CONCERT PROGRAMME
Cantate Domino
Claudio Monteverdi
Die Himmel erzรคhlen die Ehre Gottes from The Creation (Hob. XXI:2)
Franz Joseph Haydn
Solo Ensemble: Chris Gale (soprano), Brydon Sundgren (tenor), Harry Neil (baritone)
Geistliches Lied
Johannes Brahms
Conductor: Fiona Wilson
Pianist: Soomin Kim
Fill my Life with Spring
David N. Childs
Bella Allan-Moetaua, soprano
Lascia ch’io pinaga from Rinaldo
George Frederic Handel
Voi che sapete from Le Nozze di Figaro
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Conductor: Elise Bradley, MNZM
Pianist/Organist: Francis Cowan
Kyrie Eleison from The Nelson Mass
Franz Joseph Haydn
Cantate Gloria
Alan Bullard
INTERMISSION
Gloria from Gloria in D Major
Antonio Vivaldi
Audience participation encouraged!
Soloists: Surprise Guests!
Laudamus Te from Gloria in D Major
Antonio Vivaldi
A Hymn to the Virgin
Benjamin Britten
Solo Ensemble: Stef Gibson-Muir (soprano), Elizabeth Ordelheide (alto), Brydon Sundgren (tenor), Harry Neil (bass)
O Fortuna from Carmina Burana
Carl Orff
Regina caeli
David Hamilton
Laumei Faiaga
Vaitogi Village people, arr. Elisha Faโi-Soโoialo
Gloria from The Coronation Mass
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Solo Ensemble: Angela Taverner (soprano), Lexi Byram (alto), John Heritage (tenor), Humphrey Pullon (bass)
Bridal Chorus Opera Chorus from Lohengrin
Richard Wagner
Cantus Gloriosus
Jรณsef ลwider
Please join us in the Cathedral’s Fellowship Hall after the concert for Supper
PROGRAMME NOTES
Cantate Domino – Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)
Claudio Monteverdi’s “Cantate Domino” is a radiant and uplifting motet that exemplifies the composer’s innovative approach to sacred music during the early Baroque period. This piece is characterized by its joyful and exuberant proclamation of praise, as reflected in the text “Sing to the Lord a new song.” Monteverdi’s skillful use of vocal interplay and harmonic richness creates a vibrant tapestry of sound that captures the spirit of celebration and devotion. The motet’s dynamic contrasts and expressive melodies showcase Monteverdi’s ability to blend traditional polyphonic techniques with the emerging Baroque style, making “Cantate Domino” a timeless and inspiring work. [text translation]
Die Himmel erzรคhlen die Ehre Gottes from The Creation (Hob. XXI:2) – Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
“Die Himmel erzรคhlen die Ehre Gottes” from Franz Joseph Haydn’s oratorio “The Creation” (Hob. XXI:2) is a majestic and uplifting chorus that celebrates the glory of God’s creation. Based on Psalm 19, this movement opens Part I of the oratorio with a powerful proclamation of divine magnificence, as the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork. Haydn’s masterful use of choral and orchestral forces creates a vivid and awe-inspiring soundscape, reflecting the grandeur and order of the universe. The dynamic contrasts and intricate harmonies in this piece exemplify Haydn’s ability to convey profound spiritual themes through his music, making it a highlight of the oratorio. [text translation]
Geistliches Lied – Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Johannes Brahms’ “Geistliches Lied” (Op. 30), composed in 1856, is a serene and contemplative choral work set to a text by Paul Flemming. This piece, written for four-part mixed chorus and organ, is notable for its intricate double canon structure, showcasing Brahms’ mastery of counterpoint. The text, which speaks of trust in God’s will and the acceptance of fate, is beautifully complemented by Brahms’ rich harmonies and flowing melodic lines. The work’s reflective character and the final, resounding “Amen” create a profound sense of peace and spiritual solace, making “Geistliches Lied” a timeless gem in the choral repertoire. [text translation]
Kyrie Eleison from The Nelson Mass – Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
The “Kyrie Eleison” movement from Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Nelson Mass” (Missa in Angustiis) opens with dramatic intensity in D minor, featuring foreboding fanfares (originally set on the trumpet) and powerful choral cries of “Lord, have mercy.” This movement sets a solemn and urgent tone, reflecting the turbulent times during which Haydn composed the mass. The music transitions to a brighter F major at “Christe Eleison.” Haydn’s masterful use of dynamic contrasts and expressive melodies in this movement exemplifies his ability to convey deep emotional and spiritual themes through his music. Kyrie Eleison translates to ‘Lord have mercy’.
