It all started in December 1994. I was taken to the Anglican service of Nine Lessons and Carols at Christ church Cathedral and as the choir processed down the aisle, I whispered to Mum and Dad, ‘I want to be in that choir.’ Then in 2010, after fifteen years in that very cathedral choir, I moved to England to pursue my lifetime ambition of becoming a professional singer, as well as being closer to my British girlfriend. I had been teaching and conducting choirs at Burnside High School, where I had also been as a student, but I got to the point where I felt that if I didn’t give singing a go then I’d always regret It. A dream of combining my love of singing and travelling soon became a reality, little more than year after taking the long flight over from New Zealand.
I have loved every moment since making my debut with The King’s Singers. I am so fortunate to have been able to sing in world renowned concert halls from New York to Sydney to Beijing and everywhere in between. But I get the biggest buzz from being able to pass on my experiences to the next generation of musicians through the workshops we give across the world. There is no greater joy for me than seeing others making their first steps in a cappella and ensemble singing.
Joining The King’s Singers has given me the opportunity to travel all over the world and sing in places I once only dreamed of. And for a humble Kiwi, having been an audience member for the 40th Anniversary, being in the group as it celebrates 50 years is more than I could ever have imagined. Add to that being a newly married man … I really am living the dream!