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Dr Karen Grylls announces new role and bids adieu

Celebrated choir director announced that 2024 will be her final year as Artistic Director for CANZ

Celebrated New Zealand choir director Dr Karen Grylls CNZM has announced that 2024 will be her final year as Artistic Director for Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand (CANZ) – the body that manages the country’s four national choirs – as she signals a shift to a new role as Artistic Director Emerita.

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CANZ ARTISTIC DIRECTOR DR KAREN GRYLLS HONOURED

Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Choral Music

We are thrilled to announce that Dr Karen Grylls, the esteemed Artistic Director of Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand, has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for her exceptional contributions to the world of choral music.

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CLOSED: JOB RE-ADVERTISED: Manager NZSSC (closes 19 Jan)

If you like variety, travel, and working in small teams for something utterly beautiful, read on!

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Recap: South Island Te Waipounamu Tour

Our July 2021 Newsletter

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A shout out to our Artistic Team

This one is a shout out to our amazing Artistic Team – between them they have accumulated over 30 years of involvement with NZYC as singers and staff.

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OPPORTUNITY: New Trustees Sought

Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand Foundation – new members sought

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South Island Tour – Greymouth, Westport, Christchurch!

After a whirlwind Northland tour including performances in Whangārei, Waitangi, and a recording for the BBC, the New Zealand Youth Choir is heading south!

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OPPORTUNITY: New trustees sought

Got governance skills and passionate about our choirs?

Choirs Aotearoa NZ (CANZ) continues to thrive and we are looking for new Trustees with specific skills.

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Kia ora to our new choir!

Hello from the other side! Kia ora whānau Hoping this newsletter find you all safe and well, and for those in NZ that Level 2 has brought a chance to return to some normality.  Here at Choirs NZ we worked from home throughout lockdown to keep the fires burning. In this newsletter we’re farewelling our 2017-2019 […]

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A message from Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand

Kia ora friends of our national choirs,

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JOB OPPORTUNITY: Manager, NZYC and Voices NZ

Wellington based

If you like variety, travel, and working in small teams for something utterly beautiful, read on!

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Same sounds, different ears: The universal joy of classical music

by Anna Knox

Orchestral music performance is an art form, but how do you engage with something you’ve never experienced before? Samiyah Alghamdi and Anna Knox attend NYO Celebrates in Wellington and unpack what they hear.

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Classical review: NYO Celebrates

The coming together of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra and the New Zealand Youth Choir was a just celebration of our country’s finest young musicians – a fitting culmination of a century’s nurturing, marking the orchestra’s 60th anniversary and the choir’s 40th.

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NZ Youth Choir selected for World Symposium on Choral Music

Picked from the best in the world.

The New Zealand Youth Choir (NZYC) has been selected to perform at the next World Symposium on Choral Music.

An international Artistic Committee picked NZYC from a record number of 179 choir entries from 44 countries vying for one of the 24 spots at the symposium.

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New era for national choirs

New Zealand’s Three National Choirs Come Together

It’s been talked about for a long time and now finally, New Zealand’s three national choirs, Voices New Zealand, NZ Youth Choir and New Zealand Secondary Students Choir (NZSSC), are to merge under one governing body. NZSSC, the prestigious national choir for 14-18 year olds, is joining Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand, the arts trust that promotes vocal excellence and already governs the other two national choirs.

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Excellent choral concert from three young Wellington choirs and the New Zealand Youth Choir

By Lindis Taylor

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Fine Tune September 2018

Just one week until Triple C – a Capital Singfest!

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Sing with NZYC – first national academy next January

Sing and train alongside all three national choirs

For the first time choristers will have the chance to join a national academy of choral singing.

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Job opportunity: Music Director for New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir

This is an exciting opportunity for proven choir directors to lead the iconic New Zealand Secondary Student’s Choir. Established in 1986 NZSSC is a national ensemble working with 14-18 year old singers for a two-year long cycle that traditionally finishes with an international tour.

If you are experienced at working with young people, and passionate about a diverse choral repertoire including waiata from Aotearoa and the Pacific, we would love to hear from you.

NZSSC is about choral excellence and developing leadership capabilities and is a real champion of choral music in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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A dream come true

VOICES has a chance to go onto this dream European tour and we hope you can help us make this dream come true.

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Sharing eggs boiled in a thermal pool

Last February, the New Zealand Youth Choir toured to Rotorua and Auckland, stopping at the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival in between. They gave concerts and did workshops with high school students and also prison inmates – a very touching experience for all.

