2018 CONCERT SEASON
About the Choir
WHO WE ARE
The Napier Civic Choir is a not-for-profit organisation and is a non-auditioning choir that promotes choral and orchestral music for members and audiences of all ages, providing high quality concerts that engage the community.
The choir was established in 1968 and its principal purpose is the performance of a varied choral repertoire of music by great composers.
WHAT WE DO
Under the tutelage and direction of Music Director and Conductor José Aparicio, the choir meets weekly to rehearse.
Each year the Napier Civic Choir and Hawke's Bay Orchestra perform a concert season comprising of four Concert Weekends with each weekend having two choral concerts and one orchestral concert.
Performances feature the choir with local, national and international vocal soloists and the Hawke’s Bay Orchestra with instrumental soloists of national and international reputate.
About the HBO
HAWKE'S BAY ORCHESTRA
is a community orchestra and its objective is to promote, present and encourage the playing and appreciation of orchestral music in Hawke's Bay.
Over time and under the guidance of Conductor José Aparicio, it has developed a mutually beneficial relationship with the Napier Civic Choir, and the current NCC/HBO Concert Weekend Series has come into existence.
Our Music Director
José Aparicio
José Aparicio began studying music with his father at the age five, continuing his flute studies at Alicante’s Music Conservatoire where he graduated in 1995 having won the graduation competition and the Sociedad de Conciertos de Alicante Prize. He then played as a soloist with orchestras for a year and in 1996 became principal flute of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Alicante and Orquesta de Camara Ciudad de Elche, touring with them both extensively.
In 1998 he moved to London to study postgraduate flute, conducting and singing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he graduated in 2004, and won second prize in the prestigious Gold Medal competition. During his years of study at the Guildhall, José worked with conductors such as Sir Colin Davis, M. Rostropovich, Charles Dutoit, V. Ashkenazy, Leonard Slatkin, Bernard Haitink, Michael Tilson Thomas, and many more. José then performed regularly in the UK, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain and France.
In 2009, following the birth of his daughter, José emigrated to New Zealand. He is currently Artistic Director of the Napier Civic Choir. He also regularly conducts the Hawke’s Bay Orchestra and has directed and conducted the last four productions of Festival Opera in Napier, most recently Carmen in February 2017. He has also conducted the St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra and the New Zealand Doctors’ Orchestra. His understanding and knowledge of repertoire is extensive, his perspective one of both performer and director, feeling equally at home with Opera, Choral and Symphonic repertoire.
José’s teaching portfolio currently includes singing and flute students at a wide range of levels, and conducting choirs at Iona College and Woodford House in Havelock North, and Hasting Boys High School in Hastings. In addition, José tutors young singers taking part in Project Prima Volta.
About our Soloists
WE WELCOME OUR 2024 SOLOISTS
Every year we are privileged to present highly talented local, national or international soloists who will awe you with their virtuoso singing and performing.
Our Aims
Napier Civic Choir is committed to the goals of its constitution of regular rehearsals and public concerts. Through achieving these objectives the Choir enhances the cultural landscape of Hawke’s Bay.
NAPIER CIVIC CHOIR PROVIDES:
A satisfying platform for all ages
Over 80 non-auditioned members from Hawke’s Bay, teenagers to mature adults who enjoy choral singing, regular rehearsals and performances.
Pleasure and satisfaction to our audiences
450 – 800 attend each weekend event and show obvious delight in our concerts. Standing ovations are common.
Value for money
Concert quality easily matches performances in major city centres. Audiences do not have to travel far to hear high quality at affordable prices.
Health and wellbeing
Group singing has been scientifically proven to lower stress, relieve anxiety, and elevate endorphins.
THIS IS ACHIEVED THROUGH:
A unique style of concerts
Programmes provide considerable interest in a colourful combination of choir, orchestra and soloists.
High-quality artistic and Music Director skills
Capable musical leadership is essential to the success of the Napier Civic Choir. We are indeed fortunate to enjoy the benefits of the high quality musical and interpersonal skills of José Aparicio, an opera singer, flautist and conductor.
A respectful, easy rapport exists between the Music Director and choir members. Rehearsals are stress free and musically beneficial.
A strong educational focus
Musicianship and voice production techniques are taught for all ages. Choir members benefit from voice production within each section during every rehearsal.
Engaging youth
Several secondary school students sing in the choir. Some are interested in making music a career and the repertoire adds substance to their musical knowledge.
The individual advantages include sharing a healthy activity and mixing socially with adults.
Personal and group achievements that are valued and recognised.
A well-organised and committed committee and volunteers ensure the choir and the choir’s concerts run smoothly.
