Lala Simpson
Lala leading Wellington Community Choir.
Lala Simpson is a song leader, performer and composer who draws inspiration from her Malagasy and African heritage. As an advocate for community singing, Lala deeply believes in supporting singers to find their voice and how every voice matters.
Lala Tutoring for Village Harmony.
She works with the New Zealand Choral Federation as mentor in schools and trains teachers for singing in schools. Lala is the artistic director of the Wellington Community Choir and the director and founder of Kotaba Voices.
CHOIRS:
Wellington Community Choir: Wednesday nights during term time 7 pm-9 pm at Te Whaea
Kotaba Voices Women's choir: Monday nights during term time 7 pm-8:30 pm at the Garden Room behind St Peter's on Willis St.
Kotaba Voices.
She offers singing workshops and retreats showcasing community and folk songs different parts of the world and Madagascar as well as her own original compositions.
Wellington Community Choir
She is also one of the tutors for Village Harmony US and travels the world teaching songs from Madagascar alongside other international tradition bearers. She also offers one to one singing lessons at her home in Wainuiomata.
WORKSHOP OFFERS
Peace workshop: Inspiring traditional songs from different parts of the world as well as songs written by contemporary community songwriters suitable for community groups, corporate events, festivals, and choirs
Songs of Madagascar workshop: A variety of traditional, folk, and original compositions songs with beautiful harmonies suitable for choirs giving you an authentic taste of Malagasy music and a glimpse of life in Madagascar
Community singing: A selection of short, fun, and accessible community songs for singing groups, team bonding, conferences, or corporate retreats and suitable for all levels of singing abilities.
Singing lessons (1 hr weekly or fortnightly)
Tuesdays and Thursdays: Personalized and designed for adult singers who want to build confidence, have been told they can't sing, or have been singing in a choir for a long time but still struggle with pitch and keeping their voice part.
Contact Lala at lala.danceandsing@gmail.com
“Lala has been one of the highlights in my new life in New Zealand for the past few years. Her Malagasy and Women’s choirs have given me an outlet for creative and soulful expression that I have been missing my whole life. I learn so much with her coaching and guidance. She is knowledgeable, patient, inclusive, and gracious. It’s very important to me that she teaches us Malagasy songs, songs from other countries, and her own beautiful compositions.”
In her free time, Lala performs French chansons including the songs of Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel with her 3-piece band, cooking and looking after her vegie garden.
The Songs of Edith Piaf with Lala Simpson and Johnathan Berkahn
“Lala is much more than a teacher of singing - she is a community builder, a networker and a connector of people around the focus of singing. Her choirs bring in all sorts from the community and through her warmth and enthusiasm, people discover a love for singing and build friendships with others.”
“I just adore the way Lala teaches her singing classes, there is so much energy, joy and passion in her instruction that you learn very quickly and retain the songs in your head for each new rehearsal. Her energy is truly inspiring! ”