Jubilation Choir Members

SOPRANOs:

Altos:

Tenors:

Basses:

with us in spirit:

Nick Rosenberg (13/3/45 - 27/8/13) | Peter Kirkbride (8/8/61 - 8/12/19) | Rick Bryant (24/3/48 - 5/12/19)

Sopranos

BUZZ WORLEY

A Westie born and raised, I started life at Bethell's Beach, have lived all over the West and am currently living in Green Bay.

My musical history is pretty mottled - Rough as Guts (punk, glam, rock covers), The Rank Outsiders, (alternative rock, originals), and Rick Bryant and The Jive Bombers (Rhythm and Blues). The first time I ever sang on stage, other than school musicals, was at the Bethell’s Beach surf club. I was eleven years old, I wore a bush shirt and gumboots and sang Chunder in the Old Pacific Sea, a lovely little ditty written by Barry Humphries.

I joined Jubilation when it was six people in a basement with a piano. I love singing a capella and being part of this wonderful whanau of like-minded, and talented people

ISOLDE GRUNWALD

I grew up in Northern Germany on a staple diet of Bach, Mozart and Vivaldi. I was a promising violinist and sang in the local church choir. My heart, however, was captured by the spirit of American gospel singers like Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin and blues greats like John Lee Hooker.

I left my home country in the early 1990s and have lived in Auckland since. When I met Rick Bryant in the late nineties at a choir rehearsal, I joined his A Cappella quartet. We founded the Jubilation Choir in 2000 and were soon joined by a bunch of fabulous singers, musicians and performers. Many of them are still part of the group after twenty years.

I am a soprano and one of the conductors of the choir and, let me tell you: it’s the best ‘seat’ in the house. I can hear every single voice, from the basses to the sopranos, which make up the raw rock ’n roll blend that has become Jubilation’s trademark sound.

In my day job, I am a psychotherapist and have two children, Max and Magdalena, and a dog named Charlie.

JACKIE CLARKE

I sing and talk for a living, but Jubilation is my vocal recreation of choice. I love to sing harmony and I’d always wanted to be in a choir, so joining this big beautiful bunch of people was a no brainer. I‘ve been a Jubilator for 19 years and now it’s like family.

Professionally I’ve always done a mix of things - musical theatre (Mamma Mia, Anything Goes, Sweet Charity, Once), bands ( The Lady Killers, The Darlings, When The Cat’s Been Spayed), TV ( judging NZ Idol and Showcase, documentaries, acting and comedy), lots of voice work (cartoons, voice overs and jingles ) plus I swan around a lot as a soloist in a glittery frock at various glamorous soirees. I also co-host and programme the annual Kids for Kids concert tour, featuring massed choirs of kiwi kids singing loud and proud.

I was super chuffed and humbled to be awarded an MNZM for services to entertainment in 2018… but I don’t wear the medal at our gigs….

JEAN MCALLISTER

I have been in Jubilation since Rick Bryant called me one day and asked if I’d like to come and have a sing with a group of people who were starting up an a cappella gospel choir. I had been in bands since I was a teenager and have always loved vocal harmony in all its glory. It was that magic blend by the likes of John and Paul and Aretha and her backing singers that first got me hooked as a kid.

Being in Jubilation reminds me that when you sing soulful songs with thirty or so others you can lose yourself and become part of something better. Whatever we do as individuals for the rest of the week, on Tuesday nights and when we sing for a crowd, we know everything’s going to be all right.

JENNY GORDON

I am a married mother of two who has always been passionate about music and singing.

I am a newly qualified registered music therapist and believe strongly that music can be used to help people achieve non-musical goals to live their best lives. I currently work leading singing groups with older people living with neurological conditions and pursuing other music therapy opportunities.

Previously I have worked in Chartered Accountancy, sole-charge office work for small businesses, and as a music specialist teacher at an Auckland intermediate school. I joined Jubilation in 2006 and it continues to keep me musically excited and challenged.

I love singing with the people in Jubilation – it’s magic!

