Upcoming 2024 Events
Parallel Gifts:
Kindred composers, separated by centuries
Saturday 25 May 2024
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
7:30pm
Kindred composers, separated by centuries
Saturday 25 May 2024
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
7:30pm
You might have heard of Supertonic’s recent exploits - a Swing music extravaganza, a video game themed saga, and a rock concert of Elton John’s 70s hits. With this concert, Supertonic presents a classical music concert that’s both accessible and nuanced.
On 25 May in the beautiful acoustic of Wellington Cathedral, Supertonic will perform Parallel Gifts: Kindred composers, separated by centuries. The choir will explore the unique, deep and fascinating relationships between two sets of composers - Britten and Purcell, and Mendelssohn and Bach - and the musical notes that shaped their compositions.
Isaac Newton once wrote to rival scientist Robert Hooke about his discoveries, saying “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”.
Britten and Mendelssohn are two of the biggest giants in Classical music - but even composers as prolific as them knew that by looking to the past, they could see even further into the future. Despite Bach’s music being everywhere from advertising to your nephew’s Grade 2 piano exam, we wouldn’t even know who he was if Mendelssohn hadn’t been obsessed enough with his predecessor’s music to dig up the old scores and stage a huge performance of the St Matthew Passion nearly 100 years after Bach had died.
Benjamin Britten knew he could make his mark on the world because he found the voice of a fellow English composer who’d died over 200 years earlier - Henry Purcell. Britten’s style is quirky, innovative and unique, just like the Baroque composer’s music he was devoted to.
This concert will juxtapose some of their most famous compositions - Britten’s secular Hymn to St Cecilia and Purcell’s own dedication to the patron saint of music, Hail Bright Cecilia. Bach’s very famous cantata chorale Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring will be presented alongside one of Mendelssohn’s beautiful and soul-calming Verleih uns Frieden. We’ll also be bracketing sacred anthems, operatic music, oratorio excerpts, and we’re particularly excited to present one of Bach’s renowned motets, Lobet den Herrn.
Parallel Gifts will be a fresh offering for Supertonic after several consecutive performances of contemporary works, presenting meaty classical music for every audience member - whether this is your first time hearing Bach live or whether you go to every performance of Britten you can get your hands on. Supertonic hopes to show that classical music can be cross-cultural and cross-generational.
On 25 May in the beautiful acoustic of Wellington Cathedral, Supertonic will perform Parallel Gifts: Kindred composers, separated by centuries. The choir will explore the unique, deep and fascinating relationships between two sets of composers - Britten and Purcell, and Mendelssohn and Bach - and the musical notes that shaped their compositions.
Isaac Newton once wrote to rival scientist Robert Hooke about his discoveries, saying “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”.
Britten and Mendelssohn are two of the biggest giants in Classical music - but even composers as prolific as them knew that by looking to the past, they could see even further into the future. Despite Bach’s music being everywhere from advertising to your nephew’s Grade 2 piano exam, we wouldn’t even know who he was if Mendelssohn hadn’t been obsessed enough with his predecessor’s music to dig up the old scores and stage a huge performance of the St Matthew Passion nearly 100 years after Bach had died.
Benjamin Britten knew he could make his mark on the world because he found the voice of a fellow English composer who’d died over 200 years earlier - Henry Purcell. Britten’s style is quirky, innovative and unique, just like the Baroque composer’s music he was devoted to.
This concert will juxtapose some of their most famous compositions - Britten’s secular Hymn to St Cecilia and Purcell’s own dedication to the patron saint of music, Hail Bright Cecilia. Bach’s very famous cantata chorale Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring will be presented alongside one of Mendelssohn’s beautiful and soul-calming Verleih uns Frieden. We’ll also be bracketing sacred anthems, operatic music, oratorio excerpts, and we’re particularly excited to present one of Bach’s renowned motets, Lobet den Herrn.
Parallel Gifts will be a fresh offering for Supertonic after several consecutive performances of contemporary works, presenting meaty classical music for every audience member - whether this is your first time hearing Bach live or whether you go to every performance of Britten you can get your hands on. Supertonic hopes to show that classical music can be cross-cultural and cross-generational.
Music of Aotearoa New Zealand
7 and 8 September 2024
After singing the music of renowned historical European composers, we bring things closer to home with the equally exemplary choral works of New Zealanders.
