Advanced Conducting Strand and Masterclasses

Delegates who apply for the Advanced Conducting Strand will work with David Squire. The focus of this group will be on advanced conducting techniques tailored to the needs of the delegates. From this strand, 10 conductors will be selected to participate in one of the two open masterclasses with Pearl Shangkuan. One Masterclass will be with the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir and other delegates, and a second masterclass with Aotearoa Academy Choir.

How to apply

Places for the Advanced Strand and Masterclasses are limited, and conductors will need to apply in advance to participate. You will need to provide a short video excerpt of your conducting (5-10 mins), preferably from the perspective of the choir so we can see your hands and face.

Any conductor interested in this opportunity should contact Jono Palmer for further details, at jono.palmer@nzcf.org.nz.

New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir 

Aotearoa's national choir for secondary school students, NZSSC gathers during school holidays to rehearse and perform across the motu. Each two-year cycle culminates in an international tour: in July 2024, the choir travelled to China, where they took part in the Shanghai Oriental Art Centre Chorus Exchange, the Chorus and Conducting Art Conference in Hangzhou, and the China International Chorus Festival in Beijing. 

NZSSC is directed by Sue Densem, alongside Assistant Conductor and Accompanist Brent Stewart and Assistant Conductor and Vocal Consultant Ben Madden.

Aotearoa New Zealand Academy Choir

The concept for the Academy Choir arose from a "reserves" programme for singers who had just missed out on a place in NZSSC or the NZ Youth Choir. The choir is made up of young members from across Aotearoa who meet during school holidays to rehearse and perform. In 2024, the Academy Choir received a Gold Diploma at the World Choir Games. 

The Aotearoa Academy Choir is co-directed by Elise Bradley and Rowan Johnston.