2023 Sing Aotearoa Guest Conductors and Stream Leaders

Renowned American conductor, composer, arranger and educator Rollo Dilworth was the International Guest Conductor at Sing Aotearoa 2023.

Dr Rollo Dilworth is Professor of Choral Music Education and Vice Dean at Temple University’s Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Over 200 of Dr Dilworth’s choral compositions have been published and he has also authored three choral pedagogy books. His research activities focus on African American choral music, social emotional learning, community engagement, and diversity, equity, access and inclusion. He is in frequent demand as a clinician and guest conductor across the US and around the world, most recently appearing as guest conductor for international choral festivals and master classes in Australia, Canada, Taiwan, Ireland, and China. Rollo Dilworth is a current board member and former National Board Chair for Chorus America, and is an active life member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Rollo will lead plenary sessions and will work alongside Igelese Ete and Karen Grylls with the Tui and Korimako streams.

Watch a video of the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir singing one of Rollo Dilworth’s popular gospel arrangements, I Sing Because I’m Happy: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1977531552543092

Dr Igelese Ete is Associate Professor and Associate Dean: Pacific at Massey University’s College of Creative Arts in Wellington. Igelese’s formative choral experiences include singing in his church choir from an early age and performing with the New Zealand Youth Choir from 1986 -1992. Following a BMus in Performance and a Master’s in Composition, Igelese was the first Creative Fellow of Pacific Music at Auckland University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts. In 2009, Igelese was awarded the prestigious Creative New Zealand Senior Pacific Artist Award for his contribution to the promotion and performance of Pacific music in New Zealand and the Pacific, and from 2011-2020 he was Head of Performing Arts at the Oceania Centre for Arts Culture and Pacific Studies, University of the South Pacific, in Fiji. With extensive conducting, composition, and teaching experience, Igelese was the NZ Choirmaster for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, working with composer Howard Shore and director Sir Peter Jackson. In 2016 he was contracted as choirmaster & music/choral consultant for Disney’s Moana featuring his Pasifika Voices choir from the University of the South Pacific. Igelese will lead the Tui stream at Sing Aotearoa.

Dr Karen Grylls CNZM has recently retired as Associate Professor in Choral Conducting at the University of Auckland. She conducted the New Zealand Youth Choir from 1989 to 2011, founded Voices NZ in 1998, and is currently Artistic Director of three internationally acclaimed national choirs: these two and the NZ Secondary Student’s Choir. Under her musical directorship, the New Zealand Youth Choir enjoyed notable international successes, including the Silver Rosebowl in the “Let the Peoples Sing” radio competition in 1992, “Choir of the World” at the 1999 International Eisteddfod in Llangollen and the “Grand Prix Slovakia” also in 1999. With equal success Voices New Zealand won first and second placings in the mixed choir section of the Tolosa International Choral Competition in October 1998. In 1996 Auckland University honoured her with a Distinguished Teaching Award in Music and in 1999 she became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her services to choral music. She is also the recipient of the KBB Citation from the Composers’ Association of New Zealand and the Lilburn Trust Citation for services to New Zealand music and in 2023 Karen was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CMNZ). Karen will lead the Korimako stream at Sing Aotearoa.

Timothy Wayne-Wright was a countertenor in The King’s Singers for 10 years, touring the world and singing over 1500 concerts in some of the world’s greatest venues. As a countertenor, Tim began studying for his music degree at Goldsmith’s College, University of London in 2001, after which he was offered a Vocal Scholarship to study for a Postgraduate Diploma at Trinity College of Music. During this time, Tim became a Choral Scholar at The Royal Naval College Chapel in Greenwich, alongside regular work with many of the UK’s finest choral ensembles. He also performed at various places of worship such as the Brompton Oratory and St. Paul’s Cathedral. In 2006, he successfully auditioned for the prestigious position of Alto Lay Clerk at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. After just two years there, Tim was invited to audition for The King’s Singers. Recognition for The King’s Singers during Tim’s tenure include one Grammy Award®, a further Grammy nomination and an induction into the inaugural Gramophone Hall of Fame. He was also fortunate enough to teach over 500 masterclasses, workshops and summer schools as a member of The King’s Singers, imparting ensemble skills and techniques to choirs all over the world. Tim will lead the Kokako stream at Sing Aotearoa.