New Zealand has a unique choral voice, with choral singing opportunities available for people of all ages across the motu. With the World Choir Games being hosted in Auckland in 2024, it’s never been a better time to showcase the talents and accomplishments of local composers.
This concert will include an intriguing selection of works from past and emerging composers, with both familiar works and world premieres on show.
7 and 8 September 2024
After singing the music of renowned historical European composers, we bring things closer to home with the equally exemplary choral works of New Zealanders.
New Zealand has a unique choral voice, with choral singing opportunities available for people of all ages across the motu. With the World Choir Games being hosted in Auckland in 2024, it’s never been a better time to showcase the talents and accomplishments of local composers.
This concert will include an intriguing selection of works from past and emerging composers, with both familiar works and world premieres on show.
A Night in the 90s
29 and 30 November 2024
Get ready for a night of all-out nostalgia! Supported by a full rock band, for the final concert series of the year Supertonic is set to party like it’s 1999 (and 1998, and 1997, and… you get the picture!).
We’re heading back to the decade when the top of the pops was top of mind, you just had to hope you’d catch your favourite song on the radio in time to tape it, and if you wanted to hear music on demand your piggy bank was emptied for the latest CD. Filled with choral covers from the most memorable pop princesses, rock legends and R&B divas, this concert will be a night to remember.
29 and 30 November 2024
Get ready for a night of all-out nostalgia! Supported by a full rock band, for the final concert series of the year Supertonic is set to party like it’s 1999 (and 1998, and 1997, and… you get the picture!).
We’re heading back to the decade when the top of the pops was top of mind, you just had to hope you’d catch your favourite song on the radio in time to tape it, and if you wanted to hear music on demand your piggy bank was emptied for the latest CD. Filled with choral covers from the most memorable pop princesses, rock legends and R&B divas, this concert will be a night to remember.
2023 Events
High Score:
Legendary soundtracks in concert
Legendary soundtracks in concert
Along with a 12-piece orchestra, the 50 voices of Supertonic presented the sublime soundscapes of video games, fantasy adventure films and anime to an ecstatic audience on Saturday 4 November.
Sing, Sing, Sing!
A choral celebration of the Big Band era
SOLD OUT
A choral celebration of the Big Band era
SOLD OUT
An unabashed full-throttle choral celebration of the Big Band era, Supertonic's first concert for 2023 was presented to a sold-out audience on Saturday 27 May at Queen Margaret College.
Under the musical direction of Isaac Stone, Supertonic was joined by musicians from the New Zealand School of Music to perform the full spectrum of Swing, from sentimental ballads like Summertime, Autumn Leaves and Stardust, to American dancehall standards including The Lady is a Tramp, It Don’t Mean a Thing and In The Mood.
Under the musical direction of Isaac Stone, Supertonic was joined by musicians from the New Zealand School of Music to perform the full spectrum of Swing, from sentimental ballads like Summertime, Autumn Leaves and Stardust, to American dancehall standards including The Lady is a Tramp, It Don’t Mean a Thing and In The Mood.
2022 Events
Joy:
Vivaldi’s Gloria and songs of celebration
Saturday 15 October | Alan Gibbs Centre, Wellington College | 7.30pm
Supertonic's second concert for 2022 featured the uplifting Gloria in D Major by Antonio Vivaldi as the opener followed by a feast of feel-good choral works from around the world.
Divided into 12 brief movements, the well-known Gloria is a joyful hymn of praise and worship that takes the listener on a journey of rejoicing to profound sadness and back again. Its distinctive opening chorus will be familiar to many, leading into a mixture of gorgeous soprano solos and duets, still and solemn movements and Vivaldi’s masterful instrumental countermelodies that feature throughout. Rich and rewarding, the Gloria is as enjoyable to sing as it is to experience in the audience.
Some familiar favourites from past concerts reappeared and catchy tunes from the worlds of jazz and pop closed out the concert.
Divided into 12 brief movements, the well-known Gloria is a joyful hymn of praise and worship that takes the listener on a journey of rejoicing to profound sadness and back again. Its distinctive opening chorus will be familiar to many, leading into a mixture of gorgeous soprano solos and duets, still and solemn movements and Vivaldi’s masterful instrumental countermelodies that feature throughout. Rich and rewarding, the Gloria is as enjoyable to sing as it is to experience in the audience.
