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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 Karen Bruce.
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. After two successful years with the group, Jessica was unable to continue as director due to increasing work commitments and we have been delighted to welcome Karen Bruce as our new director with Andrew Bartle as accompanist this year.
Our repertoire includes two and three part songs, accompanied and unaccompanied, and includes musicals and show songs, spirituals, sacred music, Australian and International songs. 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 for the balance of the term.
Karen Bruce commenced formal vocal studies at the Canberra Institute of the Arts, gaining her Bachelor of Music in 1991 and Masters in Performance in 1999. Her performance experience in Canberra included singing leading roles in opera such as The Doll in Offenbach's Tales of Hoffman, Susanna in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro and the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute.
Karen moved to Sydney in 2000 and worked for various local companies including Pacific Opera and has made regular appearances for Captain Cook Cruises in Opera Afloat.
A Kornfeld Trust scholarship enabled her to travel in 2000 and work with various voice coaches in Germany. In 2001 was selected as first reserve finalist for the Metropolitan Opera Awards. In 2002 and 2003 she toured extensively in Australia and New Zealand as soprano soloist with the Three Irish Tenors.
Karen balances a busy teaching schedule with regular solo work. Several of her HSC students have topped the state and are now emerging as professionals. Karen is married to Warren Fisher of Opera Australia and they perform together regularly for various musical societies in Sydney. Karen is currently a co-director of musicals at Knox Grammar and of the school's popular choir Male Voice Power.
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Andrew Bartle has been playing piano for fifteen years, accompanying a wide range of bands, choirs and performances. He has directed and musical directed many stage shows, including ‘Urinetown’ and 'How To Succeed In Business' with SYMT, ‘Nine’ with Macquarie University and ‘Chess’ with Hills Musical Society. Andrew has worked as a repetiteur and pit musician for Hills Musical Society, Stage Artz Theatre Company, Hornsby Musical Society, Berowra Musical Society and the Sydney Talent Company. He currently works as a pianist and archivist at Kamaroi Steiner School whilst completing his Bachelor of Education (Primary).
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Please contact us if our group would be of interest to you in planning entertainment for functions, particularly evenings and weekends.