Cantate Gloria – Alan Bullard (b.1947)
Alan Bullard’s “Cantate Gloria,” composed in 1999, is a majestic and festive anthem for SATB choir. The piece begins with an insistent, syncopated rhythm in the tenors and basses, creating a lively and engaging foundation. This is followed by a vigorous imitative section involving all four voices, showcasing Bullard’s skillful use of vocal interplay. The opening rhythmic pattern returns to bring the anthem to a triumphant close. Cantate Gloria translates to “Sing Glory”.
Gloria, 1st movement from Gloria in D Major – Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
A shrewd musical entrepreneur, Antonio Vivaldi was a violin virtuoso, a teacher of music, and a versatile composer who wrote concerti, opera and everything in between. He was also a priest, which earned him the nickname, โThe Red Priestโ, referring also to his hair.
Many of Vivaldiโs works were lost for a century after his death. Then, a collection was discovered in an unopened cabinet behind a cathedral organ in Dresden. In 1926, a further collection was discovered in an Italian monastery. It was this latter collection which gave us the now-famous ‘Gloriaโ (RV589).
The first movement, titled “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” bursts forth with exuberant energy and joy. This opening chorus sets the tone for the entire work with its lively rhythms, bright orchestration, and jubilant choral writing. The movement features a spirited interplay between the orchestra and choir, creating a sense of celebration and divine praise. Vivaldi’s use of contrasting dynamics and textures adds to the movement’s vibrant character, making it an uplifting and memorable introduction to this beloved Baroque masterpiece.
A Hymn to the Virgin – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Benjamin Britten’s “A Hymn to the Virgin,” composed in 1930 when Britten was just 16 years old, is a poignant and beautiful macaronic carol that blends Latin and English texts. This unaccompanied choral work, one of Britten’s earliest surviving pieces of church music, showcases his remarkable talent for creating evocative and expressive vocal lines. The hymn’s serene and contemplative character, coupled with its intricate harmonies, reflects Britten’s deep reverence for the Virgin Mary and his ability to convey profound spiritual themes through music.
O Fortuna from Carmina Burana – Carl Orff (1895-1982)
“O Fortuna,” the opening movement of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” is one of the most iconic and powerful pieces in the choral repertoire. Composed in 1935-36, this dramatic and intense chorus captures the capricious nature of fate, as depicted in the medieval Latin text. The music’s relentless rhythm, thunderous percussion, and soaring vocal lines create a sense of urgency and foreboding, reflecting the unpredictable and often cruel twists of fortune. Orff’s masterful orchestration and dynamic contrasts make “O Fortuna” a thrilling and unforgettable experience, resonating with audiences through its elemental power and emotional depth. [text translation]
Gloria from The Coronation Mass – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
The “Gloria” from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Coronation Mass” (K. 317) is a jubilant and rich movement that exemplifies the celebratory nature of this mass. Composed in 1779 for the Easter Day service at Salzburg Cathedral, the original orchestration for “Gloria” features bright, festive instrumentation, including trumpets and timpani, which add to its majestic character. The movement is marked by its lively rhythms and dynamic contrasts, with the choir and accompanists engaging in a spirited dialogue that conveys a sense of exaltation and divine praise. Mozart’s masterful blending of lyrical melodies and intricate counterpoint in this movement highlights his exceptional skill in creating music that is both deeply expressive and structurally sophisticated. [text translation]
Bridal Chorus, Opera Chorus from Lohengrin – Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
Richard Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus,” from his 1850 opera “Lohengrin,” is one of the most iconic and widely recognized pieces of music associated with weddings. Often referred to as “Here Comes the Bride,” this chorus is sung by the women of the bridal party as they accompany Elsa to the wedding chapel. The music’s serene and majestic character, with its flowing melodies and rich harmonies, perfectly captures the joy and solemnity of the occasion. Wagner’s masterful orchestration and the chorus’s lyrical beauty have made the “Bridal Chorus” a timeless favorite for wedding ceremonies around the world. [text translation]
Cantus Gloriosus – Jรณsef ลwider (1930-2014)
Jรณsef ลwider’s “Cantus Gloriosus” is a vibrant and uplifting choral work that showcases the composer’s skillful use of harmony and texture. Written for SATB choir, this piece is characterized by its dynamic contrasts and rhythmic vitality, creating a sense of joyous celebration. The interplay between the vocal lines and the rich harmonic language reflects ลwider’s deep understanding of choral writing, making “Cantus Gloriosus” a compelling and engaging addition to the choral repertoire. [text translation]
All songs performed by Choralation will be described in-person by the director at their discretion
TEXT TRANSLATIONS
Cantate Domino
Cantate Domino canticum novum
cantate et benedicite nomine eius
quia mirabilia fecit.