Some familiar favourites from past concerts reappeared and catchy tunes from the worlds of jazz and pop closed out the concert.
North:
an evening of enchanting choral music celebrating the joy in finding your way
Saturday 18 June | Samuel Marsden Collegiate Auditorium | 7:30pm
an evening of enchanting choral music celebrating the joy in finding your way
Saturday 18 June | Samuel Marsden Collegiate Auditorium | 7:30pm
Supertonic's first concert for 2022: North, took place on Saturday 18 June at Samuel Marsden Collegiate Auditorium with an evening of music celebrating the joy of finding yourself, finding your way and moving forward.
The stunning repertoire was curated by the choir’s new musical director, Virginie Pacheco.
The stunning repertoire was curated by the choir’s new musical director, Virginie Pacheco.
2021 Events
Rest:
Fauré's Requiem and Songs of Remembrance
Saturday 19 June
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
7:30pm
Fauré's Requiem and Songs of Remembrance
Saturday 19 June
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
7:30pm
Supertonic's first concert for 2021 took place on Saturday 19 June. Under the direction of Isaac Stone, Rest: Fauré’s Requiem and Songs of Remembrance took place in the magnificent Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.
Gardens Magic
Sunday 31 January
Wellington Botanic Garden
8pm
We brought our choral spectacular celebrating the music of Elton John to the stage at Gardens Magic. Beautiful harmonies, a full rock band, and a series of powerful rock soloists from within the choir made it a night to remember enjoyed by an audience of 3,000 Wellingtonians.
2020 Events
Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal
Wednesday 2 December
Asteron Centre Foyer, 55 Featherston St
7pm
Wednesday 2 December
Asteron Centre Foyer, 55 Featherston St
7pm
Saturday Night's Alright: A choral celebration of Elton John
Saturday 10 October
Samuel Marsden Auditorium, Marsden Avenue, Karori
2pm (Sold-out) & 7:30pm (Sold-out)
Saturday 10 October
Samuel Marsden Auditorium, Marsden Avenue, Karori
2pm (Sold-out) & 7:30pm (Sold-out)
Supertonic's sold-out Elton John spectacular took place in October 2020.
2019 Events
Groundswell: Songs for a sustainable future
17 November 2019
Pipitea Marae, 55 Thorndon Quay, 4.30pm, Sunday 17th November
At Pipitea Marae Supertonic commemorated the groundswell of change we have caused to the Earth and to celebrate the groundswell of momentum from people eager to solve those environmental issues.
From the waters of Aotearoa to the Mongolian steppe, Australian rainforests, and North African desert, the audience’s journey spanned the world. Through music and accompanying kōrero, Groundswell explored the environmental issues of our time, and the global and local challenges that make addressing these issues so complicated.
From the waters of Aotearoa to the Mongolian steppe, Australian rainforests, and North African desert, the audience’s journey spanned the world. Through music and accompanying kōrero, Groundswell explored the environmental issues of our time, and the global and local challenges that make addressing these issues so complicated.
Leaving the Table: A story of relationship told through song
22 June 2019
Te Whaea, 11 Hutchinson Road, 5:30pm and 8:00pm, Saturday 22nd June
After a year of sold-out performances in 2018, the first standalone concert series of 2019 - Leaving the Table: A story of relationship, told through song - blurred the lines between choir, theatre, and abstract expression.
After a year of sold-out performances in 2018, the first standalone concert series of 2019 - Leaving the Table: A story of relationship, told through song - blurred the lines between choir, theatre, and abstract expression.
ANZAC Day National Commemoration Service - 25 April 2019
Pukeahu, National War Memorial Park
Supertonic was invited to be part of the National Commemoration Service. Footage from the Service is available here.
Supertonic was invited to be part of the National Commemoration Service. Footage from the Service is available here.
Coastella Music Festival - 23 February 2019
Southwards Car Museum, Kāpiti
Supertonic collaborated with Mama Kin Spender at New Zealand's most talked about boutique music festival.
Supertonic collaborated with Mama Kin Spender at New Zealand's most talked about boutique music festival.