KAREN RUTHERFORD

I’ve been singing with Jubilation since the choir’s early days. What do I love about it? There’s something really amazing about putting your individual voice in among 30-odd others and hearing a piece of music come together - I never tire of that feeling.

I’m a lifelong teacher with a fairly hefty amount of responsibility, so Jubilation is a hugely creative and satisfying contrast to that. And being in Jubilation means that on Tuesday nights, I get to turn up to practice and sing with a really great bunch of people.

Musical inspiration for me - Nina Simone and Miles Davis with a side order of Argentinian tango.

KATE WARD-SMYTHE

Kia ora! I worked as a freelancer for a couple of decades on films, festivals, theatre and events. Highlights include 3 seasons as a presenter on TVNZ’s Maggie’s Garden Show; guest judge on TV3’s Wannabe’s and Wannabe Duos; co-judge of Sticky TV’s National Stage Challenge Finals; artistic direction and leadership on events such as Rotorua’s Lakeside, Starlight Symphony; Opera In The Park; Christmas in the Park; as well as co-producing fundraisers such as To Christchurch With Love.

In 2014 I switched to the NZ charity sector with the For Everyone Charitable Foundation [now iSPORT] and executive-produced the charity single, Song For Everyone, which went to #5 in the NZ singles charts. I now work with the team at Auckland’s proudly independent Q Theatre. I love being part of a process that motivates communities to come together for memorable, shared experiences.

Singing with Jubilation is my happy place, my sweet release from the rest of life as a full time working parent. As J.R.R. Tolkien wrote, “If more of us valued food, cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” (The Hobbit)

Katrina Batten

Music and singing has always been my passion and it started at primary school in choirs, then musicals, then more select choirs, youth choirs after school, then Barbershop choruses, then bands.

And I've worked in radio my entire career and that's where my musical knowledge really began - working with presenters who did their homework and listeners who requested songs I'd never heard of before. I thank them for my musical education.

I'm so grateful I can hold a tune and hear harmonies because after moving to Auckland from Wellington 5 years ago, I needed to get back into regular singing. I heard about this amazing choir with these famous amazing singers like Rick Bryant (legend) and Jackie Clarke.

It's been an honour to sing with some of the most beautiful voices in Auckland - sometimes I wish I wasn't singing and could always be in the audience because it's so moving. Jubilation's a joy and I hope we "spark joy" for our audiences. Away from singing and radio, I currently live in Mt Albert with partner Brian and Monty the Siamese.

tricia hurrell

Having trained and performed in the world of classical, opera and musical theatre, after having my two awesome kids, I was keen for a change. I was lucky enough to come across this brilliant choir, and even luckier when they decided to take me into their fold.

With my classical ‘hat’on, I had a brilliant time performing in the NZ Opera chorus in a number of productions, including: Madame Butterfly; Rigoletto; La Traviata. Back in my teenage years I was a founding member of the Opera Factory, highlights of which included touring with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the NZSO.

During the day, the part of my brain that loves Sudoku has lead me into a career as an IT Business Analyst. But my main job is probably as an unpaid uber-driver for my 2 kids, which crazily enough … I love!

Altos

CALLIE BLOOD

I’m a mum, singer, ginger, songwriter, painter of ketes and I make a rocking dhal. I was in my first band at 14….with the dubious name of Saxon Hair. Sang my first jingle at 15, and have been employed as a musician ever since, either writing jingles, TV scores or songs…..or singing same.

I've worked with many of NZ’s finest, from Dave Dobbyn to Jenny Morris, from Barry Saunders to Ian Morris and Jackie Clarke to Dave McArtney and many in between. Had a number one single in 1987 with Tex Pistol’s Game of Love, sang on Peter Jackson’s Meet the Feebles soundtrack, and Dave Dobbyn’s Loyal for the America’s Cup.

Have released a CD of my songs with The Darlings and have another in the works, and am not happy unless I’m singing my lungs off. Being in the choir is a special treat - it’s a wonderful family of souls… many like-minded individuals devoted to having a bloody good yodel.

FIONA SAMUEL

As a child I used to sit up a tree in a gown from the dressing-up box, bottle-green chiffon with appliquéd white daisies - I would sing my heart out, feeling like a tree spirit or a hybrid girl-bird with unusual powers.