Sing to the Lord a new song;
Sing and bless His name,
Because He has performed miracles.
Cantate et exultate et psallite
in cythara et voce psalmi
quia mirabilia fecit.
Sing, and exalt, and play
On the harp and with the voice of a psalm,
Because He has performed miracles.
Die Himmel erzรคhlen
CHOIR:
Die Himmel erzรคhlen die Ehre Gottes,
Und seiner Hรคnde Werk
Zeigt an das Firmament.
CHOIR:
The heavens are telling the glory of God.
The wonder of his works depicts the ๏ฌrmament.
GABRIEL, URIEL, RAPHAEL:
Dem kommenden Tage sagt es der Tag,
Die Nacht, dte verschwand der folgenden Nacht:
GABRIEL, URIEL, RAPHAEL:
Today, that is coming, speaks it the day, the night, that is gone, to following night.
CHOIR:
Die Himmel erzahlen die Ehre Gottes,
Und seiner Hรคnde Werk
Zeigt an das Firmament.
CHOIR:
The heavens are telling the glory of God.
The wonder of his works depicts the ๏ฌrmament.
GABRIEL, URIEL, RAPHAEL:
In alle Welt ergeht das Wort,
Jedem Ohre klingend,
Keiner Zunge fremd:
GABRIEL, URIEL, RAPHAEL:
In the all the land resounds the Word.
The heavens are telling the glory of God.
The wonder of his works depicts the ๏ฌrmament
CHOIR:
Die Himmel erzรคhlen die Ehre Gottes,
Und seiner Hรคnde Werk
Zeigt an das Firmament.
CHOIR:
The heavens are telling the glory of God.
The wonder of his works depicts the ๏ฌrmament.
Geistliches Lied
Laร dich nur nichts nicht dauren mit Trauren,
sei stille, wie Gott es fรผgt,
so sei vergnรผgt mein Wille!
Let nothing keep you in affliction,
be at peace, as God has ordained,
so shall joyfully be my will!
Was willst du heute sorgen auf Morgen?
Der Eine steht allem fรผr,
der gibt auch dir das Deine.
Why be concerned today about tomorrow?
The One takes care of all;
he also gives you your due.
Sei nur in allem Handel ohn Wandel,
steh feste, was Gott beschleuรt,
das ist und heiรt das Beste.
In all your affairs be unchanged,
hold fast, what God decides,
is and means the best.
Amen.
Amen.
O Fortuna, from Carmina Burana
O Fortuna
velut luna
statu variabilis,
semper crescis
aut decrescis;
vita detestabilis
nunc obdurat
et tunc curat
ludo mentis aciem,
egestatem,
potestatem
dissolvit ut glaciem.
O Fortune,
like the moon
you are changeable,
ever waxing
ever waning;
hateful life
first oppresses
and then soothes
playing with mental clarity;
poverty
and power
it melts them like ice.
Sors immanis
et inanis,
rota tu volubilis,
status malus,
vana salus
semper dissolubilis,
obumbrata
et velata
michi quoque niteris;
nunc per ludum
dorsum nudum
fero tui sceleris.
Fate โ monstrous
and empty,
you whirling wheel,
you are malevolent,
devoid of security
and ever fading to nothing,
shadowed
and veiled
you plague me too;
now through the game
I bring my bare back
to your villainy.
Sors salutis
et virtutis
michi nunc contraria,
est affectus
et defectus
semper in angaria.
Hac in hora
sine mora
corde pulsum tangite;
quod per sortem
sternit fortem,
mecum omnes plangite
Fate, in health
and virtue
is against me,
driven on
and weighted down,
always enslaved.
So at this hour
without delay
pluck the vibrating strings;
since Fate
strikes down the strong,
everyone weep with me!
Gloria, from the Coronation Mass
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth to men of good will.
Laudamus te, benedicimus te,
Adoramus te, glorificamus te.
We praise you, we bless you,
We worship you, we glorify you.
Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam.
We give you thanks for Your great glory.
Domine Deus, Rex coelestis,
Deus Pater omnipotens.
Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe.
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris.
Lord God, King of Heaven,
God the Father Almighty.
Lord only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father.
Qui tollis peccata mundi,
Miserere nobis.
Qui tollis peccata mundi,
Suscipe deprecationem nostram.
Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris,
miserere nobis.
You who take away the sin of the world,
Have mercy on us.
You who take away the sin of the world,
Hear our prayer.
You who sit at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us.
Quoniam tu solus sanctus, tu solus Dominus,
Tu solus altissimus, Jesu Christe.
Cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris, Amen.
For you alone are holy, you alone are Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ.
With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father, Amen.
Bridal Chorus, Opera Chorus from Lohengrin
Treulich gefรผhrt ziehet dahin,
wo euch der Segen der Liebe bewahr’!
Siegreicher Mut, Minnegewinn
eint euch in Treue zum seligsten Paar.
Streiter der Tugend, schreite voran!
Zierde der Jugend, schreite voran!
Rauschen des Festes seid nun entronnen,
Wonne des Herzens sei euch gewonnen!
Faithfully guided, draw near
to where the blessing of love shall preserve you!
Triumphant courage, the reward of love,
joins you in faith as the happiest of couples!
Champion of virtue, proceed!
Jewel of youth, proceed!
Flee now the splendour of the wedding feast,
may the delights of the heart be yours!
Duftender Raum, zur Liebe geschmรผckt,
nehm’ euch nun auf, dem Glanze entrรผckt.
Treulich gefรผhrt ziehet nun ein,
wo euch der Segen der Liebe bewahr’!
Siegreicher Mut, Minne so rein
eint euch in Treue zum seligsten Paar.
This sweet-smelling room, decked for love,
now takes you in, away from the splendour.
Faithfully guided, draw now near
to where the blessing of love shall preserve you!
Triumphant courage, love so pure,
joins you in faith as the happiest of couples!
Wie Gott euch selig weihte,
zu Freude weihn euch wir;
In Liebesglรผcks Geleite
denkt lang’ der Stunde hier!
As God hath blessedly consecrated you,
We consecrate you to joy;
Attended by love’s bliss,
Think long upon the present hour!
Treulich bewacht bleibet zurรผck,
wo euch der Segen der Liebe bewahr’!
Siegreicher Mut, Minne und Glรผck
eint euch in Treue zum seligsten Paar.
Streiter der Tugend, bleibe daheim!
Zierde der Jugend, bleibe daheim!
Rauschen des Festes seid nun entronnen,
Wonne des Herzens sei euch gewonnen!
Faithfully guarded, remain behind
where the blessing of love shall preserve you!
Triumphant courage, love and happiness
join you in faith as the happiest of couples.
Champion of virtue, remain here!
Jewel of youth, remain here!
Flee now the splendows of the wedding feast,
may the delights of the heart be yours!
Duftender Raum, zur Liebe geschmรผckt,
nehm’ euch nun auf, dem Glanze entrรผckt.
Treulich gefรผhrt ziehet nun ein,
wo euch der Segen der Liebe bewahr’!
Siegreicher Mut, Minne so rein
eint euch in Treue zum seligsten Paar.
This sweet-smelling room, decked for love,
now takes you in, away from the splendour.
Faithfully guided, draw now near
to where the blessing of love shall preserve you!
Triumphant courage, love so pure,
joins you in faith as the happiest of couples!
Cantus Gloriosus
Alleluja
Laudate Dominum
Tu solus sanctus
Tu solus Dominus
Tu solus Altissimus
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
You alone are holy
You alone are Lord
You alone are the Most High
BIOGRAPHIES
Elise Bradley, MNZM
A passionate musician, award-winning conductor, and internationally respected educator, adjudicator and clinician, Elise Bradley served for many years as the HOD Music at Westlake Girlsโ High School in Auckland, New Zealand, where she founded the schoolโs internationally renowned choir, Key Cygnetures. She directed the New Zealand Secondary Studentsโ Choir from 2001-2007, which won numerous national and international awards. She was also a soloist and member of New Zealandโs National Chamber Choir, Voices New Zealand from 1998 – 2010. In January 2018, Ms. Bradley was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM), an honour awarded in recognition of her services to Music, and just recently in March 2025 it was announced that she is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal in honour of her services to childrenโs music education in Canada.
