Nelson Civic Choir with Music and Artistic Director, Jason Balla present the annual ‘Joy to the World’, to kick-off the festive Christmas holiday season with two concerts at the Nelson Cathedral on Friday November 29th at 7pm and Saturday November 30th at 2pm. This year’s programme features music by five New Zealand composers, a selection of traditional carols and some vocal and organ solos designed to raise the cathedral roof and inject some festive spirit into the lives of Nelsonians young and old.

We ‘Look Towards Christmas’ with the music of Jillian Bray and Colin Gibson. ‘Summer’s a Time to Discover’ all sorts of fun festive things by composer Jackie Wise and presented by Soprano Rosie McAllister – recently selected for the 2025 New Zealand Opera School.

The most ‘O Holy Night’ in the Christian calendar is given voice by soprano Allison Cormack. The Nelson Civic Choir and a small orchestral ensemble of local musicians pay homage to the baby Jesus with music by Sir Karl Jenkins.

The concert is rounded out with music by New Zealand composer David Hamilton which includes his choral composition ‘Joy to the World’ and the world premiere of ‘A New Carol for Christmas Day’