2005 in review

The year 2005 was a strong year of growth for the choir. Everywhere the choir performed, the accolades flowed freely and almost without exception all who were involved claimed that this was the best year for the choir in terms of quality of performance.

The choir surpassed a number of milestones in 2005, with a record number of over 50 active members and attendances at practices regularly exceeding 40. The choir averaged 36 members at each concert, reaching capacity at some venues. In total the choir performed to over 1,600 people, with over 450 people attending the Macquarie University concert alone.

The highlight of the year was beyond a doubt the Macquarie University concert. The performances by Warren Fisher and Grace's students, Penny Chilton and Su-Lin Yeong, capped off a wonderful performance by the choir. Macquarie University has been highly enthusiastic in its willingness to have the choir return and perform in 2006.

Thanks must be extended to all the wonderful soloists who performed so well for us in 2005, in particular Wendy Dalton, Rosemary Long, Melinda Parsons, Vivian Powell and Cherie Harris. In addition, there were many wonderful solo performances by members of the choir, including Ern Sharpham, Daniel Younan, Joe Blansjaar, Chris Stevens and many others. We were also very fortunate to have Grace Edwards-Barnetson who not only accompanied the choir throughout the year but performed a number of solo piano recitals at several concerts.

Thanks in addition must go to Dick Glover for his assistance in organising the concert schedule as well as Paul Whiting and Terry Barrett.

Looking forward to 2006, it is the intention to take the choir to another level in terms of public performances, including an increase in the number of major concerts performed. Once these concerts have been finalised the schedule will be published.

Gerard McMullen
Concet Co-ordinator