Elise repatriated home to New Zealand at the end of 2021, after 14ยฝ years as the Artistic Director of the Toronto Childrenโs Chorus. During her tenure, the Chorus recorded professionally, commissioned Canadian compositions, collaborated with numerous international and national artists, and represented Toronto and Canada on nine international and four national tours. Ms. Bradley has also received many invitations to conduct, adjudicate choirs, and present at conferences around the globe. Since her return to New Zealand, Elise has co-founded the company “Choral DirectioNZ” and the New Zealand Childrenโs Choral Academy, and has completed a number of Kodรกly Music Certificates for her return to the primary music classroom. She currently co-conducts Choirs Aotearoa New Zealandโs Aotearoa Academy Choir, is the Music Director of the NZCCA Senior Choir and Takapuna Grammar Schoolโs Leonessa, all of which won gold awards at the World Choir Games 2024 in Auckland. She is also the Music Director of the Hamilton Civic Choir, Nota Bella Junior Choir at Westlake Girls’ High School, and the Ficino Primary Choirs.
Francis Cowan
Francis Cowan studied piano with Ruby Campbell and then Judith Clark at Victoria University. Following completion of his degree in Piano Performance, he trained at Wellington Teachers College where he continued to major in music.
Francis was appointed Director of Music at St Mark’s Church School in 1989.
In 1994, Francis moved to Hamilton inspired by the respected tradition of music at Southwell School. At Southwell, he trained the Boys’ Choir to international standards and devoted himself to achieving the highest possible level in all aspects of the annual Opera. This included designing and painting the sets and overseeing the artistic direction.
In 2009, Francis was appointed Director of Music at St Paul’s Collegiate School expanding his teaching experience into senior Cambridge and NCEA classes.
Following two years splitting time between St Paul’s Collegiate as Director of Vocal Performance and Norah Howell Fellow Piano Accompanist for the University of Waikato, Francis was appointed as full time Head of Collaborative Piano at the University in 2015. He has enjoyed a busy schedule of coaching and accompaniment for voice and instrumental students. He re-joined the team of pianists for the New Zealand Opera School in 2021, and re-joined Hamilton Civic Choir as collaborative pianist in 2025.
Choralation
Choralation is the premier mixed choir of Westlake Girls and Boys High Schools. Established in 2005, it has become one of New Zealandโs leading high school choirs. The ensemble performs across the country at regional and national NZCF festivals and has collaborated with professional organisations on numerous occasions. Performance highlights include singing at the New Zealander of the Year Awards, multiple concerts with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, serving as the guest choir with Voices New Zealand at Sing Aotearoa, and performing with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in the Doctor Who Spectacular. Choralation has also featured in the TV series Shortland Street, performed at the New Zealand film premiere of A Christmas Carol, and recorded its own CD.
Internationally, Choralation has toured England, Scotland, Singapore, Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Italy, earning top accolades at prestigious competitions. Notably, the choir won gold at the Summa Cum Laude Festival in 2014, performing in the renowned Viennese Musikverein concert hall. In 2018, they toured Italy and had the honor of singing a Mass at St. Peterโs Basilica in Vatican City.
Since 2023, Choralation has been directed by Fiona Wilson, Head of Music at Westlake Girls High School. Under her leadership, the choir has continued to captivate audiences. At the 2024 Interkultur World Choir Games, Choralation won Gold Medals in the Championship divisions for Youth Choir and Sacred Music a cappella. To showcase New Zealand music during the World Choir Games, Choralation performed with eight other choirs in Matariki He Kahui Reo – a world premiere, sung entirely in Te Reo.
Choralation are consistently Gold Award winners at The Big Sing Finale, New Zealandโs national choral competition, and have received notable accolades such as the Auahi Kore Performance Award for Best Performance of a piece in Te Reo Mฤori and the Hutt City Trophy for Best Performance of a New Zealand Composition.
Choralationโs musical team includes collaborative pianist Soomin Kim and vocal tutor and consultant James Harrison. Together, they foster growth by exploring challenging repertoire, emphasizing healthy vocal production, and developing musicianship. Their goal is to inspire singers to discover vocal color, enhance communication, and build confidence.
Recent collaborations include performing with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Auckland Chamber Choir, as well as contributing to film projects. Most notably, the choir recorded soundtracks and appeared as extras in the recently released New Zealand film Tinฤ. The film’s storyline was inspired by Choralationโs viral 2013 performance of a Samoan pese and siva medley at The Big Sing Finale. Last month, Choralation had the honor of performing at the filmโs premiere at Aucklandโs Civic Theatre.
