AYC is a mixed-voice youth choir for singers aged 16-27 from across Auckland, New Zealand. We offer young singers a broad musical and choral experience, with several performances each year singing varied repertoire.

The choir was set up in 1984 to bridge the gap between school and adult choirs and now has over 100 singing members. A smaller, auditioned Chamber Choir drawn from the full choir sings in additional performances each year and sings more demanding repertoire.

The choir has had significant success with sell out innovative performances and large membership growth. AYC sings annually in both the Dawn and Civic services at Auckland War Memorial Museum on ANZAC Day and presents a short concert in the WW1 Hall of Memories.

In 2016, the choir was part of a world premiere of Paul Mealor’s music under the baton of Dr James Jordan in Carnegie Hall, New York City. In 2019, the choir won the choral section at the Australian International Music Festival and performed in the Sydney Opera House. 

The choir is proud to run a Development and Mentoring Project that gives developmental opportunities to budding conductors, accompanists, composers and arts leaders. AYC commissions at least one new work from a member of the choir each year.

David Squire joins us as our new Director of Music in 2023. Previous musical directors have included Andrew Carter, Stuart Weightman, Terrence Maskell, Claire Caldwell, Iain Tetley, Rachel Young, Rostislava Pankova-Karadjov, Peter Watts, Lachlan Craig, and Rowan Johnston.