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.
We are proud to have as our patron Mrs Moira Hansen who was the choir’s original Treasurer and sang soprano in many of the original shows.
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 September 2018 the Maryborough Choral Society hosted the ANCA Big Sing under the baton of contemporary conductor Emma Dean. This event was a great success with visiting choristers from throughout southern Queensland participating. A Big Sing Celebration Dinner was held at Susan River Adventure Resort.
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.

Paula Hill

President

Paula has been a member of the Maryborough Choral Society for 13 years. In that time she has held the position of Treasurer for a number of years. She was Vice President in 2021 and was then elected President in 2022. Paula sang in her church choir for a number of years and was director for a short while. While living on the Gold Coast she sang with a Sweet Adeline’s acapella group and experienced making music with only the voice. Paula enjoys being with the Choral Society and participating in the concerts and the organisation of concerts and music selections.

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.