Auckland Youth Choir is a 130-strong mixed voice group of singers aged 16–27 from across the city. In 2024, AYC celebrates its 40th anniversary. The choir was set up in 1984 to bridge the gap between school and adult choirs and has had significant success since with innovative performances, large membership growth and collaborations with some of New Zealand’s preeminent musicians and arts organisations.

Past projects have included singing at ANZAC commemorations at Auckland War Memorial Museum, premieres of several works by New Zealand composers, and collaborations with other choirs, orchestras and musicians from across the country and beyond. In 2016, the choir was part of a world premiere of Paul Mealor’s music in Carnegie Hall, New York City. In 2019, the choir won the choral section of the Australian International Music Festival and performed in the Sydney Opera House. In July 2024, AYC will compete in the World Choir Games – a festival that will see 250+ international choirs travel to and perform in Auckland.
 

AYC is proud to run a Development and Mentoring Project that gives budding conductors, pianists and composers mentoring and experience working with the choir. AYC commissions at least one new work from a member of the choir each year.