My kiwi husband and I decided to settle in New Zealand with our then 2-year old daughter in 2002. Having grown up in a family and a community that sang together a lot, I found it really hard to lose that connectivity and my support network. Singing has always played a big part in my identity and moving to NZ, I wanted to join a choir to fill in that void.

Unfortunately, many choirs didn't want me as I couldn't read music so I had this dream of starting my own choir where everyone would be welcome to sing and reading music wasn't going to be a requirement. The good news is that over the years, I discovered community choirs which provided exactly what I needed: belonging, acceptance, connections, community and joyful singing! So despite the rough start, I ended up singing in various choirs in NZ ranging from community choirs to Madrigal, classical and Gospel!

In February 2020, I started Kotaba voices, a sisterhood, to honour the strong women who have influenced my life growing up and create a community for all who identify as women where they are accepted, valued, empowered and celebrated and connect with the wider world through song.  We sing beautiful harmony songs from different traditions around the world as well as contemporary community songs rooted in  justice, caring for the earth, and human connections. Following the traditions of many cultures around the world, all songs are taught by ear.
Where: Garden Room St Peter's on Willis
When: 7 pm-8:30 pm, Monday evenings during term times
Cost: $95- 120/term ( flexible for those in financial strife)

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