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The Spirit of Sydney Chorus is a community chorus made up of approximately 25 women who love to sing in a variety of styles, accompanied and unaccompanied, under the direction of Jessica Farrell.
Membership of the Spirit of Sydney Chorus is open to any female who meets the audition requirements. A prospective member must attend at least three rehearsals before undertaking a short audition interview with Jessica Farrell.
The Chorus was formed in 1997 and existed as a Sweet Adelines Chorus for six years. In 2003 the decision was made to become a community choir and under the musical direction of Jennifer Jones, an experienced and professional vocal coach, the group grew in number, enthusiasm and quality. At the beginning of 2009, Jessica Farrell joined us as Musical Director with Louise Fountain as accompanist.
Our repertoire includes two and three part songs, accompanied and unaccompanied music such as a medley of Australian songs, music from West Side Story, Cats, Oklahoma and My Fair Lady, a song of celebration in Swahili, a beautifully haunting Hebrew song, several traditional Spirituals, as well as 'evergreen' favourites such as Amazing Grace, Danny Boy and a beautiful arrangement of The Lord is my Shepherd. We are continually adding to our repertoire and have an extensive range of Christmas music.
Rehearsals are held each Tuesday evening (7.45 - 9.45pm), during term time, in the Recreation Room of the Bowden Brae Retirement Village (Corner of Pennant Hills Road and Jasmine Road) in Normanhurst. We are always very happy to welcome new members.
Fees are currently set at $8 per week paid once a term. The first week is free for prospective members. After that $8 per week is paid until after the audition is passed, then the remaining balance for that term is due.
Jessica Farrell has been playing the piano for over twenty years and graduated from The University of Newcastle with honours in music and teaching in 1999. She has worked as a repetiteur for a number of companies including Opera Hunter and as a Musical Director for Parramatta Musical Society. Jessica herself is a keen chorister and has sung with The University of Newcastle Chamber Choir, The Choir of St James Church (King Street, Sydney) and The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral in Newcastle. She is a member of the Sydney Philharmonia Chamber Singers and through her membership of this organisation, Jessica has performed in the Perth International Arts Festival, the Sydney Festival's "Dawn Chorus" series and on the soundtrack for "Happy Feet" and "Australia". Jessica has taught classroom music for the past decade.
Louise Fountain has been involved in many musical enterprises, as a pianist, a vocalist, and a musical director of many stage shows. Sitting at the keyboard is (musically!) her favourite place, and she now plays the piano for a variety of groups: Primary and High School choirs, a cabaret performance group (The Silver Notes, with whom she also sings), and rehearsal piano for Berowra Musical Society. She is delighted to accompany the Spirit of Sydney chorus, and enjoys the unique sound of an all-women chorus..
Please contact us if our group would be of interest to you in planning entertainment for functions, particularly evenings and weekends.
