# Orpheus Choir Wellington

> symphonic choir based in Wellington, New Zealand

**Wikidata**: [Q107130721](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107130721)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orpheus_Choir_of_Wellington)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orpheus-choir-wellington

## Summary
Orpheus Choir Wellington is a symphonic choir based in Wellington, New Zealand, founded in 1947. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to performing classical music and music of New Zealand, with archival significance preserved at the Alexander Turnbull Library.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1947, originally in Lower Hutt, New Zealand  
- Genres include classical music and music of New Zealand  
- Operates as a nonprofit organization (registration number CC20796)  
- 2025 revenue: $275,954 NZD  
- 2025 total assets: $180,863 NZD  
- 2025 employee count: 5  
- Official website: https://orpheuschoir.org.nz  
- Archival records held at Alexander Turnbull Library (ID: 91073)  
- Discogs artist ID: 6187153  
- SOUNZ contributor ID: 166  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was the Orpheus Choir of Wellington founded?  
A: The choir was founded in 1947, originally based in Lower Hutt before relocating to Wellington.  

### Q: What types of music does the Orpheus Choir specialize in?  
A: It primarily performs classical music and music of New Zealand, focusing on symphonic choral works.  

### Q: Is the Orpheus Choir a registered charity?  
A: Yes, it is a registered nonprofit organization in New Zealand with charity number CC20796.  

### Q: How has the choir's revenue changed recently?  
A: Revenue grew from $113,483 NZD in 2021 to $275,954 NZD in 2025, reflecting increasing financial stability.  

### Q: Where can I find archival materials about the choir?  
A: Its records are preserved at the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington (library ID: 91073).  

## Why It Matters  
Orpheus Choir Wellington plays a vital role in New Zealand's cultural landscape by preserving and advancing choral traditions. As one of the country's oldest symphonic choirs (active since 1947), it provides consistent opportunities for community engagement with classical music while promoting New Zealand composers. Its archival significance at the Alexander Turnbull Library underscores its documented contribution to national musical heritage. The choir's financial growth—from $113,483 NZD in 2021 to $275,954 NZD in 2025—demonstrates sustained public support and its resilience as a cultural institution in Wellington.  

## Notable For  
- **Longevity**: Continuously active since 1947, making it one of New Zealand's longest-running symphonic choirs.  
- **Financial growth**: Revenue increased by 143% between 2021 ($113,483 NZD) and 2025 ($275,954 NZD).  
- **Archival value**: Records preserved at the Alexander Turnbull Library as part of New Zealand's cultural heritage.  
- **Digital presence**: Maintains active engagement through its official website and platforms like Discogs and WorldCat.  
- **Community impact**: Serves as a registered charity (CC20796), relying on donations which peaked at $111,275 NZD in 2025.  

## Body  
### Overview  
Orpheus Choir Wellington is a symphonic choir based in Wellington, New Zealand, founded in 1947. It operates as a nonprofit organization under registration number CC20796, specializing in classical music and works by New Zealand composers. The choir archives its materials at the Alexander Turnbull Library (ID: 91073) and is listed on cultural platforms including SOUNZ (contributor ID: 166), Discogs (ID: 6187153), and WorldCat (ID: 215345).  

### History  
- **Founded**: 1947, with original formation in Lower Hutt, New Zealand.  
- **Location**: Primarily based in Wellington, though initially established in Lower Hutt.  
- **Aliases**: Also known as "Orpheus Choir of Wellington."  
- **Archives**: Records held at Alexander Turnbull Library since inception.  

### Operations  
- **Size**: Employed 5 full-time staff in 2025 (down from 5 in 2018 and 2 in 2009).  
- **Repertoire**: Focuses on classical choral works and compositions by New Zealand artists.  
- **Engagement**: Maintains an active website (https://orpheuschoir.org.nz) and social media presence (Instagram: @orpheuschoirofwellington).  

### Financials  
- **Revenue**:  
  - 2025: $275,954 NZD  
  - 2024: $239,696 NZD  
  - 2023: $175,648 NZD  
- **Donations**:  
  - 2025: $111,275 NZD  
  - 2024: $105,892 NZD  
  - 2023: $87,614 NZD  
- **Total Assets**:  
  - 2025: $180,863 NZD  
  - 2024: $266,385 NZD  
  - 2023: $192,448 NZD  

### Recognition and Archives  
- **Preservation**: Materials archived at the Alexander Turnbull Library (ID: 91073).  
- **Platforms**: Listed on Discogs, WorldCat, and SOUNZ for cultural documentation.  
- **Categorization**: Commons category "Orpheus Choir of Wellington" for media organization.

## References

1. [Source](https://sounz.org.nz/contributors/166)
2. Charities Register