Our Choir

Wellington Young Voices children’s choir arose from a meeting in 2011 when a group of Wellington choral conductors and singers met to discuss what was seen as a gap in music education for young people in the Wellington region. 

In 2012, sixty five 8-14 years olds were enrolled in a July holiday choral course as part of the inaugural National Choral Conductors’ Convention, held in Wellington that year. From that event, Wellington Young Voices was born! 

Since then, hundreds of young singers have experienced WYV choral training and performance opportunities.  The Choir has performed with top quality local and international choirs and orchestras, has engaged in a number of cross cultural events, recorded for a film track, and continues to be in demand for a wide range of choral engagements.

Wellington Young Voices currently offers 2 groups:

Korimako, 6-12 years old, unauditioned, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

This all-comers group is primarily led by Associate Music Director Joanne Hodgson and will focus on developing the natural singing voice and basic musicianship skills through songs and music games. Korimako performs its own repertoire and also combines with Kōkako for performances.

Kōkako, 10 years or older, auditioned, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Our premier auditioned choir, Kōkako works with all three members of the music team to learn more challenging repertoire and develop more advanced vocal and musicianship skills. Kōkako performs as a standalone choir, as well as in combination with Korimako, and from time to time also undertakes collaborations and engagements with other Wellington choirs.