New Zealand Youth Choir’s historic wins spark hope for Pasifika

It took winning two major international competitions for people to recognise the New Zealand Youth Choir.

The group won two major awards, including Choir of the World, at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in Wales last week, their first victory since 1999

Enyah Talamaivao, an alto in the group, hopes their recent successes will open more doors for Pacific artists in classical music.

In an interview on Pacific Mornings, Talamaivao says,

“I think that there's definitely an opportunity now for our Pacific people to come through.”

The choir also won the Grand Prix of Nations at the European Choir Games in Denmark.

Talamaivao highlights the choir’s commitment to showcasing music from New Zealand and the Pacific.

“Not many people or choirs come from this side of the world, where we are in the Pacific.

“Two of the categories that we had managed to get first place in were the Folklore category at the Eisteddfod competition and then also the Folklore category at the European Choir Games.”

Earlier this month the NZ Youth Choir was crowned, Choir of the World at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. Photo/Supplied

Talamaivao acknowledges trailblazers like Jonathan Lemalu and Filipe Manu, who are acclaimed Pacific artists in opera, but says their recognition remains limited.

“I feel like there have been opportunities, just not many people are able to recognise them or pay attention towards them and the things that are available for us.

“I hope that more Polynesian people are starting to see themselves in these spaces and that they feel more comfortable in doing this.”

Watch the 10-minute set that won the NZ Youth Choir the 'Choir of the World' title

The choir's success is awe-inspiring given its unconventional rehearsal schedule, which meets only three times a year compared to competitors who rehearse weekly.

"That just goes to show how high the standards are here in New Zealand, especially regarding choral and classical voice,” Talamaivao says.

“We have a wide range of ages that we have from 18, our oldest actually is currently 27, I believe, 27 or 28.

Aside form singing, Enyah Talamaivao (left) is also a violinist. Photo/Supplied

“So it is a big responsibility, it is a big ask, but if you love the music so much, it wouldn't be too hard to, you know, find a way to make it work.”

David Squire, the choir’s conductor, who was named the most inspirational conductor at the Eisteddfod competition, has played a crucial role in bringing Pacific compositions to the global stage.

"These are names, Pasifika names in this field that not many people know about, but David Squire has such a love for music in general that he wants to work with these artists to make sure that music from this side is on the international stage,” Talamaivao says.

Watch Enyah Talamaivao's full interview

“I think he should get more recognition, especially since he finishes his 15-year tenure with the New Zealand Youth Choir. It's just such a great way to recognise his hard work, his talent, his heart, and even his wisdom for this music.”

As the choir wraps up its three-year cycle and prepares for auditions for the next generation, Talamaivao remains optimistic.

“The fact that it took winning international competitions in order for us to pay attention to it is kind of sad, but I believe that it's going to grow from here. I hope that it grows from here, and it keeps going up, and people pay more attention to the arts.”