The Endeavour Harmony Chorus have secured their place as the number one choir in Australia after winning this year’s Australian Choral Grand Prix on Sunday.
Presented by Sydney Eisteddfod and the Rotary Club of Sydney Cove, the Grand Prix is one of the major events in the Sydney Eisteddfod’s annual calendar and was held at Sydney Grammar School.
There were eight choirs invited to compete and each were required to perform a 12 minute package of songs for the two judges and a packed auditorium.
Fresh from their win at the John Lamble Australasian choral Championships in June this year, Endeavour Harmony performed a cappella arrangements of Coldplay’s Fix You (Chris Martin/Guy Berryman), Sway (Pablo Beltran Ruiz) and Somebody to Love (Queen).
This prestigious event included some of Australia’s top choirs, including Sydney Vocal Project, Fort Street High School Chamber Choir, Presbyterian Ladies College Chamber Choir and the Shine Chorus.
Judge Francis Greep said with such a diverse program of choral genres deciding on a winner was extremely difficult.
‘‘Yet after considered deliberation Endeavour Harmony Chorus had the most polished performance,’’ Greep said.
Fellow judge Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith said the choreography and movement added to the choir’s vocal performance.
‘‘Absolutely terrific!’’ she said.
More than $20,000 in prize money was distributed among the eight finalists, including $4000 to Endeavour Harmony for being the overall winner.
Endeavour Harmony Chorus musical director Lea Baker said the win sets the choir up for the nationals next year.
‘‘The standard was very high this year, we are thrilled to have won,’’ Baker said.
‘‘The prize money will be very handy too, as we head to the national competition in Perth next May.’’
Philippa McGuiness, one of the 39 singers on stage, said: ‘‘to be chosen as winners in such a prestigious event involving choirs of many different styles and genres, was a huge thrill and we are all very proud and excited’’.
The compere for the event was Andrew O’Keefe (Deal or No Deal and Weekend Sunrise).
The chorus is presenting a 20th anniversary show at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre on Sunday, October 9 at 2pm. Tickets from the Sutherland Entertainment Centre.
Details: www.endeavourharmony.com