New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir

This choir from New Zealand trains young people to be outstanding musicians and strives to help them develop a sense of poise and self-confidence through education and performance. The Choir is auditioned nationally every second year. The number of members is set by the availability of good voices backed by good musicianship skills. Selected by national audition, choir members meet for four 7 to 14 day courses during the 2-year life of the choir. The singers come from diverse faiths, ethnic, social and economic backgrounds and perform a range of music representing various styles, periods and cultures. At each course a promising young conducting trainee is invited to train and direct the choir in two pieces. Many former singers are performing with acclaim on the international stage.

Elise Bradley

Elise Bradley’s career began in the 1970’s as both teacher and performer. Her quest for professional development led her to study with international singing pedagogists, to choral conducting at the University of Washington, Seattle and master-classes with such respected teachers as Rodney Eichenberger, Eric Ericson and Robert Sund. In 1996 as Head of Music at Westlake Girls’s High School, she established Key Cygnetures now recognized nationally and internationally as a leading secondary school choir. Ms. Bradley was appointed Musical Director of the NZSSC in 2000.