Choirs participating in 2024
Choirs are listed alphabetically and in some cases choir names are abbreviated. Select any choir to jump to their entry:
Academy Singers
AChoired Sound
Andalus Arabic Choir
Aurora Australis Chorus
Blue Mountains Glee Club
Byrd Consort
Canada Bay Comm. Choir
Cantar Community Choir
Chorella Community Choir
Coastal a Cappella
Crowd Around
DElites
Eclectica
Everg. Music Wed. Singers
Academy Singers
MD: Paul Terracini
Piano: Margo Adelson
Classical
academysingers.com.au; facebook
Academy Singers is a Blue Mountains chamber choir offering residents and visitors regular performances of choral music, often accompanied by local musicians. We perform both sacred and secular music in a wide range of styles, from early classical music to popular favourites such as the Beatles and Abba and the best contemporary classical composers. We host an annual community workshop and participate in large scale works with Penrith Symphony Orchestra and other local choirs. We rehearse on Thursday evenings at Wentworth Falls and interested singers are welcome to attend free trial rehearsals. For further information about coming events or for contact details, go to our website or find us on Facebook.
AChoired Sound
MD: Paul Haire
Piano: Paul Haire
Guitar: Fergus Hides-Pearson
Snare drum: Graham Tweedie
Musicals, popular, Australian, contemporary
The Choir, in its 24th year, was established under the guidance of professional musician Paul Haire, a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium and an experienced teacher/performer. After a 1999 Opera House school concert at which parents, teachers and students were formed into a massed choir, some of the dads got such a buzz out of the experience that we formed our own Men’s choir in 2000. About 20 fathers, and their friends, of past and current students of St Aloysius’ College make up the choir. We have performed at the Opera House (2004), weddings, nursing homes, parties, fund raisers, school carol nights and events, church services, World Youth Day Concert, businessmen dinners, a Homeless people dinner and Blackheath Choir Festivals in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022 and 2023. We sang songs of the WW1 era during the end credits of two episodes of Channel 9’s “Gallipoli” Mini Series plus sang at the ABC radio’s “Sing Out Sydney” in 2019. We also sang at a 2017 book launch in front of the NSW Premier and at the 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 Anzac Day lunches for the 2/20th Battalion plus we sing rocking Christmas Carols each year at Bunnings. We sing everything from Gershwin, Beatles, Eagles through to Coldplay and we love new members enjoying our experiences.
Andalus Arabic Choir
Directed by Ghada Daher-Elmowy
MD: Noel Elmowy
Arabic traditional and Andalusian
andalusarabicchoir.com; facebook
We are a group of Arabic and Non-Arabic speaking Australians who share the love of Arabic music and singing. The Andalus Arabic Choir reflects the vibrant, creative, multicultural and tolerant era of Andalucia. We sing Arabic and Andalusian songs in dialects from Andalucia to the Middle-East and North Africa. We include many genres of Arabic music: Andalusian, traditional, folk, qudud, tarab, shaabi and original. Since its establishment and over the last 11 years, the Andalus Arabic Choir has performed at famous cultural events organised by Councils in greater Sydney and presented an annual concert at prestigious venues such as Sydney Opera House, Bryan Brown Theatre, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, The Great Hall Sydney University, and Seymour Centre. Join us this year in an amazing journey with our ensemble performing songs written by Kahlil Gibran and great composers of the Middle East on the 7th of September at Seymour Centre, Everest Theatre.
