FAQs

THE PROGRAMME

1. When will the programme be released?  
   We’ll be releasing the full Symposium programme in March 2020, and this information will include concert dates and times, the presentation and workshop timetable and surrounding Symposium events. The best way to keep up to date on the latest news is to sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter here.
   
   
2. What does a ‘typical day’ look like at the Symposium? 
   Jam-packed! It will start early and finish late (although it is up to you how much of each day you attend). Depending on what you register for, you will be able to select from a wide variety of presentations, workshops and panels, sign up for masterclasses and other special sessions, network with colleagues, and of course experience wonderful choral performances in the evening and at lunchtime. In addition, there will be a Trade Expo to explore, featuring exhibitors – of sheet music, recordings, folders, uniforms, staging, tours, festivals, fundraisers, musical novelties, etc – from all around the world. 
   
   
3. VOCES8 tickets are on sale - if I am registered for the Symposium do I need to buy one?
   One ticket to one of the VOCES8 concerts is available to delegates attending either the full Symposium or the first half of the Symposium as part of their registration package. If you'd like to attend the other concert (the repertoire will be different for each), you will need to purchase an additional ticket here.
   
   
4. How do I book tickets to VOCES8, if I'm not registered as a delegate?
   There are a limited number of tickets to the VOCES8 concerts on Sun 12 and Tues 14 July available to the general public. You can purchase tickets here.
   
   
5. How do I book tickets to other individual concerts, if I'm not registered as a delegate?
   Tickets for individual concerts will go on sale in mid February 2020. Be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter to be notified when public concert tickets are available.
   
   
6. What are the WSCM2020 concert voucher packs: Select-3 and Select-5?
   Our Select-3 or Select-5 voucher packs will help secure your seats to the popular Symposium concerts before they sell out – and will result in a 10% (Select-3) or 15% (Select-5) discount on individual ticket prices. You’ll be able to redeem your three- or five-concert pack during an exclusive redemption period in mid-Feb 2020, immediately before concerts go on sale to the general public. They make a great Christmas present too. Book a Select-3 or Select-5 voucher pack here

REGISTRATION

1. What discounts are there available for groups? How much is registration?
   We have special rates available for both group registrations and accompanying delegates. There is a full list of fees here.
   
   
2. I have already registered but need to cancel. How do I do that?  
   All cancellations must be advised in writing by the registrant to us at . For full details on the cancellation process and refund deadlines see clause 2 in the registration terms and conditions.
   
   
3. Will I get a certificate of attendance once I have registered as a delegate?
   Yes. All delegates are able to receive a certificate of attendance, which will be sent out via email following the Symposium.
   
   

TRADE EXPO AT THE SYMPOSIUM

1. I am interested in having a booth at the Symposium’s Trade Expo. How do I go about this?
   You can read about the Symposium's Trade Expo here. 
2. I would like to book marketing/a display at the Symposium. How do I go about doing this?
   If you would like to register your interest in advertising at the Symposium, please email
   
   

LOCATION / WEATHER / TRANSPORT / ACCOMMODATION

1. At which venues will the Symposium be based?
   Much of the Symposium will take place in venues around Aotea Square, Auckland CBD. These venues include Auckland Town Hall and the Aotea Centre. Other venues will be accessible on foot or via Auckland's inner-city transport network.
   
2. What will weather be like in Auckland during July?
   New Zealand winters are mild, especially those in the North Island. We have an average daily temperature in July of 14°C (57°F), and being a city on a Pacific island, Auckland can experience some rain in the winter months. 
   
   
3. What accommodation providers are recommended?
   WSCM2020 delegates can access special accommodation rates during the Symposium. These offers have been sent directly to delegates. Please email if you are a delegate and have not received this information.
   
   
4. What transport options are there around the city?
   There are many options for transport within Auckland CBD and for connecting to the rest of NZ. For more information on transport options with Auckland, visit this web site.
   