Now I’m a writer and director and occasional actor, so I get paid for pretending, or inventing stories for other people to pretend and making them happen. A few years back I was named as an Arts Foundation Laureate in Moving Image, and in 2019 I received an MNZM for my work in television and theatre, so I feel like I’m in the right place - still up that tree singing.

I also love swimming, reading and baking, I’m a mother, a daughter and a sister, the President of the New Zealand Writers Guild, a professionally-trained wrestler, the only woman to win a Best Director award for making NZ television drama, and a founding member of Jubilation, proudly singing with the alto section since the year 2000.

JENNIFER WARD-LEALAND

I trained at Auckland’s Theatre Corporate and for 40 years have worked as an actor, director, teacher and, most recently, an intimacy coordinator in theatre, film, television, musical, voice over and radio.

I was a founding board member of The Watershed Theatre and a co-founder of The Actors’ Program. I am currently president of the actors’ union Equity New Zealand, Patron of Q Theatre, and serve as a trust board member of the Te Manu Tīoriori Trust and the Actors Benevolent Trust.

In the 2007 New Year’s Honours List I was invested with an ONZM for services to theatre and the community and, in 2019, invested as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. I was named a Woman of Influence (arts& culture) and SPADA Industry Champion in 2019 and in 2020 was honoured as the New Zealander of the Year.

I've been a keen student of te reo Maori since 2008 and in 2017 was gifted the name Te Atamira (The Stage) by Sir Timoti Karetu and Te Wharehuia Milroy. I live in Grey Lynn with my husband, actor Michael Hurst, my stepmother and 2 Burmese cats, one of which is a thief.

JUDY MCINTOSH

I trained as an actress with fellow Jubilation members Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Nic Beets in the days of Theatre Corporate and the Mercury Theatre In Auckland.

My twenty five years as an actress have been spent mostly in film and television, in shows like ‘’Gloss, ‘Go Girls’, ‘Step Dave’ and ‘Agent Anna’ in New Zealand, and ‘GP’ in Australia. Films include recent US productions ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’ and ‘Bridge to Terebithia’.

Theatrical highlights include various singing roles in musical theatre, with two seasons of ‘Cabaret’ at Theatre Corporate with Jennifer. Currently I teach at St Cuthbert’s College where I am Head of Faculty Performing Arts.

KATE SLATTERY

I started playing the piano at age 5, refused to vacate my seat after seeing my first stage production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at age 7, and cut my singing teeth with ABBA and a hairbrush microphone, swapping harmony and melody with my sister for hours.

With 20 (plus) years as an English and Maths teacher, I have taught in large multicultural schools here in Aotearoa/New Zealand and in the UK and have acted as vocal coach for many vocal groups and school productions, also playing piano and saxophone. I currently work in a large, urban Auckland secondary school and still have the best fun working alongside staff and students who love music and performance. It is my 'jam'!

Through my teaching connection I was encouraged to audition for Jubilation - it’s fun and fabulous to once again be singing in harmony. There is a Māori whakataukī that encourages us to be in harmony with self, others and nature. Jubilation reminds me of this and challenges me to aim for this every day.

Kate Stalker

I grew up in a house full of music and aspired, nay, expected to be rich and famous! After a promising young start and many years of playing in all sorts of bands in two countries, life and children became my primary focus and singing necessarily took a back seat. Slowly my vision narrowed, I couldn't see my way and I loosened my grip on the dream and accepted that I was probably barking up the wrong tree and should just get on with being a slightly miserable but realistic Mama.

Enter Jubilation. Unexpectedly, through one of my daughter’s teachers, an opportunity arose to audition for this rollicking gospel choir I had heard so much about but never had the opportunity to see. I seized it with both white-knuckled fists and, to my relief, was offered a place amongst this most fabulous of beasts.

It has been such an honour to walk shoulder to shoulder with this fine collection of humans. The singing has soothed my soul somewhat and, tho’ I am still 98% Mama, 2% of me is living the dream.

