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Concert Program

VoCo Concert 2025, July 26, 7pm

MC: Tim Wayne-Wright

Stonefields
Conducted by Chris Bevan
Founded in September 2011 by Mel Roberts, the Stonefields Choir has flourished into a vibrant community of over 150 members, by director Chris Bevan. At its heart, the choir is about more than just music — it's about having fun, forging friendships, and singing with passion. Whether learning new skills or rediscovering old ones, our mission is to bring people together and build a strong, joyful community through the power of song.

Stonefields Choir proudly performs several charitable concerts each year, raising funds and awareness for a range of important causes. Over the years, the choir has supported organizations such as the Auckland City Mission, Parkinson’s NZ, Bowel Cancer NZ, and Dove Hospice & Wellness. This year, we are honoured to dedicate our concert to the Kidney Society NZ, continuing our commitment to making a positive impact through music.

Stonefields Choir rehearse every Monday during the school term from 7:15pm to 9:00pm at the Stonefields School Hall, located at 81 Tihi Street, Stonefields.

To Join for a free trial:
Register via the Stonefields Choir website: www.stonefieldschoir.org.nz

Upcoming Concert:
Stonefields Choir Winter Concert - Saturday 2 Aug 4pm at Michael Park School, Ellerslie. Raising funds For the Kidney Society NZ. To purchase tickets go to www.stonefieldschoir.org.nz
#1: Tarakihi

Composer: Traditional waiata originally scored by Alfred Hill

Arranger: Chris Bevan

#2: Ma Belle Lune

Composer: Olivier Deriviere

#3: September

Composer: Maurice White, AJ McKay and Allee willis

Arranger: Emily Drum & Maryanne Muglia

Accompanist: Mitch Golner (on drums)

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Belle Canto Women's Choir
Conducted by Clare Martin
Belle Canto Women's Choir based on North Shore Auckland is led by Clare Martin and accompanied by Megan Quatermass. They sing vibrant and diverse programmes of music from classical to contemporary in a wide range of languages and styles.

This year their main programme is titled "Starry Nights and Spirited Days" for women's choir, piano and harp. Ingrid Bauer, principal harpist from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra will be their special guest.

A selection of songs from this programme is performed tonight at VoCo 2025. You can hear their full programme on Sat 1 November at 7pm at St George's Presbyterian Church, Takapuna (tickets on Humanitix).
#1: Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal

Composer: traditional

Arranger: Alice Parker

Accompanist: Megan Quatermass

#2: The Seal Lullaby

Composer: Eric Whiteacre

Accompanist: Megan Quatermass

#3: Wade in the Water

Composer: traditional

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Accompanist: Megan Quatermass

Soloist: Julie Prince and Hridayinee Williams

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City of Sails Chorus
Conducted by Richard Harker
The City of Sails Barbershop Chorus is delighted to be back at VoCo!

The chorus has a proud history as New Zealand's first barbershop organisation. For over 46 years, their members have freely given their time to perform for civic, cultural and charitable organizations, private groups, churches, community events, and fundraisers. The chorus educates and inspires to ensure each member's continued musical growth, and works to foster singing in the community.



Tomorrow (27 July) at 2pm, the chorus presents its annual concert "Harmonic Fusion", at St George's Presbyterian Church in Takapuna. Joined by The Black Swans jazz combo from Westlake Boys High School, it promises to be an exciting afternoon of rich barbershop harmony and modern jazz. All welcome - tickets available at the door.
#1: To Make You Feel My Love

Composer: Bob Dylan

Arranger: Aaron Dale

#2: Brown Eyed Girl

Composer: Van Morrison

Arranger: Adam Scott

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GALS-Auckland's Rainbow Choir
Conducted by Nicholas Forbes
GALS Auckland Rainbow Choir

GALS Auckland’s Rainbow Choir is an inclusive community choir that celebrates diversity, friendship, and the power of song. Established in 1992, our choir has an annual Pride performance at the Auckland Art Gallery, and generally has a mid-year and an end-of-year concert.

The three songs performed tonight are a combination of songs from our ready repertoire and our June concert GALS in Technocolour.

