About us
We are a female choir who love to sing in a variety of styles, under the direction of Karen Bruce.
Where do we rehearse?
Rehearsals are held each Tuesday evening (7.15 - 9.15pm), during term time, at The Chinese Australian Baptist Church, 235 Pennant Hills Road, Thornleigh. Crn of Loch Maree Ave, directly opposite Bunnings
MEMBERSHIP FEES
Fees are currently $100 per term, payable at the beginning of each school term. This fee includes the supply of original music scores to each choir member. The first week is free to new members. We do not rehearse in school holidays.
HISTORY
The Spirit of Sydney Chorus has been singing since 1997 and has grown to be an amazing group of ladies who love to sing, bring a smile to our audiences and support our various charities. Under our extremely talented, Musical Director, Karen Bruce and our vibrant accompanist, Angela Pelletier the Spirit of Sydney Chorus has grown into the talented choir that it is today.
DIRECTOR
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 she 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 combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo engagements, and directs choirs at Northholm Grammar, Loreto Normanhurst, Knox Grammar School and Pymble Ladies College. She is known for bringing out the best in her students, reflected in several singers working professionally and many High School Encore nominations. She gives an energy and vitality to the ensembles she leads like the Spirit of Sydney Chorus.
ACCOMPANIST
Angela Pelletier
Angela studied classical piano with renowned pianist and composer Grant Foster.
Vocal music is a special area of interest for Angela. She has many years experience as rehearsal pianist for choirs, vocal ensembles, musicals, operetta and Musical Director for Mosman Musical Society.
Angela also loves working with emerging musicians and their teachers, accompanying
exams and recitals. She teaches piano to a range of lovely students at Loreto, Normanhurst.
Angela is Director of Music for The Lakes Catholic Parish on Sydney's Northern Beaches.