The Graduate Choir, New Zealand
Established in 2001, The Graduate Choir, NZ, is one of New Zealand's premier choirs and has been described as "a national treasure" (Dr Stuart Middleton, April 2008). Directed by Terence Maskell (BA DipMus DipTchg) since its inception, the mixed-voice choir is known for the warmth and breadth of its sound, accomplished presentation of varied repertoire, for programming which is accessible and universal in appeal, and the unique cultural blend of its singers.
In 2003, The Graduate Choir competed in the inaugural finale of the NZCF Classic Sing in Rotorua and gained a gold medal as the winner of their category as well as the Grand Prix trophy for the most outstanding choir overall. An adjudicator commented: "They presented us with one of the finest examples of choral singing to be heard anywhere in the world" (Janet Lincé, November 2003).
In 2005 the choir recorded its first CD, "My Spirit Sang All Day". As well as featuring for a number of weeks in the NZ classical top 10 chart, this CD received significant air-time on BBC (UK) radio. The same year, an invitational tour of the United Kingdom was undertaken. This was a huge success, and the choir was honoured to receive numerous standing ovations from the discerning British audiences.
2007 saw the choir tour locally for the first time. Audiences in Wellington, Palmerston North, Napier and Hamilton were enchanted by moving performances of music by New Zealand composers, one reviewer concluding that: "this is one of the very best choirs in New Zealand, of great strength and excellence both in its technical skills, musicality and interpretative insight" (Lindis Taylor, October 2007).
Following this successful North Island tour, the choir released its second CD, "A Sound Came From Heaven", on which a number of tracks were recorded live at tour concerts. As noted by William Dart, the album highlights the choir's versatility: "while New Zealand music is a strong point of the graduate programme, Maskell's choir excels in everything from Victorian madrigals and skittish Schumann to gemutlich Gershwin" (December 2007). This CD has also featured in the NZ classical top 10 charts and led reviewer Ian Dando to comment that The Graduate Choir is one of New Zealand's "most exciting smaller choirs" (April 2008).
As well as these significant milestones, the choir has also performed with acclaim at numerous black-tie functions (where guests have included Bill Clinton, and on several occasions, the NZ Prime Minister), presented full choral recitals and workshops, performed in association with orchestras and other instrumental ensembles and recorded for radio and television.
The Graduate Choir has exciting plans for 2008-2009 which include tours to Christchurch and other South Island regions, the recording of a Christmas-themed CD and performances with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra and Dalewool Auckland Brass. The choir also plans to embark on a second international tour in the near future.
The Graduate Choir, NZ is a member of the New Zealand Choral Federation
The Graduate Choir Male Voice Chorus
Late in 2002, an idea that had been simmering for some time - that of the establishment of a male-voice chorus from the ranks of the choir - was launched. The men of the choir responded enthusiastically, repertoire was selected, and it was decided to call this group The Graduate Choir Male-Voice Chorus.
As well as performing alongside The Graduate Choir, The Graduate Choir Male Voice Chorus performs independently, including a presentation of music before the Prime Minister of NZ in November 2003.
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