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Review by Hanno Fairburn for the Daily Post, Rotorua of the New Zealand Youth Choir

Rotorua was fortunate to have such a renowned choir, here for workshops and concerts.

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Infratil continues NZYC sponsorship

Infratil has committed to extend its sponsorship of the New Zealand Youth Choir (NZYC) to 2021.

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RIP Peter Godfrey

Regarded as the godfather of choral music in New Zealand, Prof. Peter Godfrey passed away last night, but his legacy to choral music in NZ will live on.

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New VOICES CD released: Requiem for the Fallen

A ‘stunningly impressive’ performance of Ross Harris’s WWI commemoration piece has resulted in a new CD, featuring VOICES NZ, Horomona Hero and the New Zealand String Quartet conducted by Karen Grylls.

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Three brothers write history in new New Zealand Youth Choir

For the first time in New Zealand Youth Choir (NZYC) history, three Auckland brothers – Benjamin (Tenor), Benedict (Bass) and Benett Tan (Tenor) – have all made it into the new NZYC.

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First concert series for VOICES announced

New Zealand’s premier professional choir, Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir is releasing its first ever concert series subscription offering four different concert programmes in five centres around the country this year

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New artistic staff for national choirs

Dr Karen Grylls has been re-appointed as Artistic Director for Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir (VOICES) and The New Zealand Youth Choir (NZYC) while newcomer and Wellingtonian Michael Stewart was appointed as NZYC’s new Deputy Music Director.

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NZYC wins Grand Prix in Europe

The New Zealand Youth Choir (NZYC) won the hearts of audiences and the judges at the 24th annual International Festival of Academic Choirs in Pardubice, Czech Republic

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NZYC sells out in Singapore

New Zealand Youth Choir’s concert at Singapore’s Victoria Concert Hall has SOLD OUT.

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New Chief Executive for Choirs

Andrea Gray, Chair of Choirs Aotearoa NZ Trust, announces the new Chief Executive.

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Middle C – Sounds and Sweet Airs: Songs of Shakespeare Review

Middle C Review

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Choirs Aotearoa advertising for Chief Executive

Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand is advertising for a Chief Executive.

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NZYC 2016 European Landmark Tour

In June the NZ Youth Choir heads to Europe for its 2016 European Landmark Tour to the Czech Republic, France and England.

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Sir David Willcocks

The world’s choral community is sad to hear of the death of Sir David Willcocks at the age of 95. Sir David paid regular visits to New Zealand and Australia giving concerts with the NZSO and orchestras of the ABC and was associated with many of this country’s choirs

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NZYC Christchurch Concert Review

The Press Review

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Peter Godfrey: Father of New Zealand Choral Music

The book draws on conversations with Peter himself, colleagues, friends and pupils throughout his life. Support the publication of an exciting new title from Mākaro Press.

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Choirs Aotearoa appoints new Chair

Andrea Gray has worked in the public and private sector in roles including knowledge and information management, introduction of web services to support business service delivery and relationship management.

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War Music; NZSO and Sydney Symphony Orchestra in moving ANZAC concert of new works

“the choral element … it had an impact that was moving and awakened a real emotional response.”

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Concert Review: Spirit of Anzac

Last Thursday’s Spirit of Anzac concert came with Trans-Tasman connections, being played by Sydney Symphony Orchestra a day before the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra delivered it to us.

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Anzac symphony is powerful without a hint of triteness

This is the third time the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has marked the importance of Anzac Day with a concert and, thankfully, on the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli, a sizeable audience was in attendance. And they were very well rewarded, as this concert was centred on two new works – one New Zealand, one Australian – of real quality and power.

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Choristers revel in celebration of light

In a nutshell, as the Festival brochure put it, Ata Reira promised an evening of award-winning choirs, majestic voices and Te Reo Maori in song.

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Auckland Arts Festival review: A Child of our time, Auckland Town Hall

In festival’s homegrown highlight, orchestra and voices give rich offering of oratorio’s message of peace.

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Peter Hoar: APO Child of Our Time review

Peter reviews the Auckland Festival production of Tippet’s Child of Our Time performed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Voices NZ and the NZ Youth Choir

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Auckland Arts Festival review: A Child of our time, Auckland Town Hall

In festival’s homegrown highlight, orchestra and voices give rich offering of oratorio’s message of peace.