Aurora Australis Chorus
MD: Karen Ramirez
Popular, barbershop, Australian, contemporary
auroraaustralis.org.au, facebook
Aurora Australis is a group of friendly and supportive women who love to sing and perform. We are a women’s four-part harmony a cappella chorus that meets every Thursday in Concord, Sydney. We like to say we came for the music and stayed for the friendship! At our weekly rehearsals, our two talented Musical Directors, Sue and Karen, instruct us in correct harmony singing technique as we learn to sing and perform a wide range of special four-part a cappella arrangements – from popular and classic hits to barbershop and contemporary ballads, as well as Australian songs and Christmas carols and songs. We enjoy performing at private functions and public events, including Citizenship Ceremonies for the City of Canada Bay. We regularly compete in local eisteddfods and on the national stage at the annual Sweet Adelines Australia Convention. Around Christmas you will find us singing carols at local shopping centres or on the steps of St Mary’s Cathedral. Aurora Australis is part of Sweet Adelines Australia, and is one of 31 choruses from across the country. Sweet Adelines is a non-profit music association for women, which focuses on educating its 20,000 members world-wide in the art of a cappella four-part harmony, barbershop style.
Blue Mountains Glee Club
MD: Christina Bowden
Pop, rock, soul and musical theatre
adultgleeclub.com; facebook
The Adult Glee Club is more than a choir. It’s a community of Gleeks who are brought together through a love of singing. Whether you label yourself as a shower singer, car pool karaoke champ, have been part of a choir or even an ex-pro performer, the Adult Glee Club caters for all. It all started back in 2012 when founder Sandra Lie decided to establish a vocal group as part of her All Age Music school class offering. Inspired by the hit TV show Glee, the songs sung would be well known popular tunes right through to musical theatre and classic oldies. In keeping with All Age Music school’s vision to enrich as many lives as possible with music, Sandra decided to expand the Adult Glee Club concept to various locations in NSW – Marrickville, Stanmore, Ashfield, Gordon, The Hills, Blue Mountains, Ryde and Bondi.
Byrd Consort
MD: Belinda Montgomery
Polyphony
Specializing in Renaissance polyphony, the Byrd Consort is made up of singers from Australia and the UK. Several live locally in the Blue Mountains. Previously conducted by James Dixon, Belinda Montgomery took over the direction of The Byrd Consort earlier this year. Belinda is a specialist in Renaissance and Baroque repertoire who graduated with Honours in Music from the University of Sydney in 1997. Belinda has conducted several choirs in her role as Coordinator of Vocal Studies at Ascham School and has featured as a soloist singer with The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Cantillation, Pinchgut Opera, Sydney Chamber Choir and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. The Byrd consort does not have regular rehearsals but invites interested singers to sing music from the Renaissance polyphony repertoire at concerts around Australia or overseas on an irregular basis. For more information: Claire Cook on 0418 843751.
Canada Bay Community Choir
MD: Bradley Gilchrist
A mix of modern, Australian & other cultural
cbcch.com.au; facebook
Canada Bay Community Choir is a non auditioning choir comprising of an enthusiastic group of community members who love to sing learn & make music. All people are welcome and we are very inclusive. We are based in Drummoyne in Inner West Sydney & meet on Thursday nights, 7 to 9pm. Our range of music includes modern, folk, classical & gospel songs. We like to perform at community events including Choir Festivals, Christmas Carols, Seniors Week & at our Choir Family & Friends nights.
Cantar Community Choir
Conductors: Maggie Dunn & Ruth Thompson
Piano: Dee Nicholls
Stylistic mix – popular, folk, classical, a cappella and accompanied
facebook
Cantar, Spanish for sing, is what we love to do. Based in Orange NSW, our repertoire varies widely, and includes a mix of a cappella and accompanied works. We find great joy and friendship through making music together, and enjoy performing for community events and supporting local fundraisers.
Chorella Community Choir
MD: Anthony Linden Jones
a cappella – diverse, ancient to modern, in many different styles
website, facebook
Chorella Community Choir is based in Richmond, NSW. Our Musical Director is Dr Anthony Linden Jones, highly qualified and well regarded professional musician, researcher, writer, composer and teacher. Our musical repertoire ranges from ancient to modern pieces, from near and far, in a broad range of styles. We sing a cappella, but some songs do include some instrumental enhancement. We always welcome new members to our engaging community choir.