Fiona Wilson
Fiona Wilson is a conductor and educator from Auckland, New Zealand. She is the Head of Music at Westlake Girls High School, where she directs two of the school’s award-winning choirs, Cantare and Choralation.
Under her leadership, choirs have achieved outstanding success at national and international festivals, including the Bali International Choir Festival, Interkultur World Choir Games, ANCA National Conference, ChoralFest, and the Brisbane Aspire Music Festival. Her ensembles have consistently won Gold and Best Performance awards at The Big Sing, New Zealandโs premier regional and national choral competition.
A strong advocate for collaboration, Fiona regularly works with leading arts organisations. Her choirs have performed with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Choral, Auckland Chamber Choir, North Shore Brass Band, and the Toronto Childrenโs Chorus. In 2022, Elise Bradley and Fiona founded the Treble Voices Festivals in Auckland, providing young singers with the opportunity to learn from esteemed choral clinicians, perform in a massed choir, and showcase their own choirโs repertoire. Since its inception, the festival has expanded to include both junior and senior events, with Fiona also serving as a guest clinician.
In 2023, Fiona was selected as one of eight international conductors for the Masterclass Program at the World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul. Under the mentorship of Dr. Karen Grylls, she served as Assistant Conductor for Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand in 2024. This year, she is honored to be invited as the adjudicator for the NZCF The Kids Sing Festival in Auckland. As a soprano with the Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir, Fiona continues to refine her artistry and passion for choral music.
Soomin Kim
Soomin Kim is a pianist and organist based in Auckland. She frequently works with singers and in particular enjoyed performing in New Zealand Opera’s recent productions of Mansfield Park. Other recent highlights include Die tote Stadt and Dame Cath Tizard State Memorial with the Auckland Philharmonia, and working on NZO’s Red! as the rรฉpรฉtiteur.
Born in Korea, she began learning the piano at the age of six and continued after moving to New Zealand at age 15. She obtained LTCL Piano Recital under the tutelage of Denise Hull in Tauranga, then went on to study at the University of Auckland under Stephen De Pledge. During her studies she was selected as a Haydn Staples Piano Scholar, which involved concerti and chamber music performances with Auckland Phil and coaching from internationally renowned pianists.
Bella Allan-Moetaua
Bella Allan-Moetaua is a classical singer who is in her second year of a conjoint degree at the University of Auckland, She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice with Dr. Morag Atchison, and for a Bachelor of Arts in Mฤori Studies.
Throughout her life, Bella has sung in multiple prestigious choirs, including the Toronto Children’s Chorus, the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir and the choirs at Westlake Girls and Boys High Schools. She was a member and soloist of the treble choir, Cantare from 2020-2023 and of the mixed choir, Choralation from 2021-2023. In her final school year she was also the Choralation leader. Her choral journey has taken her to both national and international stages, fostering a deep passion for ensemble singing and musical collaboration.
A strong advocate for the power of choral music, Bella has performed in many festivals and competitions, contributing to award-winning performances at The Big Sing, The World Choir Games, and other national and international choral festivals. In 2023 she won first prize in the national Sounz-NZCF Te Reo Choral Composition Award. She has been a member of the Auckland Youth Choir and is now singing in the Auckland Chamber Choir.
With a lifelong love for singing and a commitment to cultural and musical excellence, Bella aspires to continue developing her craft, sharing her voice in diverse musical settings – such as appearing as the solo soprano with Choralation in the movie, Tinฤ – and inspiring others through the art of choral and solo performance.
