Gisborne Gazette Article Feb 2026

| Type of post: | Choir news item |
| Sub-type: | No sub-type |
| Posted By: | Kitty Skeen |
| Status: | Current |
| Date Posted: | Mon, 9 Mar 2026 |
The Gisborne Singers Look Ahead to a Vibrant 2026 Season
Following the success of their Songs of Connection concert in November, The Gisborne Singers are delighted to welcome back conductor Christopher Roache for the 2026 season. Roache’s inspiring leadership has become a valued part of the choir’s musical growth and community presence.
This year also marks a fond farewell to accompanist Anna Clarke‑Zuidland, who has contributed five years of exceptional musicianship to the ensemble. Anna’s work at the piano has supported a wide range of repertoire, and her talents as an alto have enriched several major orchestral performances. Most recently, she joined the choir on their memorable trip to Hobart for the Festival of Voices. The choir extends its warmest wishes to Anna as she embarks on her next musical chapter.
Looking ahead, The Gisborne Singers have an exciting program planned for 2026, including a Choir Jam in February, major concerts in May and November, a return to the Festival of Voices in July, and Christmas events to close the year. Their May concert will showcase a luminous selection of English motets spanning Renaissance to contemporary works.
The choir is now welcoming new members. As a non‑auditioned group, they invite singers of all backgrounds; sight‑reading skills are helpful but not essential.
For more details, visit www.gisbornesingers.org.au.
Kitty Skeen
Pictured – The Gisborne Singers at the Church of the Resurrection, Macedon, for the last concert in November 2025.
Following the success of their Songs of Connection concert in November, The Gisborne Singers are delighted to welcome back conductor Christopher Roache for the 2026 season. Roache’s inspiring leadership has become a valued part of the choir’s musical growth and community presence.
This year also marks a fond farewell to accompanist Anna Clarke‑Zuidland, who has contributed five years of exceptional musicianship to the ensemble. Anna’s work at the piano has supported a wide range of repertoire, and her talents as an alto have enriched several major orchestral performances. Most recently, she joined the choir on their memorable trip to Hobart for the Festival of Voices. The choir extends its warmest wishes to Anna as she embarks on her next musical chapter.
Looking ahead, The Gisborne Singers have an exciting program planned for 2026, including a Choir Jam in February, major concerts in May and November, a return to the Festival of Voices in July, and Christmas events to close the year. Their May concert will showcase a luminous selection of English motets spanning Renaissance to contemporary works.
The choir is now welcoming new members. As a non‑auditioned group, they invite singers of all backgrounds; sight‑reading skills are helpful but not essential.
For more details, visit www.gisbornesingers.org.au.
Kitty Skeen
Pictured – The Gisborne Singers at the Church of the Resurrection, Macedon, for the last concert in November 2025.