MIMI LEWELL

I was born in St Peter, Minnesota in the US mid-west. I come from a musical family and I grew up singing in choirs – my first one was the "Cherub Choir" at my church, which I joined when I was 5 years old.

The Cherub Choir also lead me to my Kiwi husband Terry – when visiting my best friend (who I first met in the choir when we were both 5) at her home in Malibu, we took a trip to Mexico and at Hussong's Cantina in Ensenada, I met a guy who had just sailed a 48 ft. yacht from Fiji... some Thirty-something years and three children later, here I am.

I joined Jubilation in 2003, and when I joined this wonderful group of singers who are also absolutely amazing people, I really felt at home. Jubilation has been a huge part of my life ever since, and we are a family / whanau that I feel very privileged to be a part of.

When I was young, I used to say I wanted to be a singer in a rock & roll band. Ever since I joined Jubilation, I feel I've made that dream come true - only with a choir.

OLIVIA STEPHENS

Singing harmony with other people has been a constant in my life and something I have done since my childhood in Wellington. I moved to Ponsonby, Auckland in the 1980s and played drums and sang in the all female line ups of Meg and the Fones and Sweet Harmony. I also worked as a percussionist /vocalist with a variety of other musicians during those years. From 1991, ( remember the Mother of All Budgets) I chose a quieter home based life and had my two beautiful daughters.

TANIA ANDERSON

Jubilation has been an important part of my life since I joined in 2007. It's a very serious hobby.

I live in Grey Lynn with my husband, two gorgeous children Stella (20) and Oli (17), two Italian Greyhounds and two cats.

In my spare time I teach English as a second language and do radio and television voice-overs. I still get the occasional acting role and work with Mind Over Manner doing workshops educating people about living and working with teenagers on the spectrum. I also volunteer at Riding for the Disabled and am on the board of Circability (community circus for all ages and abilities.)

Tenors

LORRAINE HAVILL

I joined Jubilation in 2004 after a phone call to Rick Bryant to ask if I could join the altos. That section was full, so Rick suggested becoming a tenor till a place became available. Sixteen years later I still love hanging with the boys.

I trained classically with Sister Mary Leo, but after winning New Faces TV contest in the 70’s, I turned to cabaret, musicals, then rock, jazz and blues bands at venues that have largely disappeared.

Mother of two daughters, and Nana to three moko who all live in the northern hemisphere means regular travel away. Jubilation is my musical whanau - I love singing in harmony with a bunch of highly talented people, and I love being part of the magic that happens when musicians create something special that brings joy to audiences and each other.

MARK SWIFT

I’m recently retired from the University of Auckland after 22 years as a lecturer in Russian. I have a partner Kate and 20-year old son Walter. I enjoy cycling, gardening, reading, and singing.

In my family in Iowa in the American Midwest we always sang. I grew up singing hymns, carols, and folk songs in church and school choirs; at university I sang in a Slavic choir and as a language teacher incorporated Russian songs.

I’ve been with Jubilation since 2013, and I’m really pleased at this age and stage of life to enjoy the profound pleasure of making music with such a class act and such good people.

Marshall Smith

Marshall is an established songwriter, composer and producer and writes music for film, TV, games and theatre. He has been an APRA Silver Scroll finalist and the recipient of many other professional awards for his music over the years. With various original bands he has sung and played keys in London, China and New Zealand.

Marshall is the MD of leading music production house The Sound Room and was the co-founder and co-chair of the Screen Music & Sound Guild of New Zealand for 10+ years. He regularly speaks on music & the film industry and mentors young artists as part of the Depot Artspace programme.

PAUL GURNEY

I first appeared on stage in rock bands in Wellington at the tender age of 18, and have being plying my musical trade ever since.

Music is both a passion and an obsession for me - as lead vocalist, guitarist and a songwriter with Auckland-based touring band The DeSotos; part of acoustic roots line up The AGM with Richard Adams (Nairobi Trio), Stuart McIntyre (The DeSotos), and former Split Enz drummer Paul Crowther, and in my work as Music Tutor at Auckland Live Arts Trust Toi Ora, supporting members’ mental health and well being.

