Choirs participating in 2025
Choirs are listed alphabetically and in some cases choir names are abbreviated (C – Choir,
C.C = Community Choir). Select any choir to jump to their entry.
Note that website and Facebook entries are appropriately linked.
AChoired Sound
Allegri Singers
Basic Pitch withdrawn
Beating Time
Canada Bay C C
Coastal a Cappella
Cool Change Quartet
Coro Austral
Da Vinci Singers
DElites
Endeavour Harmony C.
Ex Gracia Choir
Good Vibrations
Harmoni Chamber Choir
Heathens
AChoired Sound
MD: Paul Haire
Piano: Paul Haire
Guitar: Fergus Hides-Pearson
Snare drum: Graham Tweedie
We sing everything from Hymns and sacred music to folk and ballad music and the popular songs of Gershwin, The Doors, Beatles, Eagles, Billy Joel through to Coldplay.
The AChoired Sound choir, in its 26th 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 Sydney 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 Mens’ choir in 2000. About 20 fathers, and their friends, of past and current students of St Aloysius’ College, Milsons Point, Sydney, make up the choir. We have performed at the Sydney 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, 2023 and 2024. 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 to 2024 Anzac Day lunches for the 2/20th Battalion plus we sing rocking Christmas Carols each year at Bunnings. We sing everything from Hymns and sacred music to folk music and the popular songs of Gershwin, Beatles, Eagles, Billy Joel through to Coldplay.
Allegri Singers
MD: William Moxey
Piano: Dee Nicholls
Mixed genre 4 part harmony
allegrisingers.org.au; facebook
The Allegri Singers is a mixed voice community choir from Bathurst. We sing in many styles and from many eras and perform a major work annually including compositions such as Haydn’s Creation, Sir Karl Jenkin’s The Armed Man and Mendelssohn’s Elijah. We aim to contribute to the cultural enrichment of Bathurst and surrounding communities.
Beating Time
Directed by Margot McLaughlin
Piano: Tony Baldwyn
Popular
facebook
Beating Time is a multicultural seniors community choir rehearsing in Chatswood every Monday from 12.30-2.30. Under the experienced direction of Margot McLaughlin, one of Sydney’s most respected musicians and accompanied on piano by Tony Baldwin, the choir has a varied repertoire including songs in Japanese, Chinese, Spanish and Dharawal. The choir performs for functions such as Meals on Wheels, Christmas lunches, Jewish Arts Community of Choirs and for the past three years has opened the Willoughby City Council’s Seniors Festival Gala Concert. Beating Time is an unauditioned SATB choir but members have to be willing to learn a part and work with the learning resources provided.
Canada Bay Community Choir
MD: Bradley Gilchrist
cbcch.com.au; facebook
Canada Bay Community Choir is a non-auditioning 4 part choir of about 30-35 singers. Our aim is to make singing in a choir accessible to anyone who loves to sing. We enable people to make friendships and connect with community through singing. We have a wide repertoire of songs and are led by an experienced conductor, Bradley Gilchrist. We meet on Thursday nights 7-9pm at the Drummoyne Community Centre Cometrowe Street Drummoyne.
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 33 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 , International Women’s Day, charity fundraisers and Christmas sing outs. The chorus enjoys competing at the annual National Sweet Adeline’s Convention and after the 2024 competition we are ranked 5th in Australia. We are regular attendees at the City of Sydney Eisteddfod and have won the Community Choir and Show Choir sections and In 2024 placed 2nd in the Small Ensemble section. The Chorus has been privileged to perform at the Lights of Sydney at St Mary’s Cathedral, City of Sydney Christmas Choirs. We have also appeared on the Morning Show on Channel 7.
Cool Change Quartet
MD: Karen Ramirez
A Cappella and Barbershop 4 part harmony
facebook
Cool Change is a quartet of female voices singing 4 part harmony in the A Cappella and Barbershop style. Cool Change has been a quartet for 7 years with 3 of the original members (Karen as Lead, Pia as Bass, and Pippa as Tenor) who are still performing with the quartet today. We welcomed our newest member, Annabelle (singing baritone) to our quartet at the end of 2023. We love getting together to rehearse, starting with coffee and cake, then lots of singing, ending with our well earned wine, cheese and biscuits! We are all members of Endeavour Harmony Chorus, which Karen is the Co-Music Director of, as well as the Music Director of Aurora Australis Chorus (who both often perform at the choir festival in Blackheath). We are based in the southern parts of Sydney and we rehearse to compete in the yearly Sweet Adelines Regional Competition at various locations around Australia. We love to perform and share our passion and joy of a cappella singing with everyone who wants to hear us sing.
