Welcome to the website of the Matakanui Men's Choir. The choir was formed in 1958.  Since our inception we have been dedicated to the art of singing in the tradition of Welsh Male Choirs.

We have regular practices and often perform around the Central Otago region.  If you would like to join the group please click on the contact us link.

Our Beginnings

The Matakanui Men's Choir was formed in 1958 when a group of Central Otago men decided to establish an organized structure to pursue their shared joy of singing. Coincidentally, the idea originated during an extended session at the Chatto Creek Hotel.

Our Music Director

Trev Smith has directed the MMC since 1987. Under his direction the choir has made an enormous leap forward, found and refined its style and greatly broadened its repertoire.  On July 1, 2000 he conducted the massed choir at the Omakau races to the delight of jockey's and racegoers alike.

Trev is a Wool Classer with Wrightson's by day, and since 1980 has been assistant coach of the Gimmerburn Patearoa Senior Rugby team.

Every year Trev presents the Director's Award to a member of the choir who has distinguished himself in service to the choir over the previous year.  Starting in 2002 he has honoured Cliff Purvis, Dick Perium, Kevin Taylor, Bevan Miller and Colin Hickey.

Vision & Repertoire

Over the years the choir has built up an extensive repertoire which continues to grow each season. The MMC performs a wide variety of music, with the accompaniment of our dedicated pianist Mrs. Edith Thwaites.

Selections range from the classic harmonies of "Pokarekare Ana" to the modern sound of "Pass the dutchie on the left hand side."

A disciplined approach to the music has had its rewards. These have included first prizes in competition in Invercargill in 1985, Hastings in 1988, and in Gore in 2003.

In 1991 the MMC toured the Gold Coast of Australia staging eleven concerts in two weeks at various RSL's. Four years later the choir returned to Tweed Heads for its second tour. A third tour of Canada is planned for 2008.

Some of our members flew to London to join the International Men's Chior. They were lucky enough to sing at the Royal Albert Hall. Colin, Merv and Gordy are circled abov