Auckland choir Viva Voce Photo: Jonathan Kubiak
John Rosser was already a pretty experienced singer and choral conductor in 1985. But he wanted to spread his musical wings.
And back in the mid-80s, options in Auckland for being in a high quality chamber choir, unless you were young enough to be in the National Youth Choir or the University Singers, were pretty limited.
So Rosser formed his own auditioned chamber choir: Viva Voce.
Now, in 2025, the choir turns 40 and it's holding a reunion and celebratory concert in Auckland this weekend.
John Rosser. Photo: supplied
Speaking to RNZ Concert ahead of the party, Rosser (who remains the choir's Musical Director) says the choir has remained fresh by embracing a wide repertoire: from Monteverdi (his favourite) to covers of modern pop songs.
He says at least 70 former members have signed up for this weekend's reunion, and they'll sing at least a couple of numbers with the current choir during the 40th birthday concert at the Auckland Town Hall.
And yes, there will be Monteverdi.