2018 Events
In The Key Of Christmas - 4 December 2018
SOLD OUT
Wesley Church, 75 Taranaki Street, 7pm Tuesday 4 December
This concert was conducted by Hazel Fenemor. A member of Supertonic choir since 2015, Hazel is an exceptionally talented musician. Previously music director of Wellington Youth Choir, Hazel was excited to return to directing for this concert.
In the Key of Christmas was an evening of choral melodies inspiring merry memories of years gone by.
This concert was conducted by Hazel Fenemor. A member of Supertonic choir since 2015, Hazel is an exceptionally talented musician. Previously music director of Wellington Youth Choir, Hazel was excited to return to directing for this concert.
In the Key of Christmas was an evening of choral melodies inspiring merry memories of years gone by.
Space - 16 September 2018
SOLD OUT
Supertonic, together with ELIM, went where no choir has gone before (probably) with Space: A Choral Odyssey, one-night-only at Hannah Playhouse, Wellington, 6:30pm Sunday 16 September 2018.
Even before tohunga kōkōrangi used the night sky to navigate great distances across the ocean to Aotearoa New Zealand, people have been fascinated with the stars. Space took the audience on a multimedia, musical journey through time and space, exploring the wonder and mystery of what lies beyond Papatūānuku.
Even before tohunga kōkōrangi used the night sky to navigate great distances across the ocean to Aotearoa New Zealand, people have been fascinated with the stars. Space took the audience on a multimedia, musical journey through time and space, exploring the wonder and mystery of what lies beyond Papatūānuku.
6:30pm, Sunday 16 September
Hannah Playhouse, Wellington
Adults $25 / Seniors, Students and Children $20
+ Booking Fee
Hannah Playhouse, Wellington
Adults $25 / Seniors, Students and Children $20
+ Booking Fee
Previous Concert: Shakespeare's Sister
6:30pm, Sunday 20 May 2018, Pipitea Marae
SOLD OUT
We presented this programme of works by women in honour and celebration of those who created art in the shadows of their male counterparts. Hosted by Clarissa Dunn, the audience heard not only the music of under-appreciated composers, but also their stories, and what held them back from their dreams.
#sistersdoinitforthemselves #imwithher #yearofthewoman #IWD2018 #PressforProgress #wāhine #TūpunaWahine
2017 Events
Vanishing Voices - May 2017
Vanishing Voices explored threatened and extinct indigenous languages from around the world, including the stories and poetry of Inuit, Navajo, Nahuatl, Welsh, Guanche, and Australian Aboriginal languages. New Zealand's own threatened language, Te Reo Māori, was the centrepiece for this concert. Supertonic collaborated with Vincent Olsen-Reeder, a young Māori academic, musician and poet, to create a new cycle of songs that premiered in this concert series.
Supertonic thank the Wellington Community Trust whose support made this concert series possible. They also acknowledge and thank Trust House for their assistance in taking this concert to Porirua.
Thunderbolt and Lightning - September 2017
Let the songs begin. Let the music play. Thunderbolt and Lightning was an epic tribute concert that rocked Queen fans and choir buffs alike at the Hunter Lounge in September 2017.
7.30pm, Saturday 2 September
The Hunter Lounge, Victoria University, Kelburn
The Hunter Lounge, Victoria University, Kelburn
Love the Arts - November 2017
Sing. Paint. Dance. Write.
A concert series dedicated to the muses of music. Love The Arts was Supertonic’s third and final concert series for 2017. In keeping with the theme, Supertonic shared its love of the arts by donating the proceeds from the concerts to local cultural organisations: Hamilton’s The Meteor Theatre, Feilding’s Coach House Museum and Wellington’s New Zealand Portrait Gallery.
A concert series dedicated to the muses of music. Love The Arts was Supertonic’s third and final concert series for 2017. In keeping with the theme, Supertonic shared its love of the arts by donating the proceeds from the concerts to local cultural organisations: Hamilton’s The Meteor Theatre, Feilding’s Coach House Museum and Wellington’s New Zealand Portrait Gallery.
Hamilton Concert
3pm, Saturday 25 November The Meteor |
Feilding Concert
3pm, Sunday 26 November Civic Centre |
Wellington Concert (Sold Out)
7pm, Wednesday 29 November New Zealand Portrait Gallery |