Coastal a Cappella
MD: Lynette Smith
Women’s barbershop
coastalacappella.com,
facebook
Coastal a Cappella is a 45 member women’s a cappella chorus based on the Central Coast of NSW. Established for 32 years the chorus is a member of Sweet Adelines International. The choir enjoys singing at many venues across the Central Coast and beyond, such as at our local Citizenship ceremonies , charity fundraisers and Christmas sing outs. The chorus enjoys competing at the annual National Sweet Adelines Convention and the City of Sydney Eisteddfod where they have won the Community Choir and Show Choir sections. In 2015 the chorus won the inaugural Short+Sweet Voices competition. The Chorus has been privileged to perform at the Lights of Sydney at St Mary’s Cathedral, City of Sydney Christmas Choirs.
Crowd Around
MD: Kate Swadling
a cappella – popular, African,folk
facebook
Crowd Around Choir is well established in the Mid Mountains and has been directed by Kate Swadling for many years. Currently Rob Maxwell Jones also directs the Choir with Kate. Repertoire is varied (great pop songs, fun African, beautiful folk, rousing songs of solidarity) and chosen carefully to suit this group of people. The aim – to enjoy a good sing and sound great together.
DElites
MD: Darryl Roberts
Baby Boomers will know all of our songs
facebook
The DElites are a collection of dedicated singers that formed from an event staged by choirs from the Dural and Epping areas, hence the DE-lites. We sing adult rock and pop and simply love to entertain our audience. We are the best of friends and that is reflected in our music. Our focus is all about giving our all and handing out love to all that will listen. We are harmonic pub singers, eager to please, eager to play up.
Eclectica
MD: Tracey Callinan
Drummer: Laurence Outim
A cappella, world music, Baroque to popular
Eclectica is a Bathurst based acapella choir established in 2010. Formerly known as Sounds Live, the choir grew out of two projects: the Bathurst Multicultural Choir and a choral project for 2MCE’s Sounds Live Festival. The choir sings music from around the world including a fair smattering of African songs, songs in other languages, folk, some soul and a few examples of early music. The repertoire also has a strong theme of social justice. Conducted by Dr Tracey Callinan OAM, who is the Executive Director of Regional Arts NSW, the choir accepts any interested members regardless of skill or experience. The choir’s first performance was at the first Inland Sea of Sound Festival in 2010 and other performances include Blackheath Choir Festival, National Folk Festival, Inland Sea of Sound, Central West Choral Festival, Gulgong Folk Festival and Forbes River Arts Festival. The choir has provided backup vocals for Mama Kin Spender, Idea of North and Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen when they performed at the Inland Sea of Sound and collaborated with musicians from Wales, South Africa and Australian First Nations artists.
Evergreen Music Wednesday Singers
MD: Ben Marshall
Popular, contemporary, folk
website
Every Wednesday night, Evergreen provides an opportunity to break from normal routine to personally unwind and connect with other people through singing. We sing fast and slow, high and low, old and new, choral to blues. We harmonize and unify, give it a try, you’ll be surprised! It’s a relaxed and friendly environment coordinated by Evergreen Music director, Ben Marshall. Despite the constantly changing material sung on the night, the outcome of each session is always a really enjoyable, stress-free musical experience. You’ll feel physically and mentally revitalised, and ready for the rest of your week.
Georges River Voices
MD: Emilio Mancia
Classical, musicals, popular, contemporary
facebook
Georges River Voices is a community choir for adults based in the St George area of Sydney. Our primary objective is to share with others the joy and power of singing together. An a cappella choir, we sing a diverse range of repertoire, from contemporary, to jazz, classical and world music. We are a non-auditioned choir, welcoming in-tune singers of all abilities ‒ our key requirement is enthusiasm and commitment to turn up to rehearsals. Georges River Voices choir members aim to extend musical knowledge and challenge ourselves to a high musical standard in a safe, inclusive environment. Our choir is run by its members, with musical leadership from our musical director. We are inspired by our director and each other to sing our very best. We aim to perform regularly to showcase our work and we want to expand our choir to ensure that we thrive. Most importantly ‒ we have fun!!