On 8 November 2025, GALS will present "Bangers and Mash-ups" at St Matthew in the City at 7pm. It will be a concert with a variety of well-known anthems and medleys. Tickets will be available soon.
#1: Wairua Tapu

Composer: Wehi whānau

Arranger: Kate Bell

Accompanist: Soomin Kim

#2: You've Got a Friend

Composer: Randy Newman

Arranger: Mac Huff

Accompanist: Soomin Kim

#3: Something Inside So Strong

Composer: Labi Siffre

Arranger: Not on score

Accompanist: Soomin Kim

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Auckland Choral Ensemble
Conducted by Aldwin Anastacio
The Auckland Choral Ensemble is a dynamic Filipino choir born from the inspiration of the 2024 World Choir Games in Tāmaki Makaurau, united by a passion to share the soul of Filipino heritage through choral music. The choir is dedicated to celebrating the richness of Filipino culture—its stories, values, and vibrant musical traditions—within the diverse and welcoming landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand. The ensemble brings together accomplished choristers and musicians who embody the spirit of bayanihan (community), creating powerful performances that uplift, inspire and resonate to its audience. Through every note, ACE strive to be a living bridge between cultures, instilling pride, unity, and belonging through the universal language of music.
#1: Ave Regina Caelorum

Composer: Philip W.J. Stopford

#2: Rosas Pandan

Composer: Visayan Folk Song

Arranger: George G. Hernandez

#3: Kruhay

Composer: Benny F. Castillon

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Auckland Chinese Philharmonic Choir
Conducted by Fiona Li
Auckland Chinese Philharmonic Choir is a non-profit organization which was founded in 2012 and there are more than 150 members in the group. ACPC holds annual concert in the middle of every year to share the love of Choral Music with an emphasis on delivering excellence in Chinese choral music to wider community. In 2024 World Choir Games open competition, ACPC awarded a Silver Diploma Level VI.
#1: Hine E Hine

Arranger: R B Stevenson

Accompanist: Yina Chai

#2: Love Tree

Composer: Tianhao Ran

Accompanist: Yina Chai

INTERMISSION
All Together Now
Conducted by Kate Bell
All Together Now has grown since its inception in 2022 into a group of 7 choirs, 6 in Auckland and one in Taupō. In the past two years, we have developed the concept of beginners' choirs, following through on our belief that singing is a learned skill. We love group singing because it offers so many opportunities for people to learn, have fun, and build community. Our massed concert this year will be back here, in the Town Hall, on Sunday 9 November, and - as usual - will be a fundraiser for the Auckand City Mission. Tickets will be available in due course from Ticketmaster - keep an eye on our website for details! www.alltogethernow.co.nz
#1: Pepeha

Composer: Marlon Gerbes, Jeremy Macleod, Matiu Walters, Timoti Karetu (Six60)

Arranger: Kate Bell

#2: Sacred Pasifika Medley

Composer: Traditional Tongan Hymn, Traditional Samoan

Arranger: Steven Rapana

#3: Welcome Home

Composer: Dave Dobbyn

Arranger: Kate Bell

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Auckland Korean Choir
Conducted by Chris Lee
The Auckland Korean Choir is a vibrant community ensemble dedicated to sharing joy, cultural heritage, and connection through the universal language of music. Founded with the mission of bridging Korean and New Zealand cultures, the choir fosters inclusivity and celebrates diversity by bringing together singers of all backgrounds.

Under the direction of conductor and composer Chris (Kun Hwan) Lee, the choir performs a unique blend of traditional Korean songs, contemporary works, and original compositions that resonate with both heart and homeland. Their performances seek to uplift the spirit, promote understanding, and build a harmonious community through shared musical expression.



Tonight’s Program Notes

Longing Rides the Wind

Composed by Chris Kun Hwan Lee

Written atop the windswept heights of Mt. Ruapehu, Longing Rides the Wind captures the poignant spirit of a New Zealand Arirang. Inspired by the choir’s own journey—singing as they ascended the mountain—this piece evokes a deep yearning to reunite with a beloved mother far away.

“If longing rides the wind and brings back my dear mother,
I will say I missed you and cry with you,
I will say I love you and laugh with you.”

Blending lyrical emotion with the imagery of nature, the song invites the listener into a landscape where longing travels freely through the sky, offering solace and warmth. It is both a tribute to maternal love and a universal expression of heartfelt connection across distance.



