Biography

David Squire is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most respected choral conductors and music educators, internationally recognised for his dynamic leadership, expressive artistry, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of singers and musicians.

From 2011 to 2025, David served as Music Director of the New Zealand Youth Choir, leading the ensemble through a golden era of artistic growth and international acclaim. Under his direction, NZYC toured extensively across North America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, and achieved extraordinary success – including being named “Choir of the World” at the 2025 Llangollen International Eisteddfod, where David was also honoured as “Most Inspiring Conductor”. The choir also won the Grand Prix of Nations – Folklore at the European Choir Games, further cementing his legacy as an exceptional musical leader.

David has now stepped down from NZYC after 15 transformative years, leaving behind a legacy of bold programming, high performance standards, and deep cultural engagement. He continues to shape New Zealand’s choral landscape as Music Director of the Auckland Youth Choir, Euphony (Kristin School), Voicemale (Westlake Boys’ High School), and the Westlake Symphony Orchestra. His ensembles have garnered countless gold awards, Grand Prix titles, and national recognition for both choral and orchestral excellence.

Renowned for his ability to bring out both technical precision and emotional resonance, David’s work spans a wide repertoire – from Renaissance polyphony and Romantic masterworks to contemporary New Zealand compositions and commissioned premieres including waiata.
David’s conducting credits also include the feature film Tinā, Victoria Kelly’s Requiem (studio recording and premiere), Neil Finn’s Out of Silence album, Synthony in the Domain 2024 and 2025, and major youth music festivals such as ISCMS in Asia and AMIS in the UAE. 

Alongside his conducting work, David is a sought after jury member and clinician, with recent work including the Singapore International Choral Festival (2024), Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival (2019) and 1st Asia Choral Grand Prix (2019). He is also the choral adjudicator, clinician & honours choir conductor at the annual Rhapsody Rotorua Festival.

David is a passionate educator and mentor, teaching at Westlake Boys’ High School, Westlake Girls High School, Kristin School, and Orewa College, and frequently works as a guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician both in Aotearoa and internationally. He is the Vice-Chair of the New Zealand Association of Choral Directors and a peer assessor for Creative New Zealand.He holds a Master of Music with First Class Honours, a Postgraduate Diploma in Choral Conducting, and a Bachelor of Music in Conducting and Composition from the University of Auckland.
David brings to every ensemble a belief in the power of music to uplift, connect, and transform. His work continues to inspire audiences and singers alike – in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.