Canberra Choral Society: A Capital Choir for a Capital City

1952 - 2002

The history of the Society from 1952 - 2002 was documented in Canberra Choral Society: A Capital Choir for a Capital City, by Peter Campbell. (Canberra, PC Publishing 2002 ISBN 0958155305).

The Canberra Choral Society originated in 1952 with a small group of people who began singing together for their own pleasure and musical advancement. This group became known as the Canberra Choral Group and was conducted in its foundation years by Ronald Penny, Peter Bailey and Jane Malone.

The name was changed to the Canberra Choral Society in 1960, and the Society became an officially incorporated association in April 1962, celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2022.

2002 - 2012: From Fifty to Sixty

From Fifty to Sixty (2002-2012), a supplement to the original book, was written by Peter Campbell.

"My research into amateur choral music-making in Australia during the past 50 years suggests strongly that there is a continued market and desire for the presentation of high-quality performances that include a significant percentage of mainstream Classical masterworks from the choral repertoire.There is a vitally important need to continue to commission and perform new works, but, without a doubt, members of the public, as well as the singers themselves...still enjoy a good concert of Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and britten, not to mention Monteverdi, Mozart, Medelssohn and Mahler. ...."
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60 Years of Singing

60 Years of Singing documents the 60th birthday celebrations, and include many recollections from original and long standing members of CCS.

2013- 2022: From Sixty to Seventy

From Sixty to Seventy (2013-2022), a second supplement to the original book, was compiled by Peter Campbell, Judy Evans and Peter Morris.

CCS@70

See photos from the 70th birthday celebrations.  They were taken at the dinner to celebrate the 70th birthday of the Canberra Choral Society. Many previous members and directors were present at the event, held at the Hellenic Club in Woden. These may be downloaded for your personal use.

Documents to view or download