In this issue: Eric Whitacre in NZ in September 2022 / NZ composers recognised in the IFCM International Choral Composition Competition / Australian choral conference online / An ode to Zoom choir rehearsals / May Workshop postponed / John Rutter's Ukrainian Prayer
Dear <<First Name>>,
I hope you, your whānau, colleagues and choir members are keeping well as Omicron sweeps through the country. Although your choir rehearsals and other social activities may be on hold right now, we hope this month's eBreve brings a ray of light with events to look forward to and achievements to celebrate.
We're super-excited to share the news that Eric Whitacre is coming to New Zealand in September for performances in Auckland and Wellington, and are delighted to be working with Choirs Aotearoa on a discounted ticket deal for NZCF members. Speaking of choral composers, we're immensely proud of two of our best-known here in NZ - Chris Artley and David Hamilton - who have recently been honoured in a prestigious international competition.
Due to the Omicron outbreak, the popular NZCF Wellington May Workshop will not take place next month, but the good news is that a postponement date in October has been found and singers from around the country are warmly invited to take part. And if your own choir has suspended in-person rehearsals in favour of Zoom, you'll find lots to relate to ina humorous poem by one of our members, Julia Banks, on the challenges of online rehearsals.
Conferences, however, do work well online and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Choir directors might like to explore the sessions on offer at the Australian National Choral Association's conference later this month. Conductors may also be interested in a new work by John Rutter, which he is generously sharing as a response to the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine.
Anei tātou nā ko te pō, anā tātou nā he rā ki tua
Here we are in the night, but day is on the way (there is light at the end of the tunnel)!
Ngā nihi nui
Christine Argyle
Chief Executive New Zealand Choral Federation Te Kotahitanga Manu Reo o Aotearoa
An evening with Eric Whitacre Grammy Award-winning composer Eric Whitacre will grace our shores in September to conduct Voices NZ in performances of his recent work The Sacred Veil. NZCF Members will have an opportunity to purchase discounted tickets - details to come in the May edition of eBreve!
Awards for New Zealand composers Congratulations to Auckland-based composer Chris Artley, who has just won the World Choral Day category of the 5th IFCM International Choral Composition Competition with his piece On the Road of Life. David Hamilton also received special recognition for his Night Watch.
Attend the online ANCA conference You're invited to join the Australian National Choral Association's online conference, 29-30 April 2022, bringing together choral directors, music teachers, singers and researchers for a series of stimulating presentations.
An ode to Zoom choir rehearsals Julia Banks, a singer in one of our member choirs, the City of Auckland Singers, has penned a witty poem about the reality of Zoom rehearsals during this pandemic. We're sure you'll enjoy - and might also relate to - The Choir Director...
May Workshop postponed NZCF's popular May Workshop in Wellington has had to be postponed to a later date, due to the Omicron outbreak. Mark your diary for 7-8 October to rehearse and perform Carmina Burana with conductor Brent Stewart.
John Rutter's Ukrainian Prayer John Rutter has responded to the crisis in the Ukraine by writing a new choral work which he is making freely available to choirs around the world. Click through to watch him rehearsing the work or visit johnrutter.com for scores.
Advertisements and Vacancies
Choir folders, singers' masks, sheet music, instruments, and more
Hear the NZ Youth Choir in Wellington, Featherston, and Palmerston North, 23-25 April 2022
NZSSC performances in Wellington and Paraparaumu, 23-24 April 2022
Auckland-based chamber choir seeking new Administrator
WOSOSI in Wellington seeking new Choir Leader
Contemporary a cappella group seeking tenor or light baritone
