ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR
Service in Song
The Esk Community Choir was founded in 1978 by its present Musical Director, Alexis FitzGerald OAM, with just six enthusiastic members and a shared love of singing. Since those humble beginnings, it has grown into a vibrant SATB choir of more than 30 voices, drawing members not only from Esk but from towns across the surrounding region and beyond, united by music, friendship and a strong sense of community. Living its motto “Service in Song” this choir is now into its 48th year.
As a Community Choir, no formal auditions are imposed upon singers wishing to join, though a basic knowledge of music is advantageous. Membership does, however, guarantee very low-cost therapy and of course, SINGING – underscored by fun, friendship and an ever-growing love for beautiful music. Choir rehearsals are held over two sessions on Tuesdays at the Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Rd, Esk. The first is from 4.00pm to 5.30pm; the second to accommodate any ‘workers’, from 5.30pm to around 7.30pm. Members are of course welcome to stay for both sessions.
Alexis and her choristers are quietly proud of their 47 years of achievements which have included many local concerts and charity performances. As far back as 1993, they staged their first full Musical Production, Oklahoma with many others to follow. They have entertained audiences with Theatre Restaurants, collaborations with many other choirs, orchestras and ensembles, on two occasions, with international choirs and conductors at the Sydney Opera House and, since 2008, six European tours, the last in 2019 to Italy. The most recent tour in August 2024 to Tasmania was touted a huge success with outstanding results achieved by ensembles and choir members at Launceston’s ‘Performance Challenge’ followed by further choral performances in and around Hobart.
Under the tutelage of Alexis, music examinations have long provided an important avenue for deepening musical knowledge and confidence building gained through preparation, and a shared disciplined performance. In this spirit, the Ladies Ensemble opened 2025 with Music Through the Ages, under the scrutiny of an international examiner and a very appreciative audience. Never a choir to let the grass grow underfoot, further performances throughout 2025 included leading in song on Australia Day, an Easter Celebration and ANZAC Day; Divas and Delights 2 a black tie affair; hosting and collaborating with UBUNTU choir and dancers from Kenya and Uganda, a gift of song at Brisbane’s Regis, Camp Hill Home for the Aged as well as Christmas Carols performed at Alkira Nursing Home and the Esk Hospital. Sounds of the Season was their 35th annual Christmas variety concert, the choir’s doorway to the Christmas Season.
Rehearsals have already commenced for an evening of wit and whimsy with A Rollicking Romp with Gilbert & Sullivan on 29th March; and Bravo! Broadway and Beyond with celebrated Soprano Rebecca Cassidy and Choir on 3rd May.
Keeping fans and followers abreast of the choir’s activities and ‘upcoming events’ for 2026 are the following go-to links:
https://www.eskcommunitychoir.com.au
http://eskcommunitychoir.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to contact us at any time. Phone Susie : 0432 058 487