Introducing the performing choirs at Sing Aotearoa '26...
8bit is a new ensemble formed in the latter half of 2025 and based in Tāmaki Makaurau. They started as a group of friends united by their love of singing, and are excited to share music of many and varied styles. 8bit debuted at the Southern Alps New Zealand - China Senior Choir Competition and Festival last year, and they look forward to sharing their sound with the choral community in Aotearoa.
Hamilton Civic Choir celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2026 and is the premier Waikato classical auditioned community choir. They have been under the musical direction of Elise Bradley for the past 4 years with Karen Grylls serving as assistant musical director. The choir sings varied repertoire and is constantly pushing the boundaries of what community choirs can achieve.
Heights Tira Waiata is an all-comers Year 9-13 choir from Western Heights High School in Rotorua who have been together for around 3 years. They have more than 10 different cultures represented in their choir and love singing songs in different languages, particularly Te Reo Māori, especially pieces that are locally written. In the words of their conductor, Liz Tamblyn: “we are more than just a choir, we're a whānau”.
Luminata Voices is a project-based ensemble comprising experienced choral singers from across Auckland. Founded in 2021 and led by Vanessa Kay, the choir provides a vibrant platform for performances of women’s choral repertoire at the highest level. Luminata Voices explores a diverse range of genres, musical periods, and styles throughout its performances each year. Notable milestones include a 2022 programme celebrating the works of Aotearoa’s women composers and a 2025 tour to Melbourne and Tasmania for Festival of Voices. In July 2024, Luminata Voices was awarded a prestigious gold medal in the Women’s Chamber Choir category at the Champions Competition of the World Choir Games in Auckland.
New Zealand Children’s Choral Academy is a premier children's choir based in Auckland. Members range in age from 7 to 16. They perform 4 concerts per year in the Auckland area. This year, NZCCA is trialling a satellite programme in Rotorua led by Elisha Fai-So'oialo and Elise Bradley. The choir singing at Sing Aotearoa will consist of both the Auckland NZCCA in conjunction with the newly formed Rotorua NZCCA. They will perform a commissioned Samoan piece by Elisha Fai So'oialo amongst other repertoire from this year's concert programmes.
Opera North is an auditioned community choir from Whangārei dedicated to providing opportunities for all ages to connect through choral music with a focus on musical theatre, opera and contemporary work. Led by Maria Satterfield and Sarah Whittles, they are keenly focused on developing bold, fearless singers to represent Te Tai Tokerau to the world!
Rotorua District Choir has been an active part of the community for over 65 years. They aim to produce three concerts per year at a high community choir level. They have between 30 and 45 members and explore works both new and old in a variety of styles. The choir is co-directed by Jess Bradley and Evelyn Falconer.
Sitting Room Singers started in a sitting room in Auckland during COVID. They thought they would just be a ‘one gig wonder’, but they love to sing together, and over the past 5 years have worked hard to develop their skills and to please audiences with modern a cappella concerts. Directed by Rachel Young, the choir members say they “had a ball” at the 2024 World Choir Games, where they won the Mixed Chamber Choir grade, and learnt so much from watching other choirs. Interkultur recently named the Sitting Room Singers in the top 50 choirs in the world, which they say was “a huge buzz”. They say they want to share their love of music with one and all.
The Doubtful Sounds was formed by RNZ Concert broadcaster Bryan Crump in 2008, and sings popular songs with a classical twist. You could describe it as a chamber choir with a community vibe, or maybe the other way around. Highlights of its performance history so far include singing under the stars at Stonehenge Wairarapa, underground in the Wrights Hill Fortress, and winning silver at the World Choir Games 2024.
The Taranaki Songmen have evolved as a modern vocal ensemble over the past 4 years, developing a sound and repertoire that appeals to a wide audience. They sing in three-part harmony, and their music has recently been inspired by 1960s and 1970s popular song. Based in New Plymouth they rehearse weekly with their director Julian Raphael, a widely experienced community musician, who instils in the singers a love and understanding of the music, together with the need to be both entertaining and socially relevant as a performance group.
The Voice of Fragrant Rhythm Choir formed in April 2020 during the pandemic. It's a vibrant and inclusive musical group dedicated to celebrating the beauty of choral singing. Based on a shared passion for music, the choir aims to foster friendship, cultural exchange and artistic growth through regular public performances, including in retirement villages. With a commitment to harmony both in music and community, The Voice of Fragrant Rhythm Choir creates an inspiring environment where voices blend, talents flourish, and audiences are touched by the power of song. Grace Fang has recently taken over the role of Choir Director.
Vox Aurore is a brand new women's chamber choir from Waikato/Bay of Plenty, formed by director Maria Colvin especially for Sing Aotearoa 2026. They will mark their debut with a special commission written by young, up-and-coming Waikato composer, Timothy Evans.
Waikato Youth Choir started in 2024 with a group of 14 singers ranging from 17 to 29 years of age. They held their inaugural performance in September that year singing songs old and modern, some of which featured works by local composers. Led by Koli Jayatunge, the choir is currently rehearsing for an upcoming concert in July to perform Vivaldi's Gloria alongside other modern works to complete the programme.