Sing with us
Experience the thrilling power and joy of singing en-masse in a supportive and non-threatening environment with the Willoughby Symphony Choir.
As one of Sydney’s leading symphonic choirs, we’ve been producing beautiful music since 1973 and celebrated our 50th anniversary last year.
We’re Willoughby Symphony’s resident choir for their annual concert season, but also regularly stage our own concerts and perform with other arts organisations in Sydney.
For our major symphonic concerts we have around 100 of our own singers, and for collaborations often double that number.
“Nothing beats singing,
how that improves your mood &
gets you through the rest of the working week.”
A message from our Music Director
Who can join?
What do doctors, teachers, marketers, accountants, midwives, creative directors, consultants and child psychologists have in common? They’re all members of our choir.
We welcome singers from all walks of life - young and old, those with some singing training to others who just love to sing for fun. All we ask is that you love to sing, can sing in tune, and will commit to practising.
PLEASE NOTE…
The choir is currently at capacity and, consequently, we are only taking applications from Tenors and Basses at this time. If you’re a tenor or bass, we’d love to hear from you - just fill out the application form below and our Membership Secretary will be in touch to organise an audition.
Should vacancies open for sopranos and / or altos, we will advertise them on this website. However, there will be no guarantee that there will be vacancies for these voice parts in the foreseeable future.
Meet Jacqui
Jacqui is born and bred in Sydney with music and dance playing a big part in her life from a very young age. At the end of High School she had the choice of completing a Bachelor of Music at the Conservatorium in Sydney or a Bachelor of Economics at Macquarie University. She chose the latter after deciding that music would always play a big part in her life regardless of what she chose to do as a profession.
For many years she performed in local community choirs and amateur musical theatre and then took a break while she focused on her career. After realising how much she was missing her connection to music she joined the Willoughby Symphony Choir in 2010. Today she is on the Leadership Team of one of Australia’s largest ASX listed beef producers and really enjoys being able to balance her busy job with the joys of singing and performing with the choir.
What will we be performing in 2024?
Mahler - Symphony No. 2
Vaughan Williams - Benedicite
Haydn - Creation
Dvořák - Stabat Mater
Jenkins - The Armed Man
Last Night of the Proms
The Magic of Christmas
and much more…
What happens at rehearsal?
We rehearse from 7.30 to 10pm most Wednesday evenings at Roseville Uniting Church, Lord Street. It’s handy for parking and for the train.
There is note learning and music learning, and regular visits from experts to give vocal and holistic training. It’s always fun, always challenging and always focused on delivering the very best experience for performer and listener alike.
We are auditioned, but it’s not scary. We’re looking for people who can hold a tune and are up for the challenge of developing and maintaining their vocal health to add their own value to the chorus. You’re welcome to get in touch and try us out. Often the most difficult step is the one you take through the door for the first time. Don’t be afraid!
Tell me more…
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We generally rehearse at Roseville Uniting Church (Lord St, Roseville) every Wednesday night, from 7.30pm - 10pm with time for a tea and bikkie in between.
In the lead up to concerts, there may be a couple of extra rehearsals scheduled to ensure we are well rehearsed, and have a chance to rehearse with the instrumentalists and soloists.
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Our standard annual membership fee is $250, or $125 for pensioners (sorry, not Senior’s Card holders).
This fee covers music hire fees as well as insurance for performances.
There are a few other small fees that may apply:
$25 music deposit, refundable when you leave the choir
$10 red tie deposit for tenors and basses, refundable when you leave the choir and return the tie
We do ask choristers to provide their own black folders and occasionally ask choristers to purchase their own scores but these are usually at discounted prices.
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Don’t worry, it’s not scary! We just want to get to know your voice better. Your audition will be one on one with our Musical Director, not in front of an audience.
You will be sent a piece of music which is chosen by our Music Director which he wants you to prepare for the audition.
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Yes! We try to organise one or two social events each year. Participation is optional, but we have a great time and the invite is always open.
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Your voice, your music and a 2B pencil.
(Why a 2B pencil? To avoid leaving markings and imprints on rented scores.)
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We rehearse most of the year, but the choir does take a break from early December to early February.
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We understand life & work sometimes needs to take priority, but we do ask that you commit to at least several concerts in our yearly schedule.
Before each concert rehearsal schedule starts, we’ll share the rehearsal attendance requirements for the concert.
These requirements are in place to ensure you’re familiar with the music and the conductor’s interpretation, and can contribute to the development of the choir’s overall sound.
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You can wear anything you like to rehearsals or dress rehearsals.
For performances, we generally follow a concert dress code. You can find more details here.
How do I join?
We accept new members all year round, but usually invite new members to join at the start of the next concert’s rehearsal period.
Simply fill out the form below and Marguerite, our Membership Secretary will be in touch to organise an audition for you.