City Choir Dunedin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids City Choir Dunedin |
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| Choir | |
City Choir Dunedin logo
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| Also known as | Dunedin Choral Society Incorporated |
| Former name |
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| Founded | October 1863 |
| Music director | David Burchell |
| Headquarters | Dunedin, New Zealand |
| Rehearsal space | Mornington Presbyterian Church |
| Affiliation | New Zealand Choral Federation |
| Associated groups |
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City Choir Dunedin is a group of singers in Dunedin, New Zealand. It's a mixed-voice choir, meaning it has both male and female singers. To join, you need to audition.
Singers of all ages from the Dunedin area can join. The choir performs big classical music pieces that feature many voices. When it first started, there were 45 members. By 2012, this number had grown to about 120 singers. The choir is part of the New Zealand Choral Federation (NZCF). This group helps promote great choral singing across New Zealand.
What Kind of Music Does the Choir Sing?
The City Choir Dunedin sings many types of classical music. This includes music from the Baroque period, the Classical period, and the Romantic period. They also perform modern New Zealand choral music.
The choir usually puts on four or five concerts each year. They often perform with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra. Sometimes, they also sing with other groups. These include the Dunedin Youth Orchestra and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. They also perform with other choirs, like the Christchurch City Choir.
How Did the Choir Start?
The choir has a long and interesting history. It began in October 1863 as the Dunedin Choral Society. Its first practice was on October 28, 1863. At first, it had 45 singers.
Over the years, the choir went through some changes. Sometimes it joined with other music groups. In 1889, the Dunedin Choral Society took a break. Many singers joined a special choir for the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition (1889).
In 1897, the Dunedin Choral Society started up again. It faced some challenges and stopped for a short time in 1913. But in June 1914, a new Dunedin Choral Society was formed. This choir has been performing ever since!
During the First World War, the choir kept performing. By 1939, it had about 80 members. In 1961, the Dunedin Concert Orchestra was formed. This orchestra often performed with the choir. This orchestra later became the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra.
The choir has changed its name a few times. In 1967, it became Schola Cantorum. Then, in 1993, it changed to City of Dunedin Choir. At the end of 2012, it became City Choir Dunedin. This new name was chosen just before its 150th birthday in 2013!
Many talented people have led the choir over the years. Some notable conductors include Sidney Wolf (1914–1922) and David Burchell, who has been leading the choir since 2000.
Official Status of the Choir
The City Choir Dunedin is an official group. On April 26, 1915, it became an "incorporated society." This means it's a legally recognized group.
On June 30, 2008, the choir also became a registered charity. This means it's a non-profit organization that does good work for the community.