Glee Bees Community Choir
MD: Peter Varley
Classic pop a cappella
facebook
Glee Bees community choir is a mixed choir usually singing a cappella in four to six parts SMATBB. Our musical genres includes mostly classic pop tunes. We like performing in the City of Sydney Christmas gigs, and at choral festivals, markets and flashmob situations. We are busy people with a common love of making music and joy with our combined voices.
Heathens
MD: Christine Wheeler & Rowen Fox
Folk and popular
heathenschoir.org
We are an inclusive and welcoming community choir based in the heart of the Blue Mountains world heritage listed national park. The choir was founded in 2009 by Christine Wheeler and sings a mixture of folk, world and popular music arrangements. The choir is unauditioned and welcomes the opportunity to offer all comers the chance to enjoy making good music together. The Heathens are regularly invited to perform at a range of festivals and community events in the Blue Mountains.
Jubilate Singers
MD: Georgina Andrews
Mostly classical
jubilate.org.au, facebook
The Jubilate Singers have been a pillar of community choral music in Sydney for over 20 years. We sing a broad repertoire, including major classical works such as Handel’s Messiah, as well as rhythmic African songs and jazz standards. We performed traditional songs and body percussion from Aceh for ABC Radio’s Sing Out Sydney. We regularly partner with Symphonia Jubilate, a like-minded community organisation for student musicians. In 2022 and 2023 we performed Mozart’s Requiem to a sold-out audience with the St Matthew’s Singers from Tasmania. This was followed by Fauré’s Requiem with Excelsia Choir and Strathfield Symphony as well music from La La Land with Symphonia Jubilate. 2023 saw a focus on Renaissance madrigals and sacred music. At the end of each year we celebrate Christmas with a community carols concert of traditional and new music. With no formal auditions and funded by member contributions, this choir is open to anyone with a love of music. We rehearse on Monday evenings during school terms in Dulwich Hill, and welcome new members of all ages and backgrounds.
Kiama Illawarra Pride Choir
MD: Tia Wilson
Pop, contemporary
kipridechoir.org; facebook
The Kiama Illawarra Pride Choir (KIPC) was started on the 12th of April 2021 as an as an inclusive choir for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in the Illawarra Shoalhaven area. KIPC intentionally creates a safe space to connect, sing, socialise and perform. We are a non-auditioned choir and believe that everyone has a voice which should be celebrated. As such, KIPC welcomes members of all musical abilities and ages – beginners to experienced singers. Despite lockdown periods over the past 2 years, KIPC has performed at International Women’s Day and more recently entered both the 2022 and 2023 Wollongong BlueScope Eisteddfod where we were very proud to have received a High Commendation for each performance. Proudly led by or Musical Director Tia Wilson, the choir performs a broad range of repertoire in the pop and contemporary genres, with a little classical in the mix. Tia has a strong belief in the power of singing and its ability to build community and promote well-being in mind and body. It is this enthusiasm and joy that drives each performance. We hope that you enjoy our presentation and feel honoured to be included in the Blackheath Choral Festival.
