Woden Valley Youth Choir

Woden Valley Youth Choir is a community choir 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 10)
  • 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 10 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:

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. In August 2018, Olivia Swift became Artistic Director.

In 2019 Woden Valley Youth Choir celebrated its 50th Anniversary.

Commissioned pieces

The choir has had many pieces commissioned for them, some of which have become famous Australian choral works. Some of the commissioned pieces include:

  • Australian Proverb- B. Robinson (2015)
  • Hawkesbury-Stephen Leek (2014)
  • Growing Into Me- Sally Whitwell (2014)
  • Just Clowning Around- Lucy Bermingham (2013)
  • Phonograph- Dan Walker (2013)
  • Source of Life- Paul Jarman (2009)
  • Fortyssimo- Michelle Leonard and Sally Whitwell (2009)
  • Pemulwuy- Paul Jarman (2006)

Discography

The Choir can be heard on:

  • I Hate Music (Collection of annual concert recordings 2013-2015)
  • 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
  • the international Christmas CD, The Children's Gift, in company with the Vienna Boys Choir and other world-renowned choirs.
  • Amani Celebration II
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