   

ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS & TRANSLATION SERVICES

1. What accessibility provisions are there in Auckland and at the Symposium venues?
   We want to ensure that delegates and patrons with accessibility needs are able to partake in the Symposium. Please contact us directly () if you have specific accessibility needs that you would like help with.  
   
   Both the Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Centre venues are run by Auckland Live and information on their accessibility can be found here.
   
   Find information on accessible transport around the city here.
   
   Be Accessible is a national organisation that offers great resource and support on accessibility within NZ. Visit their site here.
   
   
2. What translation services will there be at the Symposium?
   The Symposium presentations, workshops and events, as well as print material and online material will all be in English. However, if significant numbers of people register from a country where English is not commonly spoken or understood, we will supply the relevant interpreters and translation services.
   
   

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

1. What visas are needed to travel to NZ?
   For an overview of what you need to consider when travelling from another country to NZ, visit our web site.
   
   

PERFORMANCE & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

1. How do I get involved as a volunteer/help/offer accommodation?
   Keen to help out? We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’d like to help with transport or accommodation for performers and presenters, or volunteer at the event please send us an email at .  
   
   
2. If I volunteer will I get to hear choirs/see presentations?

   Early in 2020, we’ll be calling for volunteers to assist us with a range of roles, both in the lead-up to and during WSCM2020. These roles will include choir, venue, accommodation and transport liaison; translation; assistance at the registration and info desks; front-of-house management; ushering and even stuffing delegate bags! We anticipate that for many people a volunteer role will be a fascinating experience, offering the chance to meet overseas conductors, singers and presenters, to sit in on rehearsals, and to be part of the ‘backstage machinery’ of a major international festival.
   
   However, we do want to point out that, while being a WSCM2020 volunteer will certainly be rewarding, it does mean that to a large extent you will not be free to partake of the Symposium as a delegate. As a rule we will not be able to offer free WSCM2020 registrations or concert tickets in recompense for your labour as we need to ensure we have capacity for the expected number of fee-paying registrants.
   
   To guarantee a full and satisfying Symposium experience, we advise that the best option is to register as a delegate.

3. What singing opportunities will there be for delegates?   
   The morning sessions and some of the presentations will include opportunities for singing together. This information will be released and sent to delegates in early 2020. 
   
   
4. My choir would like to come as a group. Apart from in Surround Sounds, will there be any opportunities for us to perform? 
   Within the wider Symposium programme there may be additional opportunities for choirs to perform. Be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter to keep up to date with these.

DONATIONS

1. Can I donate to WSCM2020?
   We need your support. Any little bit counts! Please find information on donating and contributing to the future of choral music in Aotearoa, here.

 

OTHER QUESTIONS

1. What food will be available at the Symposium?
   Registration to the Symposium does not include food and beverages. However, there are many options for meals, drinks and snacks within the vicinity.
   
   Information on food within the main Symposium venues is here. 
   
   For information on dining in and around Auckland, visit newzealand.com or heartofthecity.co.nz.
   
   Auckland CBD has two supermarkets within walking distance of the Symposium hub: New World Metro and Countdown Metro.
   
   
2. Is there a dress code at the Symposium?
   Please dress in whatever makes you comfortable. However, you may wish to bring some more formal options for evening concerts or events, although this is completely up to you.
   
   
3. What should I bring / pack for the Symposium?  
   Keep in mind that it will be winter time during WSCM2020 and you may need to walk outside between different Symposium venues. In Auckland in July, light layers and a coat/jacket are usually sufficient. Be sure to have your delegate/registration confirmation on hand for when you check in.
   
   
4. Can I take photos /recordings of the sessions?
   Please respect the intellectual property of the presenters and do not record any sessions on any device without their express consent. You may take informal photos during break times. We will also have official photographers at the Symposium. If you do not wish to have your photo taken, please stay out of the line of vision.
   
   
5. Will I get notes for the sessions I attended? 
   We will work with presenters to make summaries of their talks available after they’ve been delivered, and we anticipate that these will be available via the Symposium app. However, this will not always be possible, so we recommend you take your own notes as well.

Do you have a question that we haven’t answered? Talk to us at