Wellington Youth Choir, in collaboration with Horomona Horo (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Taranaki), are delighted to present Puanga, the first concert of our 2025 season.

Dynamic, poignant, and spirited, Puanga explores the multifaceted identity of Aotearoa New Zealand through the mediums of te reo Māori and taonga pūoro. Named after the prominent star whose rising is recognised by many iwi as the start of the new year, Puanga is an evocation of the joy, passion, sorrow, and reverence that colours all life here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The concert features works by some of Aotearoa's most esteemed contemporary composers such as Takerei Komene (Ngāpuhi, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui), Reuben Rameka (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa) and Rosa Elliot, as well as works by incredible emerging composers such as Alice Carter (Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Ātihau) and Estella Wallace (Kai Tahu).

Accompanying the choir on taonga pūoro is composer and multi-instrumentalist Horomona Horo, one of Aotearoa's most prominent taonga pūoro practitioners and recent Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate. Horo's work with tāonga puoro is imbued with knowledge of these instruments' historic uses in Māori rites of passage, storytelling and daily life. His collaborations with Voices New Zealand, Gareth Farr, Nga Tae and Fat Freddy's Drop, alongside international tours with Moana and the Tribe, Canti Māori, and a performance at the World Music Expo have allowed Horo to extend his knowledge and skills accross a diverse range of musical genres.

The choir will be directed by Rowan Johnston, and accompanied on the piano by Nick Kovacev.

About Us

The Wellington Youth Choir is a self-run choir of around 60 singers aged between 17 and 27. The choir provides a fun and inclusive space for those with a passion for music and singing to be part of a high-calibre ensemble.

COVID/Wellness Safety Measures

Audience members are welcome to wear masks throughout the concert if in close proximity with others. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell to keep the choir and other audience members safe.

N.B. Door sales will be available, dependent on seating availability.

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