Music Director
Dr John Linker
www.johnlinker.com Dr John Linker is Director of Music at Christ Church Transitional Cathedral (appointed 2014). Singing six choral services per week during term time, Christ Church Cathedral Choir is unique in New Zealand with its own choir school and maintains a standard of educational excellence on par with its British counterparts.
John has been Music Director of Christchurch City Choir, Canterbury’s premiere symphonic choral ensemble, since 2016. The City Choir, committed to the highest artistic excellence delivering innovative and imaginative programming, performs four major concerts per year, often with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and with internationally acclaimed soloists, as well as smaller community events. Born and raised in Illinois, USA, John was a chorister in his family’s church and was playing the organ for services from age 11. He holds music degrees from Northern Illinois University (Bachelor of Music), Chicago Musical College at Roosevelt University (Master of Music), and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (Doctor of Musical Arts), and is active in and has held leadership positions in numerous musical organisations. Prior to coming to New Zealand, John held positions in suburban Chicago and Kentucky. He has performed throughout the US, the UK, Europe, and New Zealand. In addition to teaching, John is passionate about chamber music and collaborative music making, and regularly performs with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. His greatest joy is any adventure with his wife Molly and their daughter Lila. |
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AccompanistJosie Yau
The Christchurch City Choir Inc is delighted to welcome Josie Man-Ching Yau as the official accompanist for the Choir beginning in February this year. Hong Kong-born pianist Josie Yau studied piano performance with Shi-guang Cui and vocal performance with Jeffie Leung at Hong Kong Baptist University. After completing her Bachelor in Arts with Honours, Josie served in the government-run Hong Kong Music Office, where she provided theory, aural, ensembleship and choral training for over 300 trainees each year. Outside her busy teaching schedule, Josie has been an active accompanist, choral conductor and chamber musician performing regularly in Hong Kong, Austria, Germany, Italy, and China. We are thrilled Josie, her husband and young daughter have decided to make Christchurch their home and the Choir looks forward to enjoying many years of music-making together. |
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Christchurch City Choir Board
Chair: Joanna Dodgshun Treasurer: Jocelyne Hill Richard Milne, Emma Watkins, Kathryn Taylor |
Choir Manager: Charlotte Ensor Accounts Administrator: Murray Baty Librarian: Julie McGeorge Choir Registrar: Rosemary Allison New Members and Recruitment Liaison: Heather Young |
