Our History

The Christchurch City Chorus was founded in 1985. Virginia Humphrey-Taylor became the director in 1988. Over the following decades, she helped shape the chorus into one of Australasia’s most respected and successful choruses. Under her leadership, Christchurch City achieved consistent regional success and multiple top-ten placings at the Sweet Adelines International competition, including two fifth-place finishes. In 2016, the chorus earned the title of Most Entertaining Chorus at the international convention in Las Vegas, while its most recent fifth-place finish came in Kansas City in 2024.

Virginia became the first director in New Zealand and Australasia to achieve the distinction of Master Director 700, recognising sustained excellence at the highest level of competition.

Alongside directing, Virginia has enjoyed an outstanding quartet career, representing Region 35 internationally eight times. She has won quartet gold in New Zealand eight times and placed in the top five on 22 occasions. She believes active quartet singing has helped make her a stronger director.

Virginia’s influence extends far beyond Christchurch City. She has coached and taught singers, quartets, and choruses throughout New Zealand and Australia and is widely respected for her musical expertise, enthusiasm, and ability to inspire others

Members past and present describe her as inspirational, passionate, and visionary. Here some quotes from current member:
“Virg's energy, her passion for barbershop, her desire to educate others, her participation as a quartet singer and her competitive spirit make her special as a chorus leader.”
“When I walked in the door 33 years ago, I could never have imagined the impact this musician would have on my life.”
“By the time Virginia introduces a new piece of music to the chorus she will have already spent multiple hours planning what she wants to achieve vocally, expressively, visually and dramatically.”
“Virg is such an integral part of what drew me to the chorus. She’s always encouraging and knowledgeable. She is so inclusive and passionate that her teaching makes you fall in love with barbershop.”

Virginia has also inspired singers beyond Christchurch City, encouraging members from across Region 35 and Australia to join CCC as OOTMs (Out of Town Members), either full-time or for specific international contests. One of CCC’s longest-serving OOTMs says, "Virginia has always been the driving force and welcoming face of Christchurch City Chorus, embodying warmth, dedication, hard work, and friendship". She reflects the very heart of the people she directs. Forty years of directing choruses is an extraordinary achievement, but Virginia’s legacy reaches far deeper than musical excellence alone. She has changed lives, inspired confidence, created lifelong friendships, and drawn countless women into the joy of barbershop harmony.’

In 2009, Virginia was presented with a Civic Award and Civic Medal by the Mayor of Christchurch for outstanding contribution and service to music in Christchurch.

In 2013 Virginia was the proud recipient of the Sweet Adelines International Ann Gooch award.

In 2014, Virginia was shortlisted for a Women of Influence Award within the Arts category. These awards celebrate the contribution made by women at a local, regional and national level.

Virginia’s impact on Christchurch City and the wider barbershop community is undeniable, and her legacy will endure for many years to come. Although retired from directing Christchurch City, she continues singing, teaching, and coaching within the barbershop community. She is the current director of He Tangata Voices, a national chorus made up of members from several New Zealand choruses.