The Hamilton Civic Choir is a well-established contributor to the musical life of the Waikato, each year presenting four concerts from the classical choral repertoire. Due to generous sponsorship, high quality music-making and good support from local music-lovers, the choir is in good heart, both musically and financially. In 2006, our 60th anniversary year, Hamilton Civic Choir launched the Hamilton Civic Choir Associate Artist Award to do our part in supporting the future of fine music-making in this region.
Conditions of award
A. There are two awards each offered in alternate years:
- Tertiary Students Award (Age 18+) for students studying at University or Polytechnic (A Major in Music is not obligatory): a grant of $1500
- Secondary School Students Award (13-18 years): a grant of $800
B. There will be one award per year, alternating between the Tertiary and Secondary Students award in each consecutive year, starting with the Tertiary Award in 2006.The award will be decided by audition and an interview. The panel will include the Musical Director of the choir, the choir Accompanist and one external adjudicator.
C. The successful candidate will be named the Associate Artist (AA) of the Hamilton Civic Choir (HCC) for that particular year. The AA will make themselves available for up to two solo performances as part of the Civic Choir concert series for the year the award is held, and will agree to one further performance as soloist within the next five years, at the invitation of the HCC. (The choir accompanist will be available for an AA requiring a pianist, and the performance material will be mutually decided by the HCC and the AA.)
HCC may also professionally engage an AA (particularly singers) as soloist in future concerts, under separate arrangements from the solo performance requirements of the award. The HCC will pay reasonable travel costs (within New Zealand) associated with performances with the choir.
D. The HCC Associate Artist Award is open to singers and players of all instruments, although the nature of the Civic Choir repertoire suggests that classical performances would be more suitable. All performers resident within New Zealand for at least the 12 months following the award are encouraged to apply.
Interested musicians should contact the The Secretary, Hamilton Civic Choir by mail (P.O. Box 824, Hamilton) or email: for further information and application forms. sApplications for the award close at 5 p.m. on March 31. Candidates will be advised of audition times in writing after that date.
