Sing Aotearoa

Since 1990, Sing Aotearoa has been the leading festival for choral music in New Zealand. Singers from around the motu have gathered for a weekend of singing, practical workshops, and performances, directed by some of the country’s most prominent choral artists.

Sing Aotearoa '23 was held in South Auckland, from the evening of Friday 29th September to the afternoon of Sunday 1st October.

Artistic Directors for Sing Aotearoa '23 were Dr. Igelese Ete and Jono Palmer and renowned American choral conductor and composer Dr Rollo Dilworth was our International Guest Conductor. Joining him as singing stream leaders were Igelese Ete, Dr Karen Grylls and Timothy Wayne-Wright. 

There was truly something for everyone - the festival was open to all ages and experience levels. Singers could register with their choir, in small groups, or as an individual. Choirs could also apply to perform at one of our informal lunchtime concerts.

The theme of this year’s festival was We Are One Voice and, for the first time, Sing Aotearoa was held in Tāmaki Makaurau at the Due Drop (formerly Vodafone) Events Centre in Manukau. As one of the cultural centres of our Māori & Pasifika communities, South Auckland was the ideal location for us to come together to share and celebrate the diverse singing traditions of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Rollo Dilworth conducting the massed choir at Sing Aotearoa '23

Singing Streams:

Tui:  Songs from a range of styles and cultures, including Pasifika and Gospel, led by Igelese Ete and Rollo Dilworth.

Korimako: More challenging part music requiring basic music-reading skills, led by Karen Grylls and Rollo Dilworth.

Kokako: Small vocal ensemble, led by Timothy Wayne-Wright. Places were limited and singers were selected according to experience/ability.