Woden Valley Youth Choir
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Woden Valley Youth Choir is a choral program based in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. It performs not only in Canberra but also across Australia and internationally during regular tours. The name derives from the Woden Valley district of Canberra.
There are six choirs, within the organisation, catering for different ages:
- Nova Voices (for ages 7 to 9)
- Borealis Voices (for ages 9 to 13)
- Australis Voices (for ages 12 to 25)
- Centauri Voices (for young men with transitioning voices)
- Aurora Vocal Ensemble (for ages 6 to 13)
- Spectra Vocal Ensemble (for ages 12 to 25)
These choir groups replace the former Junior Choir, Intermediate Choir and Performing choir.
The Artistic Director of the choir and conductor of Australis Voices is Olivia Swift with Jade McFaul (Nova), Lucus Allerton (Centauri) and Neille Williams (Borealis) also conductors for the choir.
History
The Woden Valley Youth Choir began in February 1969 when conductor, Don Whitbread, and his pianist wife, Barbara, soon after they moved to Canberra, issued an invitation to local children. Beginning with twenty-two singers the Choir grew to a regular membership of 70.
Memorable performances have included:
- 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Queensland - performing for Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh at a Gala Concert;
- for the royals again, in Canberra in 1992;
- at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Australia, to sing to visiting Heads of Government at international conferences in 1981 and 1983;
- as invited guest artists at Government House, Canberra, the residence of the Governor-General of Australia;
- at the opening ceremony of the World Cup Athletics meet in 1985;
- in 1988:
- a world-wide telecast which launched Australia's Bicentennial year in 1988;
- 12 choir members were in the Choir which sang at the official opening of Australian Parliament House;
- at Australia's official flag-raising ceremony at Expo 88 in Brisbane;
- at the prestigious International Society for Music Education (ISME) Conference;
- at the ceremony for the conferring of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws on Nelson Mandela in 2000.
- at the opening of the Australian of the Year Walk in 2006.
- the opening of the Pacific School Games in 2008.
- as guest artists at the Male Choir Association of Australia 2008 Festival.
- at the Prime Minister's apology to Forgotten Australians and Child Migrants in 2009.
- singing with Opera Australia, symphony orchestras, and at major concerts with international guest artists;
- recording six albums and a one-hour television special;
- six overseas tours
- the singing of the Australian National Anthem in the Aboriginal Ngunnawal language in 2017.
In 1996, Don Whitbread AOM retired as president and musical director of the choir. He was named Canberran of the Year for 1996.
In 2009, the choir celebrated its 40th anniversary with a concert at Llewellyn Hall including alumni and featuring two world premiers- Paul Jarman's 'Source of Life' and 'Fortyssimo' by Michelle Leonard and Sally Whitwell.
In 2010, the choir toured South Korea, hosted by the World Vision Korean Children's Choir.
At the end of 2016, Alpha Gregory stood down as Artistic Director after 20 years. Local musician and conductor, Kimberley Steele, became the choir's third Artistic Director on 1 January 2017.
Discography
The Choir can be heard on:
- There's Nothing Like a Song (Live) (2010)
- Fortyssimo! Live (2009)
- Joyful Days (2007)
- Ancient Cries (2006)
- Holiday Lights
- Shine On Me (2002)
- Listen to the Angels Shouting (2000)
- The Woden Valley Youth Choir Live (1990)
Other albums:
- Macca on Air - Songs from Australia All Over[1]
- the international Christmas CD, The Children's Gift, in company with the Vienna Boys Choir and other world-renowned choirs.
- Amani Celebration II