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About Us
The Choir was formed in 1954 by a small group of Country Women’s Institute Ladies who loved singing.
In their early days they were fortunate to have an inspired conductor, Fay Good, who led the choir with great enthusiasm for over 30 years, ably assisted by Marilyn Cameron. Marilyn is still with the choir and is the accompanist. She also assists with the planning of concerts and choosing music for the choir.
When Fay retired, Kieth Stubley became conductor and filled this role admirably from 1998 until the end of 2009. Kieth’s history is with the Salvation Army, singing for many years with the National Songsters and playing trombone in the band. He has played with the North Shore Brass Band and now plays with The Trust Waitakere Brass. The Choir was very sorry to lose his services.
IIn February 2010 the Choir welcomed Vanessa Felix as its new Musical Director. Vanessa has a BA and a teaching diploma and is studying for a Masters at Auckland University. She has taught music in primary and secondary schools in her native South Africa as well as in New Zealand. She is currently the specialist music teacher and Head of Performing Arts at Hobsonville Primary School. She plays the organ and the violin as well as singing, teaching and conducting. In her own words, ‘I am passionate about music, whether it be singing or playing instruments… Music inspires me, energises me, and basically has something to do with every emotion that I experience…Music has great elements of reciprocity which leads to the success of any choir’.
In 2000 the Te Atatu CWI choir changed its name to the Waitakere City Ladies Choir. Although there are still links with the Te Atatu Women’s Institute the choir has widened its horizons and become more community based. Over the years we have always striven for excellence and are happy to perform when asked.
Some of the highlights for the Choir have been:
- Combining with the Te Atatu Men's Choir under the baton of their late conductor, Evan Cameron, to present the Messiah, Trial by Jury, Wartime Cavalcade and many other successful concerts.
- Cutting their first records at Stebbing Studios.
- Being part of the Massed Choirs performing at the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in Auckland in 1990
- Performing at the Opening of the Aotea Centre.
- Competing successfully throughout New Zealand in the National C.W.I. competitions, for the Revue and Dominion Cup Choral Competition, which the choir won on the last 2 occasions.
- Being part of the Massed Choirs at Fosters Sky City Symphony Under the Stars.
- Traveling to Norfolk Island with the Te Atatu Men's Choir to present a concert.
- Appearing as guest artists at the concert held by The British and Irish Lions Male Voice Choir at Holy Trinity Cathedral Parnell.
- Also in 2005 the choir produced its first CD with the help of the Waitakere Trust. The recording represents the variety of music which the choir presents.
- Appearing on TV One’s religious music programme Praise Be in 2009 and 2010.
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