Kooskõlas
MD: Dr Naomi Cooper
Guest conductor/pianist from Estonia: Siim Selis
Estonian Western Art Choral
facebook
Estonia is known for regaining its independence through the “Singing Revolution”, inspired by the tradition of the Song Festival “Laulupidu” held every 5 years in Tallinn. The Kooskõlas Choir (“together in song”) was formed comprising Estonian and non-Estonian Australian citizens residing in NSW. It auditioned and was accepted to perform at Laulupidu 2014 amongst the massed choir of over 35,000 singers performing before an audience of more than 100,000 people. In 2019 the Kooskõlas Choir successfully undertook the ambitious project of taking another choir comprising singers from around Australia (NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, ACT) to perform at Laulupidu. The Estonian Song Festival (“Laulupidu”) is a unique cultural event, which every five years brings together choirs from around Estonia and the world for a celebration over several days in July. More than just an internationally-recognised choral event, Laulupidu has become a key anchor of Estonian identity and symbol of independence which has recently celebrated its 106th Anniversary. In the 19th century this celebration was at the core of the Estonians’ national awakening. Their singing traditions helped enforce their language and cultural heritage. It would inspire their fight for independence in 1918. During more than 50 years of Soviet occupation after World War Two the song celebration helped keep the Estonians’ national spirit alive. In 1988, in a show of solidarity against their occupiers, several hundred-thousand people gathered at the Tallinn Song Festival grounds and sang songs of freedom for many days and nights. There would be many more. This spirited defiance would become known as the “Singing Revolution” as it helped end Soviet rule of the country, allowing Estonia to regain its cherished independence in 1991.
Lithgow Valley Voices
MD: Henrik Eneberg
Conductor: Kate Scott
Classical, folk and contemporary
Lithgow Valley Voices (formerly Lithgow Community Choir) is still in its fledgling stage under the new leadership of Henrik Eneberg. This non-auditioned SATB choir is made up of a diverse group of people who are enjoying learning and singing a variety of material. The group is currently learning an entirely new repertoire of folk songs including Swedish, Greek, Spanish, and English as well as an eclectic selection of music from a Renaissance polymorphic Madrigal to songs of a more modern genre. We meet on Monday nights at 6 pm at Lithgow’s Transformation Hub.
Martenitsa Ensemble
MD: Mara Kiek
Bouzouki: LLew Kiek
Piano accordion: Laura Bishop
Tapan: Mara Kiek
Culture specific
maramusic.com.au; facebook
Since their formation in 1990, ‘Martenitsa Choir’ have been performing Bulgarian traditional choral music along with new Australian compositions in concert halls and festivals around Australia and abroad, under the direction of founders Mara & Llew Kiek. Their original Australian works include “Tra Parole e Silenzio” and the ARIA nominated “Sezoni” (Real World) with the Mara! Band. Recorded works also include albums with David Hobson, David Hirschfelder, Tenzing Tsewang and Clarion Fracture Zone, plus soundtracks for motion pictures, short films, documentaries and video game productions. With Mara!, Martenitsa has performed at WOMAD Reading, WOMADelaide, Koprivshtitsa Festival (Bulgaria) and Udine Music Festival (Italy). “Homeland”, the aerial spectacular featuring Martenitsa, Mara! and Legs on the Wall, was performed live at Circular Quay for the Sydney Olympics, the Brisbane Festival and Berlin Poesiefestival and recorded for the Manchester Commonwealth Games festival. “Homeland” was also screened to 60 countries on ABC TV’s Today 2000. Martenitsa’s next album with the Mara! Band (for release late 2023) includes original works by Sandy Evans and Laura Bishop. Over the past three decades, Martenitsa has performed in a number of guises from the full ‘Martenitsa Choir’ to their petite ensemble ‘MiniMart’ and including local Blue Mountains offshoot ‘MalkaSestra’ (Little Sister). For Blackheath Choir Festival this year, Martenitsa will present their 12–14 voice ‘Martenitsa Ensemble’.
Moo Choir
MD: Rowen Fox
Mixed voice pop, contemporary
moo.harmonysite.com
Based at Warrimoo in the lower Blue Mountains, Moo Choir is an a cappella community choir that sings a range of pop, contemporary, and occasionally classical songs under the direction of Suzanne Langford and Rowen Fox.
Mooncatchers Women’s Choir
MD: Christina Mimmocchi (on guitar)
Autoharp: Sue Gee
christinamimmocchi.com
Folk and world
Mooncatchers Women’s Choir, conducted by Christina Mimmocchi, sings inspiring three-part harmony songs on many topics, including women’s rights, peace, justice for oppressed people, and many songs just for the joy of singing. Mooncatchers has performed at many community events such as International Women’s Day and a fundraiser for Timor Leste. Mooncatchers provides an uplifting and engaging singing and listening experience.
