Bringing choral music to the Shire for 50 years...
Sutherland Shire Choral Society
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In 1973, Paul Curtis, then Principal Flute with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Conductor of the Aulos Sutherland Shire Symphony Orchestra, suggested having a performance of Handel’s “Messiah” in the Sutherland Shire. With the help of Geoff Reid, a Music Teacher at Gymea High School, a choir of approximately 60 singers was assembled from the Shire and St George areas.
Paul Curtis was Conductor with Ian Sappay as Chorus Master.
“Messiah” was performed with great success in Gymea High School Auditorium on 24 November 1973.
Due to the enthusiastic response of the singers, the choir continued throughout 1974 and a permanent Choral Society was inaugurated, known as “Sutherland Shire Choral Society”.
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Ian Sappay led rehearsals of the newly-formed Choral Society while Paul Curtis was overseas, and “Pleasant Sunday Afternoons” of choral music were held regularly at Sylvania Congregational Church. Paul Curtis resumed his role with the SSCS on his return to Australia, conducting “Messiah” on 7 December 1974 at Caringbah High School.
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About us...
The Choral Society has grown and changed over the years, but the enthusiasm of its members has never flagged. As we celebrate 50 years of singing, we have approximately 70 members including one Foundation Member. We perform three concerts each year – two in a more classical style and one of lighter music. We regularly engage professional soloists to accompany us, both vocal and instrumental, and we perform in differing venues around the Sutherland Shire.
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Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our members persevered and continued to meet and sing together virtually. We even performed a couple of songs as a virtual choir, which was a testament to the spirit and dedication 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