WelCom, September 2024
Annette Scullion
Wellington-based ecumenical-interfaith Signature Choir is achieving widespread national and international attention through performing and promoting Pacific music and culture.
Since it was founded in 2018, the choir has gained an enormous following and reputation. Its mission is to promote Pacific language and culture through showcasing Pacific music in new and re-imagined ways, and exploring choral harmony, fresh compositions and arrangements from hymns to rock music to opera.
‘The choir’s 30 to 50 choristers include a number of Māori and Pacific members from the Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational EFKS, Seventh Day Adventist, Evangelical (AOG), and Ratana churches from around Wellington, says choir member Melania Luka-Lui. Melania is Pasifika Engagement Coordinator at Te Kupenga, Catholic Theological College’s Wellington site.
‘The choir is led by members of the Catholic Parish of Wellington South including music directors and composers Jadrah Tupa’i, Seumanu Tana Tupa’i and teacher, composer and renowned international performer, Fepuleai Helen Moananu-Tupa’i,’ says Melanie.
‘Team leaders Tauatele Mason and Atelina Malagamalii (EFKS Newtown), Evan Belford, (PIPC Newtown) and Henrietta Hunkin-Tagaloa (Our Lady of Hope, Tawa), help with bringing the choristers together to form Signature Choir.’
Other members from the Archdiocese parishes include Melania Luka-Lui, Julian Tupa’i, Leu Ulu, Jessie Antonio and Elama Elama of the Catholic Parish of Wellington South and Pacific Island Presbyterian (PIPC) Church, Newtown, John Meli and Henrietta Hunkin-Tagaloa of Our Lady of Hope, Tawa-Titahi Bay and Leilani Tupai-Faaeteete of Te Wairua Tapu, Wainuiomata.
‘The choir holds twice-weekly practices at church venues including PIPC Newtown, St Anne’s Newtown, EFKS Congregational Church Porirua, Newtown and Naenae, as well as Wellington East Girls’ College’, says Melania.
‘In the recent years Signature has performed at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington and the Spark Arena in Auckland with the acclaimed Mana Moana tour with the NZSO, as well as at the Hutt Valley Sports Awards, the Pacific Symphony for international cruise ship visitors to Wellington, operas and national choral events.’
Signature is currently involved with the inaugural Musika Moana Choir competition, formed as a result of last year’s resoundingly successful Mana Moana event with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in Auckland, and at which Signature featured prominently.
This new competition is set to take place this month across Aotearoa New Zealand to showcase the richness of Pacific culture and the talent of the Pacific community choirs in some of the country’s leading venues. Signature Choir will be supporting the Musika Moana Choir Competition in Wellington on 7 September at the Michael Fowler Centre.
The choir is also involved with the Dawn Raid Project as well as Porgy and Bess with the Wellington Orchestra in November.
Signature Choir has been nominated for the Pacific Music Awards 2024 and are finalists for several music categories, says Melania. ‘These include SunPix, Best Pacific Language, 531pi, Best Pacific Gospel Artist and Recorded Music NZ Te Pukaemi Toa o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, Best Pacific Music Album.’