Coro Austral
Directed by Margot McLaughlin
Classical, traditional and contemporary music drawn from Spain, Portugal, Latin America, Australia and the world
www.coroaustral.org; facebook
Coro Austral was established by Artistic Director Margot McLaughlin in 2010 as a Sydney-based auditioned chamber choir specialising in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American music. Its current repertoire ranges across all the well-known “Western mainstream classical” forms from the 13th century to the present, including Latin American Baroque, as well as music from other traditions such as Catalan and Basque, choral tango, Andean folkloric, Sephardic, contemporary Chilean, and arrangements of classic Cuban songs. In 2017 Coro Austral undertook a performance tour through Cuba, culminating in participation in the International Festival of Choirs – Santiago De Cuba, one of the longest standing and most prestigious events in the international choral calendar. As well as presenting regular concerts, Coro Austral has performed as a guest choir at Australian Jewish Choral Festivals and the Stanmore Music Festival, and has been a regular participant in Blackheath Choir Festivals – in fact our very first public performance was at this Festival in 2010! We are always on the lookout for experienced choral musicians to audition as permanent or casual singers. Ability to speak Spanish is not required, as language coaching is provided, but prospective members should enjoy exploring new repertoire, languages and cultures Contact: David Goodwin 0414505784 and dgoodwin237@gmail.com.
Da Vinci Singers
MD: Désirée Regina
Pop to jazz, madrigals to spirituals
facebook
The Da Vinci Singers, based in Engadine, is a delightful Renaissance choir, going strong for 10 years. They bring history to life through graceful costumes, multilingual songs, old-world instruments, and entertaining music from a bygone era. The choir created and staged multiple theatre shows and has performed at festivals, markets, weddings, openings and ceremonies. Notable performances include the Blacktown Medieval Fayre 2024, Christmas concerts for the City of Sydney Council in 2023, 2022 and 2021 (held at Martin Place), as well as “Sing Out Sydney” (ABC Broadcasting) in 2018 and 2017. We welcome new members who have a sense of fun, can sing in tune and enjoy frocking up in costume. Please feel free to reach out!
DElites
MD: Darryl Roberts
A cappella pop, rock and folk music
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. We sing acapella only and 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.
Endeavour Harmony Chorus
MD: Lea Baker
A cappella
www.endeavourharmony.org.au; facebook
Endeavour Harmony Chorus started back in 1996 in Sydney and has grown into a group known for our musicality and professionalism. Our members are experienced singers who have performed in many different settings. As a world-class chorus, our mission is dedicated to musical excellence that entertains, connects and change lives through barbershop harmony and a cappella music. We aim to inspire the love of singing in each other and our communities while creating opportunities to learn, grow and achieve. We had the pleasure of performing at some amazing venues and events including Christmas at the Cathedral (Epic Team Pty Ltd), Choirs in the City (Enhance Entertainment) and Festival of Care (Momentum Arts). Our recent notable achievement was placing 4th in Sweet Adelines International Competition in Kansas City 2024.
Ex Gracia Choir
Directed by Naomi Degabriele
Piano, cello and double bass: Leon Spikmans
Popular, classical, folk, contemporary
Facebook
Ex Gracia is a Blue Mountains-based treble-voice community choir. We sing music from across the decades and the centuries in 3- and 4-part harmony. The multi-generational group currently hails from the Mountains, Hawkesbury and Greater Western Sydney, and we sing at private functions, benefit concerts and community events, ending each year with Christmas carol performances, both commercial and community-based.
Join Ex Gracia
Good Vibrations
Directed by Fiona Lamb
Eclectic a cappella. A bit of everything.
goodvibrationschoir.com.au;
facebook
Good Vibrations is an a cappella community choir on the northern beaches singing an eclectic repertoire with an emphasis on fun! If you love to bop in the basement, croon in the car, shout in the shower, (maybe even keen in the kitchen?) and have a high tolerance for Dad jokes, then this is the choir for you!
