City of Dunedin Choir

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The City of Dunedin Choir exists for people of all ages and from all walks of life from the wider Dunedin community who share a common delight in singing large-scale classical choral works to the highest standards. The Choir's membership stands at around 120.

The City of Dunedin Choir, one of New Zealand's oldest community choirs, has been entertaining audiences around the region for nearly 150 years. The present-day choir traces its origins back to two choral groups, the Musical Union and the Choral Society, which were formed in 1863 and amalgamated the following year.

The name Dunedin Choral Society Incorporated was introduced a few years later. The Dunedin Choral Society changed its name to Schola Cantorum in 1967, upon merging with the University Union Choir, and then to City of Dunedin Choir in 1993, the year it celebrated 130 years of existence. However, through all these "trading name" changes, the legal entity remains Dunedin Choral Society Incorporated.

Photo of the City of Dunedin Choir with the Southern Sinfonia, conducted by David Burchell, performing Handel's Messiah in the Dunedin Town Hall, New Zealand, December 2003.

The choir's repertoire is extensive, encompassing the great Baroque, Romantic and Classical orchestral works, and including contemporary New Zealand choral music. The Choir is usually involved in four or five concerts a year, regularly performing with the Southern Sinfonia. Weekly rehearsals are held in the Crypt of St Paul's Cathedral on the Octagon in central Dunedin.

Vice-Regal Patronage

The Choir's immediate past Patron was the Hon. Dame Silvia Cartwright. According to the Choir's archives stored at the Hocken Library Mr H.S. Chapman, Supreme Court Judge, was Patron in 1878 and Governor, the Earl of Ranfurly, was Patron in 1898. The records also show that Sir Hercules Robinson, Governor from 1874 - 1880, attended several concerts during his time as Governor, but was not a patron.

The Musical Directors

Over the years the choir has been led and inspired by many talented and dedicated musical directors including Victor Galway, Vernon Griffiths, Alfred Walmsley, W.H. Walden Mills, Edgar Clayton, Peter Platt, Jack Spiers, Ken Smith, Peter Warwick, Raymond White, Judy Bellingham, Peter Adams and, currently, David Burchell.

Undoubtedly the drive and vision of its directors are among the reasons for the choir's longevity and success, combined with the commitment of singers, behind-the-scenes committee work, audience support, and financial assistance from national and local arts funding agencies, the Dunedin City Council, other local bodies, and community trusts, for which the choir is most grateful.

Email contact: info@cityofdunedinchoir.org.nz

Website: cityofdunedinchoir.org.nz