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Choristers revel in celebration of light

In a nutshell, as the Festival brochure put it, Ata Reira promised an evening of award-winning choirs, majestic voices and Te Reo Maori in song. Both separately and together, Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir and the New Zealand Youth Choir delivered all this in a choral celebration of light … and much more.

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NZ Youth Choir and the Rolling Stones

NZ Youth Choir with the Rolling Stones at Mt Smart Stadium, Saturday, 22 November.

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NZ Festival Review. Sounds and Sweet Airs: Songs of Shakespare

Dominion Post Review

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Reviews of NZ Youth Choir with the Rolling Stones

“A grand ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ came enhanced by the New Zealand Youth Choir (ancient anthems a speciality clearly).” – The New Zealand Herald

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NZYC Principal Sponsor – Infratil

NZ Youth Choir’s Principal Sponsor, Infratil, is extending its sponsorship.

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Sol3 Mio talk NZYC with the BBC

Sol3 Mio talk about to the BBC on their history with the NZYC

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NEW Deep River CD

NZYC’s new CD, Deep River

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Texts of Programme Items – Dunedin and Christchurch Concerts

Texts of Programme for Dunedin and Christchurch Concerts

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Kilometre Barometer reaches New York!

Kilometre Barometer reaches New York! Thank you for your donations

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Start Spreading the News

NZ Youth Choir Tour of the USA and Canada 2013

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Wellington Earthquake Update

SHAKEN NOT STIRRED

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Auckland Arts Festival

Radio NZ Podcasts

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WAR REQUIEM

New Zealand Herald

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Little Britten – Auckland Arts Festival

New Zealand Herald

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New Zealand Youth Choir Ready for 2013

New members of 2013 NZ Youth Choir announced

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New Zealand Youth Choir national auditions.

Music Director, David Squire has been searching the country for new NZYC members.

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A Child of our Time – CBS Canterbury Arena

The Press

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Infratil are New Zealand Youth Choir’s new Principal Sponsor

Media Release announcing Infratil as NZ Youth Choir’s new Principal Sponsor

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NZYC at Hawke’s Bay Opera House, Hastings

Hawke’s Bay Today

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Karen Grylls hands on the baton

World-Renowned Choral Director Hands on Baton

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Fine Tune July 2018

No fewer than 6 NZYC Alumni are participating in this year’s Lexus Song Quest! The NZ Secondary Students Choir is performing this weekend in Auckland before they leave on their tour to Hong Kong and Shanghai. Also, an interview with NZYC tenor Peter Liley.

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Fine Tune Jan/Feb 2018

NZYC in Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland while Voices records soundtrack for music drama Flowing Water

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Fine Tune November 2017

2017 was an amazing year. We have big plans for 2018 – can you help us get to Invercargill?

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Fine Tune September 2017

VOICES presents The Unusual Silence – WWI wasn’t primarily a musical

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Fine Tune July 2017

VOICES launches new website – check out the new logo!

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Fine Tune April 2017

NZYC Live at ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington.

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Fine Tune February 2017

Latest news from our choirs – Voices launches first concert series.

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Fine Tune September 2016

Check out the latest news in the September edition of Fine Tune.

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Fine Tune June 2016

Check out the latest news from Choirs Aotearoa in the June 2016 edition of Fine Tune

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Fine Tune Special Edition May 2016

Fine Tune Special Edition May 2016

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Fine Tune April 2016

Fine Tune April 2016

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Fine Tune March 2016

Fine Tune March 2016

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Fine Tune February 2016

Fine Tune February 2016

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Fine Tune January 2016

Fine Tune January 2016

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Fine Tune November 2015

Fine Tune November 2015

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The Sharp Edge October 2015

The October 2015 edition of The Sharp Edge

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Fine Tune August 2015

Fine Tune August 2015

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Fine Tune June 2015

Fine Tune June 2015

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The Sharp Edge May 2015

The May 2015 edition of The Sharp Edge

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Fine Tune March 2015

Fine Tune March 2015 edition

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The Sharp Edge December 2014

The December 2014 edition of The Sharp Edge

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Fine Tune September 2014

Fine Tune – September 2014 edition

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Fine Tune July 2014

Fine Tune – July 2014 edition

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Fine Tune June 2014

Fine Tune – June 2014 edition

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Fine Tune March 2014

Fine Tune – March 2014 edition

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Fine Tune October 2013

Fine Tune – October 2013 edition

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The Sharp Edge September 2013

The September 2013 edition of The Sharp Edge

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Fine Tune July 2013

Fine Tune – July 2013 edition

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Fine Tune May 2013

Fine Tune – May 2013 edition

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Fine Tune January 2013

Fine Tune – January 2013 edition

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Fine Tune February 2013

Fine Tune – February 2013 edition

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The Sharp Edge December 2012

The December 2012 edition of The Sharp Edge

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Fine Tune September 2012

Fine Tune – September 2012 edition

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Fine Tune July 2012

Fine Tune – July 2012 edition

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Fine Tune June 2012

Fine Tune – June 2012 edition.