Harmoni Chamber Choir
MD: Alex Pringle
An eclectic mix – everything from classical to pop and world music
harmonichoirs.com.au
The Harmoni Chamber Choir, as the name suggests, is all about creating beautiful combinations of sounds and is dedicated to beautiful musicianship with wonderful musicians. The choir sings a wide variety of material that is sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes joyful, sometimes quirky and sometimes serious, but always beautiful and dedicated to gorgeous harmony..
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
Piano: Gayoon Jung
Mostly classical but also jazz and world music
jubilate.org.au, facebook
Jubilate Singers have been a pillar of community choral music in Sydney for 30 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 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. In 2024 we performed the Schubert Mass in G Major with David Drury as organist to critical acclaim and joined with Jubilate Symphonia and members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to perform a popular classic, “What a Wonderful World,” and the final movement of Beethoven Symphony No 9. 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.
Linnet Singers
MD: Wendy Hopely
Piano: Marianne Tonge
Mix of classical and modern
The Linnet Choir of Sydney, based in Epping, was formed in 1952 as the Linnet Girls’ Choir, Mrs. Jessie Murray M.B.E. was the founding conductor and Musical Director for 50 years. The offshoot, The Linnet Singers started in the 1990s and includes several members of the Girls’ Choir. It is now open to any women interested in singing and providing enjoyment to others. Mrs Olga Johnstone was appointed in 2002 and conducted the choir until her passing in 2022. We have then been lucky to have Wendy Hopely conduct us for the past 3 years and Marianne Tonge as our accompanist for the past 30 years. We have had some notable performances which include performing at the Women’s Choral Festival Adelaide, Port Stephens’ Festival, Blackheath Choir Festivals, Taronga Zoo and weekend tours to regional NSW towns, as well as regular performances at retirement villages and church services around Sydney and the Central Coast. Our repertoire is varied, consisting of different genres, which may include sacred, operatic, classical, modern, and popular songs.
Lithgow Valley Voices
MD: Henrik Eneberg
Contemporary
Lithgow Valley Voices is a community choir under 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 singing an eclectic selection of music from a Renaissance polymorphic Madrigal to songs of more modern genre. We meet on Thursday nights at 6 pm at the Transformation Hub in Lithgow.
Moo Choir
MD: Rowen Fox
Mixed voice pop, contemporary
Moo Choir
Based at Warrimoo in the lower Blue Mountains, Moo Choir is an a cappella community choir that meets on a Monday evening to sing a range of pop, contemporary, and occasionally classical songs under the leadership of Director Rowen Fox and Associate Director Suzanne Langford.
Mooncatchers Women’s Choir
MD: Christina Mimmocchi
christinamimmocchi.com; facebook
Folk, world, women’s songs, protest songs
Women’s songs and voices are needed now more than ever! Mooncatchers Women’s Choir sings songs that celebrate women’s experiences, lives and expression. We include original songs by choir members and old and new songs that move us. Everyone is welcome to raise their voice in joyous song with Mooncatchers.
Northside Community Choir
MD: Rose Saunders
Piano: Benjamin Au
Gospel, classical and a smattering of contemporary songs
Northside Community Choir meet and rehearse once a week in the Northside Conference Centre at Crows Nest, under the direction of Rose Saunders. A mixed voice adult choir, they perform at community events, concerts and special occasions throughout the year. Their repertoire is varied from sacred music to light pop and jazz, with a blend of some folk songs and vocal music from other countries.
Pacopezants
MD: Naumi Stankov
Eastern European
We have been a mountains choir for over 30 years. We sing about the important things in life, such as love, death, war, and doing the washing!
Penrith City Choir
MD: Rowen Fox
Piano: Jane Andino
Classical
penrithcitychoir.com.au; facebook
Penrith City Choir has been in existence since 1977 (formerly Nepean Choral Society). We perform a range of choral repertoire both popular and classical, from Bach to the Beatles, and Miller to Mozart, and often collaborate with Penrith Symphony Orchestra. Lucy McAlary served as Musical Director of the choir from 2005 to mid 2023, at which time Rowen Fox was appointed Musical Director and Conductor. The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at The Joan in Penrith. New members are always welcome.
