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About Us

The Ipswich Orpheus Chorale is one of Queensland’s premier community choirs with over 100 members from Ipswich and surrounding areas. The Chorale has a diverse annual program that includes charity concerts, theatre restaurants, musical productions and competing at the Queensland Eisteddfodau.

The Ipswich Orpheus Chorale has, on many occasions, been awarded “Champion Choir” at the Queensland State Eisteddfod. In 1998 it won all eight sections for large choirs, a first for any choir in the 112 years of Queensland Eisteddfod history. The Chorale has also performed by invitation at significant community events including Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Gala concerts, Ipswich City Council Carols in the Park, the 2000 Ipswich Olympic Torch Relay Ceremony, the official opening of Ipswich Global Arts Link and at the University of Queensland’s Ipswich Campus graduation ceremony. (Photo: Celebrity Concert with Australian Army Band Brisbane, March 2005)

Since its inception, the Ipswich Orpheus Chorale has staged over 40 musical productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Pirates Of Penzance, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Merry Widow and Les Miserables. Together with live orchestra, Chorale members delight in presenting it’s annual musical production season in the Ipswich Civic Hall to over 3000 patrons. For a comprehensive list of musical productions staged click here.

The Chorale is very proud of its reputation for choral excellence and in 2008 celebrates 39 years. The Chorale is also proud to be a community choir that boasts harmony in all ways, in music and friendship. (Photo: Ipswich Orpheus Chorale performs at St Paul's Church Ipswich - photo courtesy of The Queensland Times)

Musical Direction

The Chorale was founded in 1969 by George Hogg, OAM who developed the

choir from a fledgling group of fifteen singers. George has had significant solo success as a champion vocalist in Queensland, West Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory. His competitive career culminated in being placed third at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in Wales. An experienced performer of all musical genre, he was also an ABC Radio Recitalist. George retired as the Chorale's Musical Director in 1999 and has returned to the choir as an enthusiastic chorister. Ever dedicated to singing and the Eisteddfod movement, George continues to teach pupils singing and regularly adjudicates Eisteddfodau throughout Queensland and New South Wales.

The Chorale's current musical director is Maj. Neville Hammond (Ret.) Neville was

appointed as Musical Director of the Chorale in 1999. Prior to this, Neville was the former Musical Director of the Australian Army Band Brisbane. Born and raised in Charleville, Neville commenced his professional musical career in 1967 as a National Serviceman, serving with the Royal Military College Band in Canberra until 1975. During his service he performed as a member of the Canberra Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras as well as the Elizabethan Theatre Trust Melbourne and Sydney Orchestras accompanying performances of the Australian Opera and Australian Ballet. Neville was commissioned as an Officer in 1980 and following a series of postings including appointments as the Officer Commanding/Music Director of the North Queensland Army Band, The Royal Military College Band and as the Deputy Director of Music of the Australian Army, became the Officer Commanding/Music Director of the Australian Army Band, Brisbane in 1990. Through the Australian Army Band, Brisbane, Neville had a long association with the Chorale before becoming its musical director in 1999. Neville retired from the Australian Army in July 2001 and continues to pursue his love for music through his role with the Chorale and as adjudicator at Eisteddfodau throughout Queensland and New South Wales.

Photo: Musical Director Major Neville Hammond (ret) and Chairman and Chorale Founder George Hogg OAM; Ipswich Orpheus Chorale perform at St Paul's Church Ipswich (Photo courtesy of The Queensland Times)

Our City

Ipswich is Queensland’s oldest provincial city. Renowned for its architectural, natural and cultural heritage, Ipswich has more than 6000 heritage-listed sites. A multicultural city with a population of 137 000, residents come from 115 different ethnic backgrounds, speaking 84 languages.

The community's strong connection to choral and Eisteddfodau activities has descended from its original European settlement in the 1800s, particularly Welsh cultures.

For visitors and residents alike, Ipswich attractions include the Ipswich Art Gallery, the Workshops Rail Museum, more than 500 parks, wineries, cafes and restaurants and cinemas as well as numerous special community events such as those held by the Ipswich Orpheus Chorale (see the Chorale's current program of events).

In 2005, Ipswich will host the 112th Queensland Eisteddfod welcoming thousands of talented groups and individuals participating in vocal (including choral), instrumental, dance and speech and drama competition over two weeks.