Bringing Joy through Song

“A chorus of singers is like a company of brothers; the heart is opened, and in the stream of Song they feel themselves of one heart and of one mind” (Herder)

With one heart and mind, the Sydney Male Choir produce one beautiful sound of song, strong, vibrant and lyrical that stirs the heart and emotions. The Sydney suburb of Petersham in 1913 was where one group of men first joined together to sing in harmony and for pleasure, leading soon after to the foundation of the Sydney Male Choir.

Each year, since 1930, the Choir has led the Singing at the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney, a truly proud tradition. It also leads the Singing at the 11a.m., 11^th November Memorial Service held at the Cenotaph each year. From very humble beginnings and nearly a century on, the choir has become one of the finest and most respected male voice choirs in Australia.

The Sydney Male Choir is led by its Musical Director, Houston Dunleavy who joined the choir mid way through 2010. Our singing is accompanied by Eleanor Gair who enhances the choir's performances with her sensitive playing. We are blessed to have Alan Thrift, who was Musical Director for 20 years before his retirement in September 2010, as Emeritus Musical Director so that we may draw on his experience and musical knowledge.

Today, the choir boasts a strong, balanced complement of almost eighty members.

The Choir seeks to take its music far and wide: The suburbs of Sydney; Regional centres around NSW; periodic interstate and international Tours. The United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America, New Zealand and Ireland have all been on the Choir’s itinerary for their overseas concerts showcasing Australian talent. 

The wives and partners of the choir members, together with many friends of the Choir, travel with us on these tours and share in the fun of new places and faces. Most recently, in 2008, the Choir undertook a highly successful tour of New Zealand, giving  performances throughout both North & South island. In 2007, the Choir did a 'MATES ACROSS THE DIVIDE' tour of outback NSW that was enthusiastically received by the struggling farming communities that they visited.   

Words of Praise for the Choir

"...The Sydney Male Choir, a self-funded community organisation, has served the City and beyond with distinction since its formation in 1913. I have warm personal experience of the men's contribution at the Anzac Dawn Service in Martin Place, where the Choir has led the singing continuously since 1930. The Sydney Male Choir is widely respected for its input to the cultural life of Sydney and for its efforts in recent years to perform regularly in country areas of New South Wales."

Mr. Bob Carr, former Premier of NSW. 

"...The Sydney Male Choir always delighted the audience with their versatility and professional performance. They enrich the cultural life of our community and are truly deserving of our thanks and support."

Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair, former Governor of NSW and Vice-Patron of the Choir.

 “The Sydney Male Choir is one of the great male choirs in the world and the equal if not superior to any of the English and Welsh choirs”. 

Professor David King, Musical Director of the National Australia Brass & Chair of Music- Performance at the University of Salford, UK.