River City Voices
MD: Sarah Penicka-Smith
Conductor: Oliver Cameron
Accompanist: to be confirmed
Indigenous, Australian, contemporary, classical
rivercityvoices.org.au
River City Voices is Parramatta’s flagship, auditioned, symphony choir, formed in 2018 to meet the community’s desire for innovative cultural events closer to home. Led by Artistic Director Dr. Sarah Penicka-Smith, River City Voices is renowned for its vocal excellence and daring collaborative programs. From ‘Slam Messiah’ to the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival to Ngarra-burria: First Peoples Composer program, River City Voices continues to demonstrate its ability to break barriers, embrace diversity, share local stories, and engage local talent, while building a sustainable future for choral excellence in Parramatta.
Rob’s Mob
MD: Rob Maxwell-Jones
Rob’s Mob is a muster of people who sing in his various Sydney and mountains groups, including Chordial Arrangements, State Library staff choir Off The Shelf and R2D2. Rob is composing some special things for this mob.
Shine Community Choir
MD: Nikki Canning
Piano: Phillip Menzies
Eclectic, covers
facebook
Shine Community Choir was begun in 2012 by Nicole Giezekamp-Bakija. We gather on Monday evening each week during school terms to experience the joy of collectively singing. Since that beginning, an ensemble has formed from the main choir for those who like to tackle more challenging music and are able to give an extra half hour after regular practices. Shine is an equal-opportunity choir and for anyone who wants to share the joy of singing.
Sing Australia
MD: Michele Peak
Piano: Sharon Simons
Contemporary, folk
singaustralia.com.au
Sing Australia was started by our National Director Colin Slater who had a vision for everyone who would like to sing to feel free to do so without fear of criticism. Sing Australia is a non-auditioned choir and is all inclusive and welcoming of every voice of those who love to sing. There is a network of singing groups throughout Australia. The same repertoire of songs are used across the network so the songs are familiar no matter where you travel to across Australia. We have a regular National Gathering each year in a different state where groups from all over Australia travel to sing together over a weekend. The weekend will include dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings usually with live music and entertainment to sing and dance along to. We have smaller Regional Gatherings each year where the Sing Australia groups from smaller regional towns get together and sing. We also have international tours where members have the opportunity to travel to different countries and sing at various locations across the world. On this occasion Sing Australia Dubbo will be singing along with other members from Bathurst and Sydney. We enjoy singing a range of songs including folk, classical, gospel and pop. Sing Australia Dubbo meets every Monday night, the only requirement being a love of singing and a good chat during the break. For enquiries contact the Dubbo Leader Michele Peak on 0428 680 775 or go to our website.
Singers Re-Choired
MD: Alex Pringle
Piano: Brian Cousins
Opera, barbershop, contemporary, folk
facebook
Singers Re-Choired was founded in 2018 when the director, Alex Pringle, moved to Drummoyne and decided to bring together friends and family to foster community in the area. Since then it has grown and developed into a beautiful group of singers who come together to make great music, have some fun and enjoy each others company. They specialise in the quirky and the sublime, with the ultimate goal always being to deliver entertaining performances. New members are always welcome!
Stairwell to Heaven
MD: Georgina Andrews
SATB a cappella Gospel, pop, R&B, soul, world, early popular music
stairwellchoir.org.au
Stairwell to Heaven is a community a cappella SATB choir based in Annandale, Sydney. Georgina Andrews became our musical director in July 2023. The choir was formed in 1998 when parents at the Annandale North Public School were re-introduced to the joys of singing by singer, arranger and choir director Stuart Davis. We practiced in the stairwell at the school which led to the adoption of Stairwell to Heaven as our name. We perform publicly at fundraisers and community events, but mostly we just love to sing. We sing four-part harmony and have a large and eclectic repertoire which includes Gospel, Pop, R&B, Soul, World, early popular music, folk and some classical pieces. Stairwell meets every Tuesday night during school terms at North Annandale Public School, 206 Johnston St, Annandale, between 7:25pm and 9:00pm.
