GALS are a non-auditioned community choir based in Auckland. We were established as the first LGBTQ+ choir in New Zealand in 1992, and celebrated 30 years in 2023!
We hold concerts twice a year or more.
We also participate at several rainbow community events such as Auckland Pride month and World Aids Day. We are members of the New Zealand Choral Federation, and participate in combined choral events like "Singfest".
We have participated in choral events and festivals such as Singfest and Out and Loud. GALS has also proudly performed in global festivals, including in Dublin and Bologna. Members have also attended the 4-yearly American LGBTIQ, "GALA Choruses Festival".
GALS has also performed as part of SYNTHONY: Pride with Auckland Philarmonia, conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams.
Nicholas Forbes
Musical Director
Nicholas Forbes (he/him) is a conductor, singer and organist based in
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, where he is the Director of Music at St Matthew-in-the-City and Organist of King's College, Ōtāhuhu.
Nicholas has been a Conducting Fellow with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and an Associate Conductor of Voices New Zealand. Recently, Nicholas has been the Chorus Director of the NZ Opera Chorus and Conductor of the Auckland Symphony Orchestra.
He is also a trustee of the Auckland Town Hall Organ Trust.
Soomin Kim
Accompanist
Soomin Kim is a pianist and organist based in Auckland. She frequently works with singers and in particular enjoyed performing in New Zealand Opera's recent production of Mansfield Park as well as working on Red! as the répétiteur. Other recent highlights include Die tote Stadt and
Dame Cath Tizard State Memorial with the Auckland Philharmonia.
Born in Korea, she began learning the piano at the age of six and continued after moving to
New Zealand at age 15. She obtained LTCL Piano Recital in Tauranga under the tutelage of Denise Hull, then went on to study at the University of Auckland under Stephen De Pledge. During her studies she was selected as a Haydn Staples Piano Scholar, which involved concerti and chamber music performances with Auckland Phil and coaching from internationally renowned pianists.