Penrith Harmony Chorus
MD: Peter Fragar
Barbershop
penrithharmony.com; facebook
Penrith Harmony comprises a spirited group of men working towards a common goal of musical excellence to thrill and charm audiences. The chorus attracts members from a range of ages, backgrounds and employment and provides them with new musical challenges regardless of their level of accomplishment. Penrith Harmony’s repertoire is wide and varied and includes both traditional and contemporary songs. Along with singing in contests, Penrith Harmony also performs for community and corporate events, fund raising shows and in concerts. We delight audiences with our diverse repertoire which is delivered with the passion and enjoyment experienced by each performer. Barbershop music is a unique style of a cappella 4-part harmony comprising the Lead who carries the melody, the Bass who sings the lowest harmonising note, the Baritone who completes the chord and the Tenor who harmonises above the melody. When all 4-parts in a quartet or chorus are in perfect balance, a “ringing” or overtone sound is produced. This “ring” is a joy to the singers and audience alike. Penrith Harmony is a proud member of Barbershop Harmony Australia.
Phoenix Chamber Choir
MD: Amy Moore
phoenixchoir.org.au; facebook
Madrigals
Phoenix Chamber Choir is a group of dedicated singers from Phoenix Choir who have separate rehearsals with musical director Amy Moore to rehearse a cappella repertoire which is performed at Phoenix Choir concerts and elsewhere. For this choir festival Phoenix Chamber Choir will perform an extract from our recent concert Love’s Melody focussing on the earthly delights of Renaissance Madrigals.
Phoenix Choir
Directed by Amy Moore
Accompanist: Janette Norcott, piano
Classical
phoenixchoir.org.au; facebook
Phoenix Choir is a strong community of singers from across the Blue Mountains and further west. Our members range from enthusiastic music-lovers to professional musicians. We tackle the big classical works, and also more eclectic selections. Many of our members had not sung since their school days, but everyone who joins improves their singing skills under Amy’s guidance and with the learning resources we provide. We do not audition, and instead look for dedication, and a willingness to learn and strive for a high level of performance. If you are interested in joining our journey through the classical canon, we rehearse every Tuesday evening in the NSW school term at 7pm in the Blackheath Baptist Hall. For this choir festival Phoenix Choir will perform a selection of songs about love, ancient and modern, from our recent concert Love’s Melody.
Riverland Harmony Chorus
MD: Nerryl Liston
Barbershop in 4-part harmony
riverlandharmonychorus.org; facebook
Riverland Harmony Chorus is a women’s a cappella Chorus from the Penrith area. Our repertoire is very versatile and includes rock and pop songs, popular show tunes, beautiful ballads, and lots of Christmas carols! Our songs are arranged in beautiful 4-part harmony in the Barbershop style, and we love singing together! We travel all over the greater Western Sydney area to share our songs with the community, at festivals, Christmas carols, private functions, seniors’ facilities and nursing homes, community centres, and wherever we are invited! Our Corus is a member of Sweet Adelines, a world-wide singing organsiation, so we also have great fun taking part in Sweet Adelines Conventions every couple of years! This means our Chorus goes on an adventure somewhere else in Australia – in 2023 we went to Brisbane and this year to Hobart! Our amazing Chorus Director Nerryl Liston has been leading the Chorus over the last 30 years, and many of our members have been with us for a long time! We really value and enjoy the friendships that come from singing together! We rehearse at Caddens (Penrith) on Monday evenings, and we welcome new members all year round, so please get in touch if you are interested in joining us!
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.
Singers Re-Choired
MD: Alex Pringle
Piano: Brian Cousins
We sing any thing that feels good for the heart
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!
Song Weavers
MD: Michael Bunyan
Eclectic a cappella: beautiful ethereal 20th century music
facebook
We are a 7-voice, beautifully blended group from the Southern Highlands. For this program, we will present a tapestry of shimmering ethereal harmonies from the best 20th century choral composers. Works by Karl Jenkins, John Tavener, Ola Gjeilo, Don Macdonald, Jake Runestad and some great Pentatonix arrangements. We hope you can join us for a celebration of the human voice and enjoy these most exquisite and challenging compositions. Song Weavers formed at the end of 2023, singing Christmas carols around the Southern Highlands, and we have enjoyed performing in a range of charity and community events. We have become firm friends through singing together each week and look forward to finding out where this group may lead.
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 is our musical director. We have a great community of long-standing friendships and really enjoy our Tuesday nights together. New members are always warmly welcomed. 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 practised in the stairwell at the school which led to the adoption of Stairwell to Heaven as our name. In April this year we celebrate our longevity with a 25th Anniversary Concert. Stairwell performs 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, and folk. Stairwell meets every Tuesday night during school terms in the hall at North Annandale Public School, 206 Johnston St, Annandale, between 7:00pm and 9:00pm.