I have a love of the dark southern country blues and gospel genres, so joining Jubilation Choir felt like a natural fit.

Ross France

My first experience of choirs was as boy soprano in Blenheim- the Methodist Church junior choir and primary school. My friend and I entered our first talent quest at aged 10. When I went to university in Wellington I sang in folk groups in places like the Chez Paris then joined a rock band, Storm , as lead singer. We were resident at Alibaba’s Night Club while I worked at the Ministry of Transport as a law clerk during the day. ( For a laugh see page 297 of Nick Bollinger’s “Jumping Sundays”.)

When I moved to Auckland I sang in bands and played alto saxophone and keyboards. The best band was Diatribe (with Peter Kirkbride on lead vocals and guitar). I also had an early role in Herbs, managing and playing in the horn section when they used one. Once I started using my law degree in my early thirties music got pushed aside for 30+ years while I worked the courts and raised children. Tania Anderson encouraged me to audition for Jubilation and, after two years of pandemic and lockdowns, I was accepted and joined the tenors in October 2022. I love being part of it and hope to contribute more to its growth and longevity than just with my voice.

TIM DODD

I’m a tenor and conductor with Jubilation.

For paid employment, I’m a Music Producer at RNZ Concert and most of my job involves recording concerts for the radio. I also produce New Horizons, William Dart’s weekly look at the latest rock, pop, country and folk releases. I’m mostly a classical music guy, but I love all kinds of music and have played keyboards in rock and jazz bands in days gone by.

I am married with three beautiful daughters; I ride the bus or my bike every day to work; I like to read, eat, drink, and go on holiday.

TOM WOODS

A Mount Albert local, I joined Jubilation in 2011 and try never to miss a practise. I work as a community mental health nurse.

I’ve sung in school, university, and community choirs, learned piano, and studied music at uni (when nursing paid the bills). Having recorded at home for years, recently I’ve been playing keyboards and electronics in other people’s bands, too.

Singing with Jubilation combines a love of music with the therapeutic effects of group participation; there’s something about listening, being in tune, and being with other people that’s unique to choirs - it’s recommended.

Basses

ALAN JONES

Choirs have always been a part of my life. First as a ‘boy treble’ in Primary School (before my voice broke), then at University as a tenor and now in Jubilation – years later – as a bass. A satisfying downward trend.

In 1996 I moved from the UK to NZ with my wife Charyn, and our family of four children. The oldest three boys now live in Canada, with their partners and families, but our daughter is in Auckland, so we enjoy the rewards of grandparenting the three Kiwi grandkids. Now I’m retired and looking forward to the next phase of Jubilation, as we reach out to new audiences.

JAMES MOORE

Music and visual art are my passions. I completed my Masters in Fine Art at Auckland University and have had numerous solo painting exhibitions. For 13 years, I was guitarist, singer, song writer with a rock band called the Lure of Shoes. The band produced an album in 2007.

My paid vocation is teaching. After 12 years of teaching art at a number of Auckland’s tertiary institutions, I retrained as a secondary school art teacher and have been HOD Visual Arts at Marcellin College for the last 9 years.

I love the joy, opportunities and challenges involved in singing with a large a capella choir and have been with Jubilation since its inception in 2000.

Jim Hall

I am a professional musician, composer and producer. I toured as bass player with Cilla Black in 1971, and then joined the band on the classic NZ TV show “Happen Inn”.

Moved to London in 1973 and spent 4 years touring throughout Europe and England and recording in some legendary recording studios before returning to NZ in 1978. In 1984 I started a music production company Soundtrax and for nearly 3 decades composed and recorded many of NZ’s most well-loved TV ads, scored 6 movies and many TV shows, and musical directed the first X-Factor NZ.

I have played, produced and or co-written with or for many iconic people including Dame Ngaio Marsh, Cilla Black, Vera Lynn, Rolf Harris, John Hanlon, Ray Columbus, Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga, Boh Runga, Eddie Rayner, Hayley Westenra, Barry Saunders and Helen Medlyn.

