thanks to those of, I am sure, MANY others for a superbly well organised, delightful weekend.  - Belinda Sydenham, The Sitting Room Singers
 

On behalf of the Doubtful Sounds, I'd like to thank you for inviting us to participate in Sing Aotearoa.  For many of my choir it was their first experience of a choral festival and they loved it! 

Singing to our choral peers was daunting, but also thrilling. Thank you for all the hard work that made such a successful festival possible. 
- Bryan Crump, The Doubtful Sounds

 

 

"This was my first Sing Aotearoa, and I absolutely loved it. Singing under Michael Barrett was a particular highlight. He set high expectations, treated us as capable musicians, forgave our mistakes, and ensured we gave our best. I've come away inspired by his insights and wisdom."  
- Toni Wilson (Wellington)

 

_{Toni Wilson (front left) with Sing Aotearoa Artistic Director David Squire
 and other former members of the 1988 New Zealand Youth Choir
(back l-r) Elizabeth Pilaar, Carolyn Medland & Prue Harman
(middle l-r) Rachel Weston, Thérèse Kelly Bialostocki,}​​​​
_{Juliet Dreaver & Maria Treadaway}
 

 

For more great images from Sing Aotearoa, click here for the Photo Gallery.

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