Admission: free
Fortissimo
“Fortissimo” is the premier choir of Dilworth School in Auckland, New Zealand. Founded in 1906 in accordance with the Will of early Auckland farmer and businessman, Irish-born James Dilworth, the school provides scholarships to students of good families whose circumstances may prevent them from fulfilling their full potential.
Beginning in 2010, “Fortissimo” has built a national reputation as one of the best lower voice choirs in New Zealand, regularly wowing audiences at the national secondary-school choral festival, The Big Sing, with energetic and authentic performance of music of the Pacific islands, and their polished and sensitive delivery of western art music. This year Fortissimo won multiple regional awards including best male choir, and was selected in the top 24 for the National Finale. They were also invited to take part in a special concert showcasing New Zealand choirs at the recent World Choir Games 2024 held in Auckland.
Having been a launching-pad for professional singers such as Filipe Manu, Samson Setu and Joel Amosa, “Fortissimo” continues to provide life-changing experiences for its singers, this year embarking on its first ever international tour through Austria and London, culminating in a visit to the former home of their founder, James Dilworth, at the Royal School of Dungannon in Northern Ireland.
Jacob Moore - Musical Director
Jacob Moore has been the Musical Director of “Fortissimo”since 2022, taking over the role from Claire Caldwell who founded the group in 2010. At Dilworth School he is a Teacher of Music and the Director of Choral Music, conducting four choirs with students ranging from 11 to 18 years of age.
While he has sung all his life, his first musical career was as a drummer in several professional rock bands between 2004 and 2016. During this time, Jacob contributed to the production of multiple award-winning albums, and travelled the world playing alongside bands such as AC/DC, Oasis, REM, The Hives, and The Killers, playing in every venue imaginable, from dive bars to stadiums.
As a choral conductor, he studied under Dr Karen Grylls CNZM at the University of Auckland, and prior to Dilworth, transformed the choral programme at Takapuna Grammar School, producing multiple nationally recognised choirs. Jacob is an active choral singer with the Auckland Chamber Choir, Voices New Zealand, and Bach Musica. He cannot wait for his students to experience the musical and cultural exchange that this tour is sure to bring.
Gemma Lee - Pianist
South Korean-born pianist Gemma Lee holds a Master of Music with First Class Honours from The University of Auckland and LTCL Diploma in piano with distinction from Trinity College London. As a collaborative pianist, Gemma has performed in internationally renowned venues including the Goldener Saal of the Musikverein, St. Martin-in-the-fields London, and the Sydney Opera House. A firm believer in the power of music education, Gemma has over ten years of experience working as a music coach and piano accompanist. She has been involved with education projects at leading New Zealand arts organisations, including the Auckland Philharmonia, NZ Opera, Chamber Music New Zealand, and Opera Factory.
