World Choir Games 2024 concludes with spectacular Closing Ceremony

The largest choral music event the country has ever hosted, the World Choir Games 2024, closed on Saturday night with a spectacular Closing Ceremony. The near sold-out event included a final flag ceremony and a farewell to the thousands of visitors to New Zealand, as well as a performance of the Official Song Te taukaea tangata / Breathing in, breathing out, composed by Don McGlashan and Hana Mereraiha, performed by Marlon Williams and Ria Hall, accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia, and backed by the 600-voice Festival Stage Choir.

From July 10 to 20, the 13th World Choir Games, presented in partnership with global organizing body INTERKULTUR and local partners New Zealand Choral Federation, New Zealand Major Events and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, brought Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland alive with song, not only in venues across the city but in the streets, squares, parks and restaurants, on buses, and in hotels and hostels. Over 11,000 participants descended on the city across the 11-day event and thousands of audience members enjoyed the many ceremonies, concerts and competition sessions, as well as the colourful Parade of Nations along Quay Street.

From among the 250 choirs from 42 nations attending, a total of 21 Category Winners in The Open Competition and 24 World Choir Games Champions in The Champions Competition were announced during the event. The highest overall results were achieved by University of Oregon Chamber Choir from the United States with 97.88 in the “University and College Choirs” and 97.25 points in the “Sacred Choral Music with Accompaniment” categories.

China received the most medals, with 63. They were followed by the USA (17), New Zealand (13), Australia (6), Denmark (4), Indonesia (4), Croatia (3), and Austria, Great Britain and India, each with 2. Full results are here.

INTERKULTUR President Günter Titsch says, “Auckland has thrilled the world! We have already received enthusiastic feedback from so many choirs, who described the World Choir Games 2024 as a magical and incredible experience. The powerful Māori culture has given this event a unique character, which will remain a lifelong memory for both the participants and us at INTERKULTUR.”

New Zealand Choral Federation CEO Christine Argyle says, “Our New Zealand choirs have come away inspired by the extraordinary performances they’ve heard, invigorated by the workshops they’ve attended, and proud of the medals they’ve earned through months of preparation. Hosting the World Choir Games has been a tremendous boost to our choral sector and the benefits will reverberate for years to come.”

Auckland Council, Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, says, “As a UNESCO City of Music, Auckland is not just a gateway to natural wonders but also a hub of creativity and artistic expression. The World Choir Games 2024 was more than just a competition; it was a reminder of how music weaves its way through all cultures and has the ability to unite us as a city, country and across the globe.

“Every time a choir performed, whether in one of our many venues or outside in one of our open spaces, people smiled. It continues to reinforce the work of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to deliver amazing events of this scale for the region.”

World Choir Games 2024 Executive Director Kylie Sealy says, “We couldn’t have delivered the Games without the immense support from our family of partners, funders, venues and suppliers, who helped us deliver 410 individual activities across the 11 days, along with our incredible team of 350 volunteers who were utterly dedicated in their support of our many choirs and activities.”