Stay Tuned
MD: Suze Pratten
Piano: Ade Fathiawati, Guitar: Greg Moffitt
SATB pop/folk, some a cappella/some accompanied
facebook
We are a Sydney Hills based community choir who meet on Tuesday nights in Dural. We have been singing together since early 2013 and we just LOVE to sing…and of course, we love to share the joy of singing with others. Our vibrant Music Director Suze Pratten has a way of bringing out the best in us – we have a big, warm harmonious sound and when we sing, we feel great! Our repertoire consists of folk, pop & rock songs all sung in glorious four part harmony. We are very excited to be back singing at Blackheath this year.
Swing Out Mama
MD: Rob Maxwell-Jones
Popular
This choir began life as a mothers’ social group at Rozelle Public School; this may be Blackheath’s final chance to see them before the name is changed to Swing Out Grandma. The repertoire is just what we (or most of us seem to) like, combined with Rob’s attempts to make it singable in three parts for women.
Sydney Jewish Choral Society
MD: Rose Grausman
Accompanist: Stella Levinsky
World music
sjchoral.org
Formed 38 years ago, the Sydney Jewish Choral Society has established itself on Sydney’s cultural scene, performing in a variety of venues including Sydney Opera House, Sydney Town Hall, the Great Hall of Sydney University and the Clancy Auditorium at The University of New South Wales. Variety is in fact the key word for the Society. Its members come from a wide range of professions, countries and musical backgrounds. Its repertoire has been wide ranging too, taking in classical, opera, jazz and musicals, popular and folk music in many languages including Russian, Italian, Yiddish, Ladino and Hebrew. But within the variety there is a common note: the love of the choir members for singing. Under the leadership of Musical Director, Rose Grausman since 1992, the choir engages in community service, singing in hospitals, nursing homes and charity events as well as in festivals and concerts. Using music as a bridge between the Jewish and wider communities, the Society hopes to continue to perform for the public for many years to come, and, wherever possible, to support worthy causes, thereby fostering goodwill in its endeavour to spread messages of harmony and tolerance.
Sydney Voices
MD: James Paul
Popular, jazz, world, contemporary
sydneyvoices.org.au, facebook
Sydney Voices is a mixed ensemble of talented and dedicated singers from all over the Greater Sydney region. The choir, which likes to focus on challenging and musically engaging repertoire, is unusual in that it rehearses only once a month, in Drummoyne. Sydney Voices was first formed in 2009 as Sydney Vocal Project under director Jim Catt. The choir has had many notable achievements over the years including accompanying renowned Welsh tenor Aled Jones in his “One Voice” performance at the City Recital Hall, singing on the steps of the Sydney Opera House as part of the “From the Steps: Voices at Dusk” 50th birthday celebrations and regularly performing in the City of Sydney Eisteddfod, including in the Sydney Eisteddfod Australasian Open Choral Championship. In the last few years, the choir has been led by some fabulous directors: Naomi Crellin from The Idea of North, who kept the choir going through COVID in 2020, Melissa Kenny of Soulfood fame in 2022 and, since 2023, the amazing James Paul.
The Overcommitments
MD: James Paul
Popular, jazz, world, contemporary
facebook
The Overcommitments have been a Summer Hill institution for almost 20 years, singing at festivals, carols nights, pub gigs, private parties and everything in between. Many of the members have been with the choir since the beginning and the relationships are almost as important as the music. This all-female group sings 3 and 4 part harmony songs from all eras, countries and styles and is big on heart.
