Box Hill Chorale Incorporated

Box Hill Chorale Incorporated is a prominent community choir based in the City of Whitehorse, