New Zealand’s internationally awarded national choir for secondary school singers is coming to perform in Wānaka for the first time since 2014. 

Bringing their infectious joy for music-making to Lake Wānaka Centre, the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir (NZSSC) will present a wide range of music from classical choral to gospel, jazz, modern, and music from New Zealand and the Pacific. 

The choir’s repertoire will include songs from American choral rock star Eric Whitacre, Latvia’s Ēriks Ešenvalds, 17th century Italian composer Antonio Lotti, New Zealand works by David N. Childs and a waiata with actions from Christchurch’s Puanaki whānau. 

The choir of 53 singers is selected at nationwide auditions to join the NZSSC for a two-year cycle. 

There have been a few Central Otago NZSSC members over the years, and the region has been well-represented through Clyde resident Carole Randall - NZSSC student welfare manager for over 10 years.

Carole, who runs a small choir in Clyde and has been part of the NZ Choral Federation and the Otago Big Sing competition over many years, is excited that the choir is back touring in the region. 

“Local audiences will be rewarded with a concert which will warm their hearts on a cold winter’s day,” she said. 

“They will find the programme to be uplifting and diverse, something for everyone. Most of all they will love the energy, enthusiasm and beautiful choral sound these young people produce.” 

Music director Sue Densem, of Christchurch, has been with the NZSSC since 2019, and has faced a lot of disruption due to Covid-19, including two cancelled international tours. 

Pre-Covid, NZSSC had plans to tour to Tasmania this year but this has been swapped for a mainland tour instead. The Southern Stars Tour will see NZSSC stage ticketed concerts in Wānaka, Christchurch, Nelson, and Blenheim, with casual performances at Mt Cook and Queenstown.

The choir will perform at the Lake Wānaka Centre on Sunday July 17 from 4.00pm. Children under 12 are free, and concessions are available. 

Tickets are available here or at the door from 3.15pm.