Hinemoa

Arranged by Chris Kun Hwan Lee

Based on the timeless legend from Lake Rotorua, Hinemoa tells the story of a young woman whose love defies all obstacles. When forbidden to reach her beloved on Mokoia Island, Hinemoa bravely sets out across the lake in the stillness of night—paddling in a calabash, guided by unwavering love.

“He kōrero aroha ātaahua” – A beautiful love story
If there is no canoe, take a gourd.
Waving hands, Haere mai! Clapping hands, Nau mai!
Hinemoa is coming to find love.

This lyrical ballad celebrates the courage and purity of love that transcends boundaries. With its gentle rhythms and evocative storytelling, the piece reminds us that true love will always find its way—no matter the distance or the depth of the waters in between.
#1: 그리움이 바람타고 (Longing Rides the Wind)

Composer: Chris Lee (이건환)

Accompanist: Hazel Lee

Soloist: Hannah Lee

#2: Hinemoa

Composer: Chris Lee (이건환)

Accompanist: Hazel Lee

Soloist: Sookran Lee, Youngi Song, Changjin Shim, Seongyul Park, James Kang, Cecilia Kim

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Greater Auckland Chorus
Conducted by Jocosa Bruce
The Greater Auckland Chorus is one of New Zealand’s top women’s barbershop choruses, known for their vibrant performances and strong sense of community. Led by the talented Jocosa Bruce, GAC is dedicated to both musical excellence and personal growth, offering an inclusive space for singers of all levels to thrive.



In 2024, they achieved international acclaim by winning the Gold Medal at the Harmony Classic in Kansas City, a testament to their hard work and passion for barbershop harmony.



GAC warmly invites you to experience the joy and connection of a cappella music as a future member of the chorus. join us at 7pm, Tuesday nights at the Epsom Bowling Club!
#1: A Thousand Years

Composer: Christina Perri and David Hodges

Arranger: Rowena Harper

#2: I Love Being Here With Your

Composer: Peggy Lee and Bill Schluger

Arranger: Aaron Dale

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Auckland Gospel Choir
Conducted by Seumanu Seuoti Simon Matāfai JP
Established after the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the Auckland Gospel Choir is honoured to share the VoCo stage for a third time with thanks to Brian Lee. The choir is preparing for the 2026 World Choir Games in Sweden after winning the open competition of the gospel category and gold at last year’s competition when Auckland hosted. There are a couple of spots available if you are interested to join the team for Sweden. Please contact Music Director; Seumanu Seuoti Simon Matāfai JP - 021 492 315 Tonight’s group is a united Auckland Gospel Choir ensemble with talented singers from Temple View, Hamilton.
#1: Salamo 91

Composer: Fepulea’i Helen Tupa’i

Accompanist: Seumanu Seuoti Simon Matāfai

#2: Thats How The Good Lord Works

Composer: Kanye West

Accompanist: Hyrum Timu

Soloist: Shannon Kiro

#3: Total Praise

Composer: Richard Smallwood

Accompanist: Seumanu Seuoti Simon Matāfai

Soloist: Raymaj and Tinei

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Tim Wayne-Wright
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Stellar Singers
Conducted by Brian Lee
#1: Favourite Things

Composer: Sound of Music & Ariana Grande

Accompanist: Beat boxer: Jamal Neru

#2: Amazing Grace

Composer: Spiritual

Arranger: PTX

Accompanist: Beat boxer: Jamal Neru

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VoCo2025 Performers & VoCo Kids Choir
Conducted by Brian Lee
A joyful and energetic group of young singers brought together especially for VoCo this year!

Many of the students come from Mairangi Bay School and are taught by music specialist Clare McCormack, who has prepared them especially for this performance.

The VoCo Kids will present two special items as part of the festival: He Waka Eke Noa, celebrating unity and collaboration, and Aotearoa Arirang, a moving fusion of Korean and Kiwi cultural melodies.

These young performers bring fresh energy and cultural connection to the stage as proud VoCo participants!
#1: He Waka Eke Noa

Composer: Kate Bell

Soloist: VoCo Kids Choir

#2: Aotearoa Arirang

Composer: Chris Lee

Arranger: Brian Lee

Soloist: Tim Wayne-Wright & Cécile Baude

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