Bringing choral music to the Shire for 50 years...
Sutherland Shire Choral Society
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About us...
In 1973, Paul Curtis—then Principal Flute with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Conductor of the Aulos Sutherland Shire Symphony Orchestra—proposed presenting a performance of Handel’s Messiah in the Sutherland Shire. With the assistance of Geoff Reid, a music teacher at Gymea High School, a choir of approximately 60 singers was formed from the Sutherland Shire and St George areas.
Under the direction of Paul Curtis as Conductor and Ian Sappay as Chorus Master, Messiah was performed to great acclaim at Gymea High School Auditorium on 24 November 1973.
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The enthusiastic response from singers led to the continuation of the choir throughout 1974, culminating in the formation of a permanent choral organisation known as "Sutherland Shire Choral Society".
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While Paul Curtis was overseas, Ian Sappay led rehearsals of the newly established Society, and “Pleasant Sunday Afternoons” of choral music were presented regularly at Sylvania Congregational Church. Upon his return to Australia, Paul Curtis resumed his role as conductor, leading another performance of Handel’s Messiah on 7 December 1974 at Caringbah High School.
Over the years, the Choral Society has grown and evolved, yet the enthusiasm and commitment of its members has never waned. As we celebrate over 50 years of singing, the Society has approximately 70 members, including one Foundation Member who has been part of our journey since the very beginning.
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Each year, we present three concerts—two in a classical style and one featuring lighter repertoire. We regularly engage professional vocal and instrumental soloists to accompany us, and perform in a variety of venues throughout the Sutherland Shire, bringing choral music to the wider community.
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Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our members remained connected and continued to rehearse and sing together virtually. We even presented performances as a virtual choir, a testament to the resilience, dedication, and enduring spirit of our members.
To mark our 50th Anniversary in 2024, we were surprised
and delighted to be recognised in the NSW Parliament
by Maryanne Stuart, M.P. (Member for Heathcote).
On 7th May 2024 she read a Community Recognition Statement in our honour. This was reported in Hansard and remains a permanent record in the NSW Parliament.
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We were later presented with the Award.
Here is the full text of the Award:
“The Sutherland Shire Choral Society has been a beacon of musical excellence in our community for five decades, from the humble beginnings of a small church choir in 1974, invited to join with similar groups in the area to perform Handel’s Messiah at the Kirrawee High school hall, to 50 years later celebrating its golden jubilee performance in March 2024 – once again with a remarkable rendition of the Messiah – at the Pavilion Performing Arts Centre in Sutherland, this time accompanied by a 20-piece orchestra drawn from local musicians in the Sutherland Shire and surrounding areas. With unwavering dedication, its 70 local members convene weekly, embodying a commitment to fostering an enduring love for quality choral music. Spanning generations and diverse backgrounds, the society’s membership ranges from early twenties to mid-nineties and reflects the inclusivity and richness of our community. As custodians of Sutherland Shire’s cultural heritage, the Sutherland Shire Choral Society continues to resonate profoundly, enriching our lives through the universal language of music.”
Signed: Maryanne Stuart M.P. Member for Heathcote
Whilst the main focus has always been on bringing choral music to the Shire, on occasion the choir has been invited to sing away and this has always been well received.
Singing with the Sutherland Shire Children's Choir
December 2013
St Mary's Cathedral Sydney December 2018
Parliament House, October 2017
St Franciis of Assisi Church, Sydney June 2022