New Zealand Youth Choir Secures Grand Prix at European Choir Games

The New Zealand Youth Choir has made history by winning the Grand Prix of Nations at the European Choir Games in Aarhus, Denmark. The choir earned an impressive score of 97.50 out of 100 in the Folklore section, showcasing a powerful blend of traditional Māori waiata and Pacific songs that captivated the judges.

Considered the pinnacle of choral competitions, the European Choir Games brought together 130 choirs and over 6,000 participants from 35 countries. The event, often likened to the 'Olympics of choral music,' provided a platform for choirs of all experience levels to compete in a variety of categories, including Folklore, Musica Sacra, and Pop/Jazz.

Arne Hermann, Chief Executive of Choirs Aotearoa NZ, praised the choir's performance, stating, “Their magic mix of waiata and songs from the Pacific convinced the judges.” The choir's success in the Folklore category was a testament to its cultural richness and musical excellence.

In addition to the Grand Prix, the NZ Youth Choir also competed in the Musica Sacra a cappella category, where it earned a score of 96.25, securing second place and a Gold Medal - Top Level award. This achievement highlights the choir's versatility and strength across multiple musical genres.

This marks the choir's first European tour since the pandemic, and it will now travel to Wales to compete in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. The choir has a storied history in international competitions, having previously won the Choir of the World award at the Eisteddfod in 1999.

Comprising talented young singers aged 18–25, the NZ Youth Choir offers a three-year membership that includes professional conductor tutelage and vocal training. The program culminates in an international tour, providing members with invaluable performance experience and exposure to global choral traditions.

On their way to Denmark, the choir made a stop in Singapore, where they performed at Gardens by the Bay in July 2025. This tour also marks the final one under the direction of choir conductor David Squire, who has led the choir since 2011. Squire, a former choir member himself, has played a pivotal role in shaping the choir's identity and success over the years.

The European Choir Games also saw other notable winners, including the Czech Republic's Kajetán in the Children’s Choirs category and the Youth Choir Aarhus U from Denmark in the Pop, Jazz, and Show Choirs category. The event underscored the global diversity and excellence of choral music, with choirs from every continent competing for top honors.

As the NZ Youth Choir continues its journey, it carries with it the pride of New Zealand and the legacy of a rich choral tradition. Their recent triumph at the European Choir Games is a testament to the power of music to transcend borders and unite people through shared cultural expression.