Profile

The City of Dunedin Choir has been entertaining audiences for nearly 150 years. The present-day choir, one of New Zealand’s oldest, 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, with a membership of around 45, compared with today’s
130. As befits a community choir, the Choir attracts people of all ages, from all walks of life, and from around the Otago region.

Over the years the choir has been led and inspired by many talented and dedicated musical directors and it is undoubtedly because of their drive and vision that are among the reasons for the choir’s longevity and success, combined with the commitment of singers, the hard work of committee members, audience support, and financial assistance from many sources.

As Dunedin’s leading exponent of large-scale choral works, the choir strives for the highest standards in performing the classics of the repertoire, such as Bach’s St Matthew Passion, and Christmas Oratorio, Handel’s Messiah, the Beethoven Ninth and Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius. In addition, the choir has performed major new compositions by New Zealand composers, such as Missa Pacifica by David Hamilton, performed in 2006.

• Works performed (17)