History

The Wellington Male Voice Choir is a medium sized amateur choir (30-40 voices) that sings songs and hymns of many types in traditional male voice choir style (both accompanied and "a cappella"). The choir has been in continuous existence since 1961, providing initially a service to retirement homes and similar charitable groups.

In recent years the choir has sought a more public image, and presents public concerts, in addition to retaining as much as possible of the former service performances.

The choir had an unusual origin in that it was founded by a women’s group called the Khandallah League of Mothers (Khandallah is a suburb of Wellington City).

The League had a Women’s choir for many years and in the years prior to 1961 persuaded their husbands to sing occasionally as a men’s choir. The men formed a choir on a permanent basis in 1961 (then called the Onslow Male Voice Choir) which has lasted long after the woman’s choir (and the League of Mothers) disappeared.

It is choir folklore that the choir was initially named “The Khandallah League of Mothers Male Voice Choir”!

Our Choir History publication

The 50th anniversary of the choir was celebrated over the weekend of 26 November 2011 which included the publication of a history of the choir. The history titled “Let There Be Music”, was authored by Derek Robinson; Size format – 19.5 cm x 28 cm x 35pp. Copies of thee choir history booket may be ordered from the choir at a cost of $20 + $3 p&p.

If you would like to order a copy of the Choir History book, or to find out more information please click here

Our Music CDs

During 2001 the Choir released its first Music CD production, with the title sound track of "Let there be Music". Our second music CD "Let the Music Begin" was recorded in November 2004 and is expected to be released in April 2005, and this also features the Wellington City Jazz.

If you would like to order either of these CDs, or to find out more information please click here