CHOIR MEMBERS
Hamilton Civic Choir
Sopranos
Amanda Wood
Angela Taverner
Bianca Verdonk
Chris Gale
Helen Forlong
Holly Hampson-Tindale
Jo Arthur
Karen Johnson
Kate Lethbridge
Lis Wilson
Meryl Nicol
Ocean Daniel
Stef Gibson-Muir
Stephanie Heeley
Susan Woodhouse
Altos
Charlotte Falloon*
Diana Scruby
Elizabeth Ordelheide
Esther Termaat
Julie Poot
Laura Duntsch
Lexi Byram
Lisette Ingram
Liz Carpenter
Liz Phillips
Stephanie Grinter
Tammy Wong
Tara Jeory
Theresa Guzzo
Tiffany Sayer
Tracey Hockey
Tenors
Brydon Sundgren
Christoph Maubach
Hans van den Dolder
Iele Ieremia
John Heritage
Basses
Brandon Fletcher-McLaughlin
Chris Glassey
Conall O’Toole
Greg Morton
Harry Neil
Humphrey Pullon
Isaac Albery
Jamie Spooner
Stephen Adams
Tony Antoniadis
*Member not singing in the current concert
Choralation
Girls
Fay Ajjam
Jaymie Chee
Kaylie Chen
Ece Dalgic*
Miriam Hong
Bella Howard
Lydia Hwang*
Aroha James*
Hannah Kay
Grace Kelly
Minnie Kim*
Olivia Liu
Jun Lu
Keira McAven
Abi Mitchell
Alice Oh
Fleur Perez
Charlotte Smith
Hannah Smith
Vydella Tamihana
Mel Teulilo
Annie Yang
Kaylan Young
Elaine Zhou
Boys
Jay Anderson
Hamish Bailey
Jayden Chae
Ishaan Chandra
Toby Cunningham
Nathan Davies
Yashila Dharmapala
Othniel Dones
Leo Dong
Max Dunlop
Leo Fabricius
Matteo Fossi
Ignacio Hitchcock
Bobby Huang
Sihyun Jang
Shan Liu
Constantine Mataafa
James Oandasan
Ethan Paloma
Hugh Reid
Aaron Shi
Bert Su
Sam Tesimale
Josh Wilson
Shawn Zhou
*Member not singing in the current concert
UPCOMING EVENTS
| Concert: | When: | Where: |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Concert 2: Follow the Star Collaboration with Young Women’s Choral Projects of San Francisco | Saturday 28 June @ 7:00 PM | St Peterโs Cathedral, Hamilton |
| 2025 Concert 3: Missae Splendore Double concert collaboration with two Waikato-BOP choirs (Hamilton Civic Choir, Rotorua District Choir) | Saturday 20 Sept @ 4:00 PM Sunday 21 Sept @ 4:00 PM | Rotorua (20 Sept) Hamilton (21 Sept) |
| 2025 Concert 4: Sounds of Splendour | Sunday 7 December @ 5:00 PM | Hamilton |
SPECIAL THANKS
Sincere thanks to our generous donors:
Margaret Fairhurst
Sue Collinge
Kath Des Forges
The Hamilton Civic Choir committee would like to especially thank:
- Choir members and friends involved in staging set up and take down, which involves coming early and staying late โ and beyond
- Choir members who have volunteered their skills to help supply our after-concert supper, as well as those who help with setting up ahead of time and cleaning up afterwards
- Dr Karen Grylls for her help in preparing the choir for this concert
- All the members of the choir for their enthusiasm and hard work in preparing for the concert โ without their commitment and involvement, there would be no choir
Weโre grateful to our supporters for making this concert possible:
Our Front of House Team volunteers
Our Family & Friends ๐
SUPPORT US
Give A Little
Did you know that the Hamilton Civic Choir has a Give A Little page? Any donations of over $5 are eligible for a NZ charitable giving tax credit.
If youโd like to donate, please click the button, or you can visit our Give A Little page.
Hamilton Civic Choir Foundation
The enduring purpose of the Foundation is to assist the Hamilton Civic Choir to perform quality music to a high standard for inspiration and enjoyment of audiences and performers alike. The Foundation holds an endowment fund which generates income to provide Hamilton Civic Choir with support for special projects and back up for unforeseen circumstances.
Donations to the Foundation qualify for a tax rebate as it is registered as a charitable organization. If you would like to make a donation and/or bequest to the Hamilton Civic Choir Foundation please contact:
Hamilton Civic Choir Foundation
PO Box 824
Hamilton 3240
KEEP IN TOUCH
Join our email list
Want to make sure you don’t miss a concert? Then sign up for our email list on Mailchimp!
We promise that only a handful of emails are sent out each year, such as notices about our concerts or special choral opportunities.
We need your feedback!
How did we do? Do help us and fill out a quick and easy Audience Experience Survey โ your feedback is important to us.
- There are only 8 multiple choice questions
- The form doesn’t collect emails
- Your feedback helps us when we apply for grants which, in turn, provide funding for concerts โ that means you, too, can play a role in continuing to bring quality choral performances to the greater Waikato and beyond
Thank you for your input!
Hamilton Civic Choir 