A Capellago World Music Choir

A Capellago World Music Choir

A Capellago is a collective of musicians and singers led by Nikki Berry. A Capellago has been singing its special blend of beautiful, stirring world music for almost twelve years, with the landscape of the choir changing as new members join, people move away and members' children reach the age where they can join the choir.

Nikki is well known for her life-changing work with people who believe they can't sing and is one of the driving forces behind The Muse Community Music Trust.  With A Capellago she can “stretch out” and have fun with her peers.  Though adults audition for the choir, young people whose parents are in the choir, have automatic entry. "It only takes one generation to create a wonderful musician” says Nikki.  “I know young people will be great singers if their parents are. Actually, our young people pick up musical skills at twice the speed we do".

Nikki's background is as a contemporary roots songwriter and bass player.  This strong rhythmic background is a defining strength of the choir, as is the commitment to social activism which many members share. 

However, the choir is also defined by the influences brought by others in the group.  Founding members and siblings Tony and Kaylene Worrall (Te Arawa) have each brought a unique influence to the choir. Kaylene - who for many years was a puppeteer and performer and now works with migrants and refugees - looks after visual presentation. Tony brings a passion for Latin music that is so evident an established choir member innocently asked the question “How is it that Kaylene is Maori and Tony is South American yet they are brother and sister?”

Lisa Tui Bainbridge, another founding member, was with the choir for just 12 months yet left a legacy of courage and passion that still influences the choir, resulting in almost as many accomplished soloists as there are members.  Many soloists have grown into their roles, from “shower-to-stage”, with tears and laughter along the way, the choir being a “great big cushion” to fall onto when needed.

A Capellago rehearsals may be unique and pose a challenge to those who like predictability! It is not unusual for the unstoppable tenors to suddenly burst into a spontaneous Abba song and dance routine, as Nikki pauses in the middle of an Israeli lament to help someone finetune their part. 

“Planet A Capellago” is sometimes frustrating … often funny … always striving for the ultimate harmony … and pleased when they end on the note they started on. With a great deal of love and good humour, A Capellago bring it all together at show time to take their audience on a journey of passion and hope that leaves the listener refreshed, inspired and full.