What to expect at Sing Aotearoa '26
30 Sept 2026
From massed singing and inspiring workshops, to the premiere of a new commissioned work, the warmth of a marae welcome, stimulating concerts and the chance to sing in a uniquely Rotorua setting, Sing Aotearoa offers an experience unlike any other choral event in New Zealand. Whether you're coming with your choir, a group of friends, or on your own, here are ten things you can look forward to at New Zealand's biggest choral festival.
There is something uniquely inspiring about being part of a massed choir. Throughout the weekend, delegates will come together for combined singing sessions under the guidance of Artistic Director David Squire and stream leaders Michael Barrett and Kate Bell, learning repertoire and creating a sound that is far greater than the sum of its parts. By the end of the festival, you'll have shared a musical journey with singers from all around Aotearoa.
Be inspired by our international guest presenters
Sing Aotearoa 2026 is delighted to welcome two exceptional international guests. Dr Michael Joseph Barrett, internationally acclaimed South African conductor, composer and educator, and Rachel Weston, former member and musical director of the renowned Swingle Singers. Michael will lead the Kōkako stream and will give a plenary presentation, while Rachel will share her talent and expertise through a workshop, a masterclass with emerging vocal ensemble 8bit, and a special solo appearance on Friday evening!
Enjoy a wide range of workshops and presentations
Sing Aotearoa offers workshops and presentations designed to inspire singers and choir leaders alike. This year's presenters cover everything from breath management and rehearsal techniques to rhythm training, performance anxiety, Pacific choral traditions, waiata Māori, collaborative leadership and more. Whatever your background or experience level, you'll come away with fresh ideas and practical skills.
Hear choirs from across Aotearoa
One of the joys of Sing Aotearoa is hearing a variety of choirs from around the motu. This year's performing ensembles include Luminata Voices, All Together Now, Heights Tira Waiata, The Sitting Room Singers, Hamilton Civic Choir, The Doubtful Sounds, Rotorua District Choir, The Taranaki Songmen, New Zealand Children's Choral Academy, The Voice of Fragrant Rhythm Choir, and two new ensembles: 8bit and Vox Aurorae. From classical repertoire to contemporary, community, youth and cultural traditions, you'll experience the rich diversity of choral singing in Aotearoa today.
Our Saturday and Sunday evening concerts will showcase the breadth and quality of our choral community. United Voices (Saturday)brings together singers from across the upper North Island - Hamilton Civic Choir, Rotorua's Heights Tira Waiata, Auckland's All Together Now and the newly formed women's chamber choir Vox Aurorae - in a celebration of community music-making. Woven Voices (Sunday) offers a rich and varied showcase of ensemble singing, from close-harmony vocal groups to contemporary a cappella, featuring The Sitting Room Singers, Luminata Voices, The Doubtful Sounds and vocal octet 8bit.
Participate in the première of a New Zealand choral work
Delegates will have the opportunity to learn and perform a newly commissioned work written especially for the festival. Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata, created by composer Takerei Komene and poet Bianca Beard, draws on ancestral navigation stories and the stars Tautoru and Atutahi as metaphors for connection, leadership, and collective purpose. The work explores the bonds that unite singers while celebrating the people who guide and inspire us. Learning and performing a piece that will become part of New Zealand's choral legacy is a rare and memorable experience.
For many delegates, the Saturday morning pōhiri (pōwhiri) at Te Papaiōuru Marae will be one of the most memorable moments of the weekend. It's an opportunity to be welcomed onto this historically significant marae and into the intricately-carved Tamatekapua wharenui where we will begin the festival together in a spirit of connection and respect.
Bring the kids along
For the first time, Sing Aotearoa will run in tandem with a dedicated children’s programme run by the New Zealand Children's Choral Academy. Designed for singers in Year 6 and above, the programme offers its own rich mix of music-making, musicianship training, games, discovery and performance opportunities, led by an outstanding team of tutors including Elise Bradley, Elisha Fa'i-So'oialo, Amelia Giles, and Maria Winder. It's a wonderful opportunity for families to experience the festival together.
Ask anyone who has attended a previous Sing Aotearoa and they'll tell you that the people are one of the highlights. The conversations over coffee, meeting singers from other choirs, exchanging ideas, and catching up with choral friends from around the country are all part of the experience. The festival kicks off socially on Friday evening with a Pub Sing and Quiz, featuring a special guest performance from Rachel Weston, making it the perfect way to break the ice and start the weekend!
Only at Sing Aotearoa can a singing session take place in a geothermal park! Sunday's Scenic Sing at Kuirau Park continues a long-standing festival tradition of taking choral singing beyond formal venues and into the landscape itself. After singing, you’ll be able to explore the park's pathways, discover its geothermal features, and even soak your feet in the free thermal foot baths.
Join us in Rotorua
From workshops and performances to shared singing, cultural experiences and lifelong friendships, Sing Aotearoa offers an unforgettable Labour Weekend for anyone who loves choral music. We can't wait to welcome you to Rotorua from 23-26 October.
Haven't registered yet? There's still time to secure your place and be part of New Zealand's premier choral festival.