The Song Sisters
MD: Kim Sutherland
Percussion: Charissa Ferguson
A diverse and engaging repertoire that crosses folk, gospel, soul and pop which showcase creative arrangements.
facebook
An inclusive women’s choir, The Song Sisters combine fun, friendship and well-being with exceptional musicality. Directed and conducted by Kim Sutherland OAM and accompanied by experienced percussionist Charissa Ferguson, the choir has a diverse and engaging repertoire that crosses folk, gospel, soul and pop. The group grew out of Newcastle’s breast cancer choir, The D Majors. For ten years the choir supported women through music, fun, friendship, and also advocacy and fundraising. The Song Sisters formed in 2020 just as COVID took hold and quickly had to pivot, singing online together each week. Thrilled to be back in the real-world post lockdown the choir’s sense of connectedness and community has led to regular collaborations and performances including community events, partnerships with other choirs, and festivals such as the Newcastle Fringe Festival and Lake Macquarie Festival of Choirs. Whether collaborating with others or staging their own concerts, the Song Sisters ensure a joyful performance where audience participation is guaranteed. New members are always welcome.
Urban Voices
MD: Alex Pringle
A mix of contemporary, folk and classical
facebook
Urban Voices is a vibrant community choir based in the Sydney suburb of Epping. They perform a mixture of styles of music in the name of joyous song and togetherness. They perform regularly in Sydney and are previous finalists in the John Lamble Australasian Choral Championships. New members are always welcome!
Vocal Edge
Directed by Amanda Nelson
Barbershop
vocaledgebluemountains.com
Vocal Edge is a women’s barbershop ensemble based in Blackheath with members who travel from both ends of the Blue Mountains and beyond to rehearse and perform. We sing four-part a cappella modern barbershop with a mixed repertoire of barbershop, jazz, swing, folk and pop. We are a small chorus with big ambition. We have a love of making awesome music and a passion to constantly evolve as musicians. Under the guidance of Amanda Nelson (Director) we get together weekly to work on vocal technique and performance skills in a warm, fun, and supportive environment. We welcome women of all voice ranges from 16 years of age and up, who have energy and drive and want to be part of our future adventures.
Vocalocal
MD: Ben Scott
Accompanist: Jenny McCarthy
Eclectic
humecon.nsw.edu.au
Vocalocal has been operating for about 10 years and is inclusive and welcoming of all. The repertoire has developed from simple 2 part works to 6 part a cappella and everything in between. We have been to the Festival of Voices in Hobart twice and have performed at Blackheath’s festival in the past.
Voice Works
MD: Ben Scott
Accompanist: Jenny McCarthy
Variety of styles
humecon.nsw.edu.au
Voiceworks has been a Conservatorium ensemble for 7 years. It is an auditioned choir which likes to challenge itself with more complex works. It has performed with some acclaim at the Hobart Festival of Voices and we have taken part in the Blackheath Festival as well. We have workshopped with Emma Pask, Spooky Men’s Chorale and the Australian Opera.
Vox Canvas
MD: Rob Sequeira
a cappella, barbershop, pop, classical
voxcanvas.com.au; facebook
Vox Canvas is an a cappella group that regularly performs soulful music from genres such as classical, barbershop, jazz, rock, pop and more.They sing with heartfelt emotion that encourages individual openness, camaraderie and fraternal support in an effort to improve quality of life. In 2023 they won gold in the men’s division of the Pan Pacific Barbershop competition and in 2025 will represent Australia in the international Barbershop Harmony Society competition in Denver Colorado.
With One Voice Choir Mt Druitt
MD: Wendy Toulmin
Popular
facebook
We are a choir that is part of a national movement of choirs under the With One Voice banner. Our mission is to create better mental health and wellbeing through singing and social connection. We are an all inclusive (no audition) choir that meets weekly to sing and enjoy each other’s company. We have a wonderful conductor who makes us feel comfortable and confident even though many of us have never sung before. We are always excited to perform at the Blackheath Choir Festival! Thanks for having us.
Blackheath Choir Festival 