Established in 1984, Auckland Youth Choir is a mixed-voice youth choir for singers aged 16-27 from across the city. Directed by David Squire and accompanied by Assistant Director Claire Caldwell, the choir performs a wide variety of repertoire and aims to offer young singers a place to challenge themselves with a broad musical and choral experience. In 2024, AYC will celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Over the past 10 years, the choir has had significant success with sell out innovative performances and large membership growth. 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. AYC now has over 120 singing members.

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

Previous AYC Directors of Music include Andrew Carter (1984), Brigid McLafferty (1985-1990), John Rosser (1991), Terrence Maskell (1992-2000), Stuart Weightman (2001; 2002-2003), Claire Caldwell (2001), Iain Tetley (2003-2004), Rachel Young (2005-2006), Rostislava Pankova-Karadjov (2007-2013), Peter Watts (2014), Lachlan Craig (2014-2020), and Rowan Johnston (2020-2022).