PASIFIKA CONDUCTING INTERN

Denzel Panama is a singer, composer and conductor based in Tāmaki Makaurau. He completed a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Classical Performance and Choral Conducting at the University of Auckland, studying under the tutelage of Dr. Te Oti Rakena.

As a performer, Denzel has sung with a range of leading ensembles including the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir, the New Zealand Youth Choir, Voices New Zealand, the Graduate Choir, and the Auckland Chamber Choir. Alongside his performance work, he is a dedicated music educator, currently working as a Vocal Coach and Choir Director at St Cuthbert’s College. His teaching practice is grounded in building strong, inclusive environments that foster both musical excellence and a deep sense of belonging for young singers.

Denzel has been appointed as the 2026 Pasifika Conducting Intern with Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand, where he will work under the mentorship of Fiona Wilson and Jono Palmer. As part of this role, he will join the Choral Academy as an intern in July 2026.