Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, May 8, 2024
Tickets for the World Choir Games 2024, scheduled to be held in Auckland from July 10, 2024 to July 20, 2024 are on sale.
With over 11,000 participants, including about 250 choirs from more than 30 countries, the event promises harmonious melodies that are popular worldwide.
Myriad of Concerts
The World Choir Games, an event marked by its global competition across numerous categories, with concerts, ceremonies, and workshops, aim to unify people and nations through the universal language of music.
Annie Dundas, Director of Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said that the forthcoming event will showcase Auckland’s rich musical heritage and cultural diversity.
“Tāmaki Makaurau is a UNESCO City of Music and has music in its DNA. Thousands of singers arriving in Auckland will be inspired by our environment, music and people. We look forward to offering our hospitality to guests from all over the world and experiencing the incredible music on offer,” she said.
Global music extravaganza
World Choir Games boasts of a comprehensive competition structure with 28 categories encompassing an array of choir types and choral music styles. Adjudication will be conducted by a jury of international experts, including 36 international personalities.
John Rosser, WCG2024 Artistic and Games Director expressed his delight with the diverse programme put together for the event, aiming to showcase both international excellence and the rich cultural tapestry of New Zealand.
“We have worked to provide something for everyone, highlighting some of the best international groups audiences will hear during the daytime sessions and mixing in a strong representation of the superb choral and cultural scene here in Aotearoa,” he said.
Notable among the curated evening concerts is “A Choral Kaleidoscope,” featuring a lineup of vibrant international choirs, and “Pacific Spirit,” curated by Pacific Underground, celebrating the cultural heritage of Aotearoa’s Pacific communities.
Highlighting the fusion of kapa haka and choral music, “A Night of Song and Dance” promises to be a captivating experience, with performances by renowned groups such as Te Waka Huia and Paduan Suara Mahasiswa from Indonesia.
Workshops for all music lovers
In addition to the competitions and concerts, the event will offer a diverse workshop programme led by choral experts from around the world, catering to both participating singers and the general public.
INTERKULTUR President Günter Titsch emphasised the significance of hosting the World Choir Games in Auckland, marking the event’s first venture into Oceania.
“Choirs from around the globe will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the rich cultural and musical heritage of this region first-hand, while also contributing their own unique melodies,” he said.
About the event
The World Choir Games, established in 2000, has evolved into the largest international choir competition globally, celebrating diversity, friendship, and the power of song.
The 2024 edition promises to be a spectacular showcase of musical unity, supported by the New Zealand Major Events and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
The festivities will begin on July 10, 2024 with an Opening Ceremony at Spark Arena, featuring an international flag parade, national anthems, and a multicultural showcase from Aotearoa New Zealand, directed by Malia Johnston, Show Director of the renowned World of Wearable Art.
The event, supported by the New Zealand Choral Federation, Ministry for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Auckland Unlimited and the city of Auckland has been organised in partnership with German rights holders INTERKULTUR, the world’s leading organiser of international choir competitions and festivals since 1988. It hosts 14 international choir competitions and festivals annually worldwide.
Please visit www.wcg2024.co.nz for information and to purchase competition and concert tickets.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
