Who’s Involved

Meet the faces of the Festival

The plan to have an annual schools choral festival inviting international choirs to New Zealand developed from a 2007 conversation between Owen Sharpe, now Festival Director, and David Hamilton, the Musical Director.

Professor Karen Grylls subsequently lent her considerable name to the festival, helping to ensure its success.

Faye Dumont, the founding president of the Australian Choral Association, has also kindly agreed to come and help with the adjudication and feedback of the competition.

Peter Watts is now a freelance musician having served as the Music Director of Auckland Choral for 20 years.  He brings a huge depth of experience and his considerable reputation to the professional team.

Melanie Curtis is an experienced arts administrator and is a former member of David Hamilton’s school choir Opus.

We have a large attractive venue for the competition in Auckland’s Cathedral.  We have keen New Zealand host choirs and schools.

We plan to provide your choirs with a unique and wonderful choral experience in beautiful New Zealand.

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