Queensland Choir

Qld Choir’s 150th Anniversary Call for Singers

As it gears up for its 150th anniversary this year, one of Australia’s longest-established choirs, the Queensland Choir, is calling for singers to join in its celebratory concert season.

“Every year since it was established in 1872, the Queensland Choir has issued an annual call for new choristers to join the choir, and this year is no exception, with three major concerts planned to celebrate the anniversary,” the Queensland Choir’s artistic director Kevin Power says.

“Concert details are still being finalised but the first performance for the year – a light-hearted Choral Celebration of the choir’s history, will be held in Brisbane City Hall on Sunday May 8 as the opening concert of this year’s 4MBS Festival of Classics. The Queensland Choir are this year’s 4MBS Artists in Residence.

“A Choral Celebration will present highlights of the choir’s history and some amusing anecdotes from its past and will feature some music that is rarely heard these days, along with more familiar pieces by Handel, Haydn, Grainger and others, all accompanied by the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra.

“The Queensland Choir has made a significant contribution to Queensland’s cultural life since its foundation in prefederation days, when Queensland was a remote colony and the only way audiences could hear music was to attend live performances, as there was no radio or recordings, let alone TV or TikTok.

“The Queensland Choir has provided enjoyment and education for a wide range of audiences throughout its existence, employment for orchestras and Brisbane-based soloists who’ve performed with the choir in concert, and encouragement for young singers by giving them the opportunity to sing solo and in the choir,” Mr Power says.

“We’ve entertained audiences in venues ranging from suburban town halls and community centres to Brisbane’s major concert halls, and the choir has sung at the opening of many of them, including Brisbane City Hall, QPAC, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Old Museum Building. It has also performed at many significant historic events over the years, including fundraising concerts for the war effort and for disaster relief, Royal visits, thanksgiving services at the end of WW1 and WW2 and at Anzac Day services.

“Singing in a choir is serious but also great fun, and as well as improving your musical and vocal skills, it boosts your social life, helps beat the blues by releasing endorphins which lower stress and anxiety levels, and beats going to the gym by increasing energy levels and working out muscles in the upper body.

“The choir would welcome additional singers in all sections for this year’s special anniversary program. Anyone interested in singing with the choir should contact us ASAP as auditions will be held at the end of January and early February.

Auditions are by appointment only, and full details are available on the Choir’s website, www.qldchoir.com. or by contacting the Choir at enquiriesqldchoir.com or ph: 0491 682 552.

Help us celebrate our anniversary

Join the Choir NOW!

Perform in our Anniversary Concerts in Brisbane City Hall and QPAC. Auditions are held in January and February. FOR AUDITION DETAILS Ring 0491 682 552 email enquiries@qldchoir.com visit www.qldchoir.com

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