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The Sharp Edge November 2011

November 2011 edition of The Sharp Edge.

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Fine Tune March 2018

VOICES NZ celebrates 20 years by singing with The King’s Singers in Wellington and Auckland. NZYC’s tour in February was a resounding success

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Fine Tune December 2017

Read more about our upcoming events for 2018 – the LOVE VOICES package is now available!

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Fine Tune October 2017

VOICES welcomes spring with a programme of sumptuous French music – touring NZ

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Fine Tune August 2017

VOICES launches a new CD – Requiem for the Fallen.

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Fine Tune June 2017

NZYC – from Wellington to Waiheke – and a video of one of their ANZAC Day performances.

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Fine Tune March 2017

Meet the new choirs!

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Fine Tune December 2016

Fine Tune December 2016

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Fine Tune July 2016

Check out the latest news from Choirs Aotearoa in the July 2016 edition of Fine Tune

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Fine Tune May 2016

Fine Tune May 2016

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The Sharp Edge May 2016

The Sharp Edge May 2016

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Fine Tune Special Edition April 2016

Read the Fine Tune Special Edition, April 2016 here.

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The Sharp Edge March 2016

The March 2016 edition of The Sharp Edge

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Fine Tune February 2016 special edition

Fine Tune February 2016 special edition

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The Sharp Edge December 2015

The December 2015 edition of The Sharp Edge

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Fine Tune October 2015

Fine Tune – October 2015 edition

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Fine Tune September 2015

Fine Tune – September 2015 edition

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Fine Tune July 2015

Fine Tune July 2015

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Fine Tune May 2015

Fine Tune May 2015 edition

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Fine Tune April 2015

Fine Tune April 2015 edition

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Fine Tune February 2015

Fine Tune – February 2015 edition

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Fine Tune November 2014

Fine Tune – November 2014 edition.

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Fine Tune October 2014

Fine Tune – October 2014 edition.

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Fine Tune August 2014

Fine Tune – August 2014 edition

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The Sharp Edge September 2014

The September 2014 edition of The Sharp Edge

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The Sharp Edge May 2014

The May 2014 edition of The Sharp Edge

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Fine Tune November 2013

Fine Tune – November 2013 edition

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Fine Tune September 2013

Fine Tune – September 2013 edition

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Fine Tune August 2013

Fine Tune – August 2013 edition

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Fine Tune June 2013

Fine Tune – June 2013 edition

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The Sharp Edge April 2013

The April 2013 edition of The Sharp Edge

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Fine Tune March 2013

Fine Tune – March 2013 edition

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Fine Tune November 2012

Fine Tune – November 2012 edition

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Fine Tune October 2012

Fine Tune – October 2012 edition

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Fine Tune August 2012

Fine Tune – August 2012 edition

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The Sharp Edge – July 2012

The July 2012 edition of The Sharp Edge

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The Sharp Edge April 2012

April 2012 edition of The Sharp Edge

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The Sharp Edge August 2011

The August 2011 edition of The Sharp Edge

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Give the gift of music – Highlights of 2018

Take a look back at the best moments of 2018

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OPPORTUNITY: Arts Marketer – Parental Leave Cover

Join the team behind our national choirs!

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Our Te Ao Māori Journey

CANZ seeks to protect and honour the national taonga of Te Ao Māori both when we perform with our national choirs and in our day to day operations. We aim to: – increase our usage of Te Reo Māori in our daily operations, publications and concerts – publish an Interculturalism Policy – develop and enhance […]

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Fiona Wilson announced as CANZ Assistant Conductor

Meet our newest addition to the CANZ family!

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Meet our CANZ composer in residence!

Meet Fergus – the 2024 Composer in Residence at Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand! Originally from Taupō, Fergus Byett moved to Hamilton in 2019 to study Classical Performance (Piano) at the University of Waikato. With the support of a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship, he completed his undergraduate studies under Katherine Austin, and in 2023 he completed […]

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