I am a recording artist with singer Amber Claire as ‘Random Hearts’ available on Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube, and since 2016 I have been a member of Jubilation.

Matt Kidd

Matt Kidd has recently moved back to Auckland after 18 years in the Hawkes Bay. He was raised around church music and debuted on stage for National Opera under Raymond Hawthorne as a young treble in Benjamin Brittin’s “Turn of the Screw”. He enjoyed singing before a hiatus of many years and returning to the stage in the Hawkes Bay with roles in “Anything Goes” and as Javert in “Les Miserables”. He enjoys the comraderie and synergy a choir brings and looks forward to many more mellifluous melodies in his future.

NIC BEETS

Many years ago when my children were wee and colicky, the only thing that would settle them down was putting them over my shoulder and walking around the house singing to them. An hour or two every day reconnected me with my love of singing, which I had lost since I “retired” from my acting career.

After a few false starts I discovered the newly formed Jubilation had two of my old drama school buddies in it and ever since it has been a huge part of my life (and sanity). In my day job I am a clinical psychologist who specialises in relationship and sex therapy. There is nothing like a good sing of uplifting music to help me keep my sense of proportion on all the cares and woes I deal with at work.

I feel very privileged to be part of a group with so many fabulous musicians in it and, even better, they are also great people to party with – we have the most amazing sing-alongs!!

SIMON PIERPONT

I emigrated to NZ in 1997 to further a career in the super yacht industry working for one of the world’s premier yacht builders. I live in Glen Innes with his family, Lucy, Hannah, Madeleine and Reuben along with the family pets.

Being part of Jubilation’s bass section is a lot of fun and puts the day’s working life into perspective.

TIM TENBENSEL

I ‘daylight’ at the University of Auckland, where I claim to be an expert on New Zealand health policy. Apart from enjoying the great spirit and camaraderie of Jubilation, I enjoy the challenge of coming up with new vocal arrangements for the group, hopefully helping to build the great Kiwi gospel songbook.

Forever with us in Spirit

NICK ROSENBERG (13 March 1945 - 27 August 2013)

Nick was big and tall and had a very deep voice, and singing bass with Jubilation was one of his great pleasures. He was among other things a traveller, a teacher, a broadcaster, a documentary maker, a motorcyclist and a father.

Nick was deeply interested in music, friendship, curious about people and the world. Jubilation drew these strands together and the choir became like family. He could make his particularly resonant contribution and together make rich chords, soulful music. Authentic joy!

PETER KIRKBRIDE (8 August 1961 - 8 December 2019)

Peter played music most of his life. He was in bands, playing guitar and singing. He played reggae, funk, soul, jazz, big band, kid’s music… And since its early days, he sang with Jubilation.

Pete said ‘A cappella gospel is such a blast to sing, it’s different to a band - not many people can turn up louder than you, there’s less gear to lug around, and someone else will always remember the words’.

He lived in Whangaparaoa, had a wife and kids and worked as a builder, often for some of New Zealand’s leading architects, who appreciated his artistry and craftsmanship and the very fine singing on his building sites.

RICK BRYANT (24 March 1948 - 5 December 2019)

Rick sang with Jubilation, The Jive Bombers, Black Soap Boys, and the Windy City Strugglers. He started fronting bands in the 60s, performing with a multitude of outfits including Gutbucket, Mammal, Blerta, Rough Justice, Top Scientists, and The Neighbours.

In 1982, Rick started The Jive Bombers, a 12-piece R&B band that was his main thing through many line-up changes. Originally a classic, but not clichéd, cover band, the Jive Bombers evolved into a platform for songs mainly written by Rick and his writing partner, Gordon Spittle.

Rick was among the small group that started Jubilation in 2000, and described himself as a blues singer who strove to be versatile. Living in a no-budget recording set-up in order to make records, Rick was also a lover of literature and a second-hand book dealer, living in a series of eclectic warehouses stuffed with thousands of volumes. These alternative centres of culture and music making were known and loved by many, and the sign on the discreet door always read ‘Jubilation Gospel Choir’.

Rick Bryant - Peace in the Valley