Last month, Auckland resounded with song – some 11,000 voices singing in our venues and open spaces bringing smiles of appreciation from Aucklanders who saw and heard them.
That’s because we were hosting the 13th World Choir Games. Known as the ‘Olympics’ of choral music, over 40 countries brought their very best choirs to Auckland (often more than one choir) for a combination of competitive singing, choral workshops, cultural musical sharing and performances. This was the first time this event has ever been held in Oceania and only the second time it’s ever been held in the Southern Hemisphere.
As New Zealand’s largest city, we were thrilled to welcome choirs from around the world to share their passion for music and harmony with us.
As a UNESCO City of Music our city is not just a gateway to natural wonders but also a hub of creativity and artistic expression. With Auckland being more culturally diverse than London or Los Angeles, it is music that plays an important role in uniting our diverse community, a role that was further enhanced by the World Choir Games.
There were unforgettable experiences filled with captivating performances ranging from the pageantry of the opening ceremony led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, to free friendship concerts held in our public spaces, to the Quay Street parade of countries and a jam-packed timetable of ticketed events showcasing choirs from New Zealand and around the world.
In Auckland, we strongly believe in the transformative power of the arts. Choral music plays a vital role in our community. It nurtures our young people (and our young at heart), providing them with opportunities to develop their skills, build confidence and discover the joy of singing together.
It enriches our cultural landscape, adding depth and diversity to our artistic heritage. And it fosters a sense of belonging, creating bonds that transcend age, background and nationality.
As a musician and chorister myself, to show our commitment to choral music and the World Choir Games, I called for expressions of interest from staff and formed an Auckland Council choir.
Over 50 people came together from all parts of our business. After only practising for just over a month, we debuted at one of the free friendship concerts at the Auckland Museum. It was an incredible honour and achievement for all that performed.
We sang three songs. Toku Reo, showcasing our unique cultural identity, Minoi Minoi a well-known Samoan song acknowledging we are the biggest Polynesian city in the world and Four Seasons in One Day written by Tim and Neil Finn.
For me, and I’m sure for those who participated or attended, the World Choir Games 2024 was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the human spirit and a reminder of how music can unite us. Every time a choir performed, whether in one of our many venues or outside in one of our open spaces, people smiled.
We had over 350 volunteers assisting with the event many of whom spoke a second language and their genuine warmth, smiles and promotion of our city was just wonderful to see.
The World Choir Games has been a positive experience for our community, our visitors – local, domestic and international and for the Auckland economy. The hospitality and accommodation sectors have benefited with increased visitor nights and tourism spend. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, has once again proved that that Auckland is indeed incredibly capable of hosting major events, particularly arts and culture-based events of this scale.
Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor of Auckland
30 July 2024
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