Voices New Zealand concert and reception

I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language. Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the afternoon (Sign)

I then specifically greet you: Dr Alan Walmsley, Chair of the Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand Trust and your fellow board members; Associate Professor Dr Karen Grylls, Artistic Director; Robert Wiremu, vocal consultant; members of the Voices New Zealand Choir; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is with much pleasure that my wife Susan and I welcome you to Government House Auckland for this reception and concert in honour of the Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir.

It is particularly pleasing to have the anticipation of this House and its grounds being once again filled with music.  As a number here will know, Government House Auckland regularly plays host for the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s Summer Matinee and we have been pleased to continue that tradition.  We have also hosted the APO’s Young Achievers Concert on a number of occasions in this space. 

The Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir has established a substantial reputation for excellence, since its establishment 12 years ago.

From its debut at the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts in 1998, the record reads in admirable fashion.  There were gold and silver awards at the Tolosa International Choral Competition in the Basque part of northern Spain later that year and subsequent travel in New Zealand and overseas, picking up many more accolades along the way.
  
The success can be attributed to at least three factors.  First, is the support given by the Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand Trust Board which also maintains the New Zealand Youth Choir, the staff of the Board and sponsors and volunteer supporters, many of whom are families and friends.

Second is the guidance given by Dr Karen Grylls, as Artistic Director of Voices New Zealand since the Choir’s inception.  Dr Grylls’ abilities and eye, or rather ear, in both spotting and nurturing talent are legendary.  In this she is well placed, being also the Artistic Director of the New Zealand Youth Choir.  It was with good reason that she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1999.   

Finally, there is the ability of the Choir members themselves.  While many are naturally more talented than others, when it comes to singing, or any artistic endeavour for that matter, what separates the great singers from the good singers is practice and enthusiasm.  The words of  the Spanish violinist and composer Pablo Sarasate come to mind once saying: “A genius! For thirty-seven years I’ve practised fourteen hours a day, and now they call me a genius!”

Genius or not, there is definitely a special quality about the Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir.  It is with good reason that the Choir has been selected to represent New Zealand at the ninth World Choral Symposium in Argentina in August next year.  As an event sponsored by the International Federation of Choral Music, it is prestigious and held once every three years and maintains a reputation as a meeting of the world's most proficient choirs and conductors. 

In welcoming you all to Government House Auckland, Susan and I congratulate the Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir on its successes to date and we join everyone in looking forward to hearing more of your endeavours in the year ahead.

And on that note I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours.    No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.