From Elizabethan madrigals and classical oratorio, through gospel and jazz, to contemporary modern and the vitality of new Australian works, the Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir delights its audiences with passionate and inspiring performances of some of the best of the world's choral music repertoire.

Established in 1886, the Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir is reputedly Queensland's longest continuously-performing choir with a long and proud history. Since its inception, the choir has been fortunate in its gifted conductors who have kept the Cambrian spirit alive. It is currently directed by the internationally-acclaimed composer/conductor, Sandra Milliken.

Over the years, the Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir has presented many wonderful concerts, musicals, pantomimes and theatre restaurants to packed houses, and continues to compete at eisteddfodau.

In 2006, the choir commemorated 120 years of continuous performance and celebrated a return to successful competition, being awarded the title Queensland Eisteddfod Champion Choir. In recent years, the choir has collaborated in a series of major performances including Haydn’s Creation with the Symphonia of St. Andrews; an inspirational Evening with Aled Jones; the Ipswich Gala Concert with the Ipswich City Orchestra; the Ariel Ramirez Misa Criolla accompanied by instrumental ensemble “Walisuma de los Andes” and featuring soloist Jason Barry-Smith; and community events including the Ipswich Mayor’s Carols.

The choir is available for hire for special events.

Membership

The choir is a non-auditioned, SATB ensemble, with membership open to singers 18 years and over. Members are required to attend at least eighty percent of rehersals to qualify for performance.

Membership fees are payable on an annual basis. The current rates are $70 and $50 for concessions. There are also uniform expenses (see below) and members are asked to make a gold coin donation at each rehearsal to help cover the cost of music.

If you are interested in joining the choir, please CLICK here.

Artistic direction

Musical director: Sandra Milliken
Accompanist: Katrina May

Performances

Members are encouraged to be involved in all performances and activities throughout the year. These generally include an overnight retreat held in February, a concert in March/April, the Queensland Eisteddfod during the Easter weekend, a theatre restaurant and a number of Christmas performances.

Rehearsals

Regular rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7.30 till 9.45pm at the Cambrian Centre, South Station Road, Booval. Additional rehersals may be called from time to time for special occasions.

Uniform

Ladies

The prescribed blue dress is available from the choir (a fee is payable). Shoes are pewter court shoes. All members wear the silver choir badge for performances.

Gentlemen

A black dinner suit with a long sleeved white shirt. The accompanying blue vest, bow tie and handkerchief are available from choir costuming. Shoes are black leather with plain black socks. All members wear the silver choir badge for performances.