Sunday Community Choir – Unleashed
MD: Danielle Whitmore
Piano: Chester Johnson
a cappella
Unleashed is a vibrant and inclusive, family-friendly community choir with members ranging from Year 7 students to seniors. We are an unauditioned group, united by our love for music and the joy of singing together. Our choir is dedicated to performing contemporary four-part harmonies that resonate with diverse audiences. We have had the honor of performing at notable events, including the 2024 World Choral Games in New Zealand, where we received a silver medal in the Pop Choral Section. Our choir has also performed in the Sydney Music Festival and participated at The Ensemble Theatre in their stage play/musical The Heartbreak Choir. In addition, we have enjoyed success in the Sydney Eisteddfod Community Choir competition, earning second and third place awards over the years, showcasing our growth and dedication to our craft. We regularly delight in performing Christmas Concerts around the Lower North Shore Community, spreading festive cheer and joy during the holiday season.These experiences have strengthened our passion for music and fueled our commitment to delivering heartfelt, dynamic performances. At the heart of our choir is a deep passion for making music that connects and inspires. We cherish our community, and our music continues to bring us closer as a choir family.
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 Street Choir
MD: Suze Pratten
Co-MD: Mary Kiani
We sing our favourite pop songs from the heart with some originals and a few folk songs thrown in!
Guitar: Dave Richardson
sydneystreetchoir.org.au; facebook
The Sydney street choir is a supportive musical community that aims to inspire and empower those who have experienced homelessness or disadvantage in the community through the power of song. Created by Jonathon Welch AO in 2001, the choir is the longest running programme of its type in Australia. Based in Redfern the choir keeps a busy rehearsal and performance schedule. They have toured to the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Melbourne and regional NSW, as well as performing dozens of times each year at community and corporate events. In addition, the choir has recorded a number of CDs, created three original theatre projects and performed with celebrities such as Dami Im, Deni Hines, Angry Anderson, Leo Sayer and many others. The Sydney Street Choir is very excited to be performing at the Blackheath Choir Festival this year.
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 Bearded Ladies
MD: Michael Macken
Popular, jazz, world, contemporary
facebook
The Bearded Ladies is a mixed a cappella choir based in Katoomba, run by father and son Michael and Nic Macken, who also happen to sing with the Spooky Men’s Chorale. We welcome singers of all abilities, and our aim is to have a lot of fun, drink some tea, and make some cool sounds with our voices. We sing a range of songs from various cool artists, some of which we arrange ourselves. Inspired by the brilliant work of choir leaders Rachel Hore and Stephen Taberner.
The Evergreen Music Wednesday Singers
MD: Ben Marshall
Popular, rock, folk, contemporary
website; facebook
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!
The Glee Bees
MD: Peter Varley
a cappella pop music such as Beatles Fleetwood Mac and eclectic mix of classic pop tunes
facebook
Glee Bees community choir is a mixed choir usually singing a cappella in four to six parts SMATBB. Our musical genres include 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
The Song Sisters
MD: Kim Sutherland
Percussion: Terence Koo
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 jazz musician Terence Koo and percussionist Charissa Ferguson, the choir has a diverse and engaging repertoire that crosses pop, soul and folk. The choir grew out of Newcastle’s breast cancer choir, The D Majors, that formed to support women touched by breast cancer. For close to ten years the choir provided a warm and supportive environment founded on music, fun and friendship, and also used its voice to advocate and fundraise. The Song Sisters formed in 2020 and 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.
The Valley Voices
MD: Peter O’Regan
Guitar: Eric Eisler
Folk, pop
facebook
The Valley Voices Choir is a community choir which has been singing for over 12 years. We sing a feel-good mix of popular songs. We meet from 5.30 – 7.00 pm every Monday evening during school terms at Dundas Area Neighbourhood Centre, 21 Sturt St, Telopea 2117. The choir sings under choir master Peter O’Regan (lead singer of The Kites) and to the fine accompaniment of Eric Eisler on guitar. We perform at community events such as Parramatta Foundation Day, Carols by Twilight (North Rocks), Blackheath Choir Festival, charity events and aged care homes. We welcome new members (even if you have no singing experience) to join us in the celebration of singing.
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.
Blackheath Choir Festival 