Singing from same songsheet for 40 years

For 40 years Redcliffe City Choir has been sharing fine choral music with the community, so it’s no surprise its celebration will be in the form of a concert.

The choir was formed in 1985 when local singers responded to a newspaper advertisement calling for performers to join a 'non-auditioned choir’.

Fifty-seven people attended the first rehearsal, which was held in the Pensioners Hall, and the choir’s first performance was staged in June 1985 under the baton of the late Neil Atkinson.

Inaugural member Janet Franklin says the choir has always aimed to encourage and develop “fine choral music for the benefit of the community”.

Genres have included folk songs, musicals, major choral works, madrigals, opera choruses and spiritual.

The choir has competed in Eisteddfods and staged musicals including Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado.

“Since the (COVID-19) pandemic and the formation of many other local choirs, we have struggled with membership. We are currently a reduced group but what we lack in numbers, we compensate for in enthusiasm,” Janet says.

Numerous Musical Directors have led the group, with Eli Ball currently at the helm. He is a student at the Queensland Conservatorium, bringing new skills and energy to the group.

Music lovers and former members are invited to Redcliffe City Choir’s 40th Birthday concert, Then and Now. Four Decades of Song 1985-2025.

It will be held at the CWA Hall, Redcliffe Pde, Redcliffe, on September 6 from 2pm. Admission will be same price as it was for the group’s first concert in 1985 - $5 adults, free for children.

Tickets will be available at the door and afternoon tea is included.

FIND OUT MORE

Follow Redcliffe City Choir on Facebook or visit redcliffecitychoir.org.au