Greater Auckland Chorus (GAC) was formed in 1983. We have been New Zealand Champions four times.

At the 2006 New Zealand national competition (Region #35) in Christchurch, GAC made history by scoring an amazing 639 points and becoming New Zealand's first ever 'Wild Card' chorus. GAC represented Region #35 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in October 2007.

As a member of Greater Auckland Chorus you will have the opportunity to perform in public – we have appeared in many venues from band rotundas to churches, from country market places to town halls.

Master Director - Melody Lowe

We are very fortunate to have a director with not only excellent musical and dramatic talents, but also the skills to motivate and enthuse. Our Tuesday night rehearsals often resemble the atmosphere of an exciting party with friends, and we go home exhilarated. Much of that is attributable to Melody’s own personality, her passion for what we do and her detailed planning that ensures a varied and entertaining evening.

Melody has been a Sweet Adeline since 1990, coming from a background in musical theatre and drama teaching, having performed in and directed many musicals. She got the opportunity to direct SouthCity Harmony in 2000, while still singing Bass on the Greater Auckland risers, and when the position opened up to lead the Chorus to International competition in Phoenix in 2003, Melody seized the opportunity with both hands and the Chorus has never looked back, going on in Detroit 2004 to score the highest points ever by a New Zealand chorus.

Assistant Directors

Jocosa Lowe
Jocosa became a Sweet Adeline at just 12 years of age bringing a strong music background having learnt piano, playing ‘cello' for both the Auckland and New Zealand Secondary schools orchestras, singing in the Opus choir at Epsom Girls, and also performing in many musicals. Jocosa joined the Music team in 2001 as one of the Lead section leaders, and became an Assistant Director in 2003, also taking up the position of Director of SouthCity Soundz, where her frontline experience is an added bonus for the Chorus.

Loro Shandler
Loro joined Sweet Adelines in the 1980s. She hails from Vancouver, Canada and has many years of experience on the International stage as the original baritone in the champion quartet, Perfect Timing. Loro also directed the Chorus for a few years in the 1990s and has continued for more than 10 years as an Assistant Director, and as one of the baritone section leaders. She is renowned for having one of the most expressive faces in the chorus. It’s a joy to perform to her when she is out front, particularly when directing a tender ballad.

About the Quartets

The Greater Auckland Chorus encourages all members to aspire to be in a quartet. We currently have registered quartets several of whom will be competing for the first time in April at the Regional Sweet Adeline Competitions.