Shire-based Endeavour Harmony Chorus has won the Jury Vote for Any Age Choirs in this year’s Australian Choral Grand Prix.
The grand prix was presented by Sydney Eisteddfod and Rotary Club of Sydney Cove at Sydney Grammar School’s John Vallance Hall on Sunday.
The Jury Vote award, worth $2,500, will provide the choir with funds towards attending future choral events.
The Endeavour Harmony Chorus is an all female ensemble that rehearses each Tuesday evening in Jannali.
The women who make up this dynamic group come from all walks of life and all age groups.
Among their members are teachers, scientists, a vet, a doctor, stay at home mums, and corporate employees.
They share a passion for singing and performing.
Melanie Mapleson, a member of the choir, encouraged others to join a choir if they enjoy singing.
“Don’t waste another second thinking about it, just do it,” she said.
“The hardest part is walking into the room on your first night, the rest will look after itself.
“You'll never, ever regret joining a choir. Singing is one of the best medicines out there – it’s a happy pill with no side effects.”
“Chorus takes my breath away. It gives me purpose and belonging. It promotes such an enormous sense of pride in the arts and in ourselves.
“The best part is that we get to have so much fun gifting our music to others and sharing the joy of harmony.”
To qualify for the Australian Choral Grand Prix, the group competed against choirs from all over Australia in various choral events in the 2017 Sydney Eisteddfod to proceed to The John Lamble Australasian Choral Championships, and from the championship choirs, seven were selected to perform in this Grand Prix.
Judges Noel Cislowski AM and Francis Greep said that with so many outstanding choirs performing in this year’s Sydney Eisteddfod it is clear that choral music is alive and well in Australia.
The event’s $20,000 total prize value was provided by sponsors The Haggarty Foundation, The Cameron Family, Sydney Eisteddfod Jubilee Fund and Rotary Club of Sydney Cove.
