The SOUTH AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY INC. is a four part choir that meets weekly to rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm in Crossroads Methodist Church, Broadway, Papakura, New Zealand. Three concerts are usually performed each year, with guest soloists and conductors.
Singers come from a wide area - from Auckland through to Te Kauwhata in the south and coast-to-coast from Waiuku across to Clevedon. With the recent introduction of a scholarship scheme to encourage young people in choral singing, ages now range from 16 through to 70-plus, with most in the middle-age group. Young and old enjoy singing together in the various types of music presented. The choices range from serious classical to light-hearted pop.
Numbers vary from 60-80 singers, depending on the work being rehearsed and (it has to be confessed) the winter weather! During the past 30 years over 110 programmes have been presented in centres as far apart as Whangarei and Napier.
Anyone in the 16-25 year age group who would like to consider an application for a scholarship is welcome to apply by contacting the secretary, Contact Us or download an Application Form An audition will be held and the applicant's interest and ability in music are discussed with the Musical Director.
New members are welcome; the Musical Director, Myra Smith, auditions new members and encourages them to develop their musical skills.
Click here for Coming Events
Recent Performances
In 2010:
In Praise of Music: Purcell's "Welcome to all the pleasures" , Handel's "Ode on St Cecilia's Day" and David Hamilton's "And Music's Power Obey". Conducted by Peter Watts.
In 2009:
Handel's "Messiah" conducted by John Rosser.
"Feathers & Thyme" conducted by Neil Guyan.
Magnificats by Vivaldi and John Rutter conducted by Mark Rosser.
In 2008:
Fauré's Requiem and The Armed Man - a Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins, conducted by Iain Tetley and performed in the Auckland Town Hall with the Franklin Community Choir and Sing Waiheke with soloists and the St Matthew's Chamber Orchestra.
"Pom-tiddledy-Pom" - a light-hearted programme of English songs conducted by Mark Rosser.
"Sounds Like Christmas" - a programme of Christmas music performed in association with Papakura City Brass, conducted by Myra Smith and Ian Levien.
In 2007:
"A Night at the Opera" conducted by John Rosser.
Vivaldi's Gloria and Duruflé's Requiem conducted by Iain Tetley.
Christmas music including "Christmas Crackers", a commissioned work composed and conducted by David Hamilton.
In 2006:
Mozart's Missa Brevis and Solemn Vespers conducted by Mark Rosser.
Carmina Burana conducted by Iain Tetley.
"Twas the Night Before Christmas" devised and conducted by Myra Smith.