Maryborough Choral Society

Sing from the Heart!

The Maryborough Choral Society has been a vital part of the local cultural scene for over seven decades. We are a community based non-auditioned choir which was formed in 1952 to compete in the Queensland Eisteddfod.
Mrs Moira Hansen was the choir’s inaugural Treasurer and sang soprano in many of the original shows. Mrs Hansen continued her involvement as patron with the choir until her passing this year.
Our choice of music is varied with music from shows, old and new pieces made famous by well known performers, sacred pieces, old favourites and some original compositions written by our current conductor Ryan Jones. We currently present two Sunday afternoon concerts each year, sing carols at various venues at Christmas and perform at community events.

In 2022 the choir held its 70th Anniversary which was celebrated with a special concert.
Throughout its history the choir has received phenomenal support from the local community, the local council and state politicians. We have received grants from the Fraser Coast Council and the Regional Arts Development Fund.
The choir looks forward to the future with optimism. People of all ages and cultural backgrounds who enjoy the challenge of part singing are invited to sing with us as we make joyful music together.

The Maryborough Choral Society Ensemble is an extension of the Choral Society and has been active since 2021. It was born out of a desire to provide singing and entertainment to nursing home residents. Because of Covid, it was easier to rehearse and perform with just a small number of singers, about 8-12.
The Ensemble sings a variety of two-part pieces, ranging from folk, to spiritual, to old time popular, classic pop and modern pop.
Recently, the Ensemble has enjoyed performing at View Club meetings, the Artisan markets and Open Church at the Anglican Church on Thursday market days.

Christine Copley

President

Christine has been a member of the Maryborough Choral Society for almost 2 years. She has a Diploma of Music majoring in Violin from the Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane. Christine has many years experience teaching stringed instruments both privately and in schools.

Ryan Jones

Conductor

Ryan joined the choir in 2016 and has been conducting the choir since 2023. Ryan is passionate about music and loves composing orchestral and choral music. He also plays the tin whistle and percussion instruments from time to time. “Engaging in the world through music allows us to communicate on a level that words alone cannot express.”

Jean Jones

Accompanist

Jean joined the choir in 2016, a week after moving to Maryborough on retirement. She has lived on farms all her life except for four years at university. She has always loved choral singing, from singing in a group at school. Opportunities were limited in the country, so it was a special treat to join a four-part choir, and experience that marvellous blending of sound as an alto. She always wanted to play the piano, and had her first lesson on her 16th birthday when her aunt offered to pay for lessons. In 2018, when the then accompanist resigned, she was asked to fill the position, and has done so since then.