Why you should come to Choral Connect
16 Jul 2025
You may be wondering if Choral Connect is for you, or perhaps you’re thinking “been there, done that!” Here are several good reasons to come to this year's professional development conference…
International Guest Presenter Pearl Shangkuan - we're really excited that Dr Pearl Shangkuan, a highly sought-after conductor, lecturer and clinician, will join us as the guest international presenter at Choral Connect '25. Dr Shangkuan has led performances and workshops on six continents and she is the National President-elect of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). She is also the Editor for Hinshaw Music, where she continues to influence the development and publication of high-quality choral repertoire. Find out more...
Conducting gesture workshops - A sought-after opportunity to up-skill your conducting gesture. We'll have 4 conducting gesture levels: Introductory, Developing, Experienced and Advanced, with tutors Dr Karen Grylls, Virginie Pacheco, Jono Palmer and David Squire, so you can choose a level that suits you. Read more about the conducting tutors here.
Conducting masterclasses - Pearl Shangkuan will lead two conducting masterclasses, one with the New Zealand Scecondary Students' Choir and one with the Aotearoa Academy Choir. Up to 10 conductors will be selected from video submissions and will have the opportunity to hone their skills in a supportive environment. Read about the masterclass choirs here.
International Zoom presentations - Our international Zoom sessions at Choral Connect '21 and '23 brought choral perspectives from around the world and traversed a wide range of topics. This year we’ve secured two inspiring keynote speakers and presenters from the 2024 World Choir Games: Susanna Saw and Francisco Núñez. Read their bios here.
Gala concert - Choral Connect will include an evening concert on Friday 26 September at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, featuring the acclaimed New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir and the Aotearoa Academy Choir. And there is a chance for the delegates to sing with both choirs in a massed item conducted by Dr Pearl Shangkuan. Read about the choirs here.
Special accommodation offer at The Atura Hotel – The Aura Hotel has offered a discount for delegates attending Choral Connect ’25. It is about a 5-10 minute walk to Queen Margaret College, where Choral Connect will be held and about 5 minute walk from the Cathedral of St Paul. To see the offer details and to make a booking, follow this link.
Networking with your colleagues - Our new "Connect Groups" offers delegates the chance to gather with others who share similar interests, roles, or ensemble types. These informal sessions are designed to foster conversation, idea-sharing, and the exchange of repertoire and resources. You'll come away from Choral Connect feeling part of a wider choral community with a strong support network. More information about the programme here.
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