Back to Funds

Hamilton Civic Choir Foundation Fund

Donations to The Hamilton Civic Choir Foundation Fund help grow its support for the Choir’s development and musical direction.

The Hamilton Civic Choir was founded in 1946 by town councillors of the day, including Roderick Braithwaite (later Mayor), and Dame Hilda Ross who led an earlier choral society in the 1920s and 1930s (and of whom a bronze statue now stands in Garden Place).

The Choir has been singing for audiences ever since, drawing in choristers from across the Waikato and holding concerts three or four times a year, with the occasional national or international outing. The current Mayor of Hamilton is always its ex officio President, although it is not routinely funded by the Hamilton City Council.

The Hamilton Civic Choir Foundation was established in 1999 to provide funding to support the Choir’s musical direction and quality of performance. Its Patron is renowned soprano and local legend Dame Malvina Major.

Brian Prestidge, who has been a Choir Foundation trustee since its inception, says the Fund realises the aspirations of its founders. He describes the Hamilton Civic Choir as outstanding for a city the size of Hamilton.

“It really is quite something, the city and region can be rightfully proud of it.”

Choir Foundation Treasurer Ray Harlow says choral fans can donate directly to the Choir to support its immediate activities, and/or donate to the Choir Foundation's Fund here on this page to support the Choir into the future.

All donations of $5 or more are tax deductible. You will receive a donation receipt that can be submitted to the IRD at the end of the tax year for a 33% tax rebate.

Note that on all forms, * indicates a required field.

If you encounter any challenges when donating, please contact us.