David Squire directing the NZ Youth Choir at the Sydney Opera House in December 2022. Photo: Robert Catto Photography
When David Squire joined New Zealand's National Youth Choir as a singer, it never occurred to him he might one day direct it.
But direct it he has, for 15 years. That time, which has included some "really amazing experiences", is coming to an end, as Squire is stepping down as the New Zealand Youth Choir's music director once it has completed its latest overseas tour to Singapore, Denmark and the UK.
Squire and choir tenor Ivan Zhang joined RNZ Concert host Bryan Crump ahead of the choir's departure.
David Squire and the New Zealand Youth Choir Photo: Jo
Highlights of the tour will include taking part in the European Choir Games in Denmark before representing New Zealand at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales.
The latter is a celebration of and competition for performing arts groups from around the world.
It's not the first time the Youth Choir has taken part in the Eisteddfod, which all happens in a giant tent in a field not far from the small north Wales town of Llangollen.
The last time Squire took the choir there, everyone was sweltering in a heatwave (and there's not much in the way of air conditioning inside the tent). The year before, it rained and the venue turned into a swamp.
Not that those extremes put the musicians off.
New Zealand Youth Choir 2025 member Ivan Zhang Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Youth Choir
The tour also marks the end of Ivan Zhang's current stint with the choir.
As well as studying music, Zhang is also reading law at Auckland University. He was thinking law would be his longer term career choice, but he is beginning to wonder if music is where his heart is.
Luckily, he's young enough to audition for another stint with the NZ Youth Choir.
As for Squire, he's not sure what his longer term plans will be. His focus is on the Youth Choir's tour, and once that's over, taking part in the Big Sing where Euphony and Voicemale - two Auckland secondary school choirs he directs - have made it through to the Finale in Dunedin this August.
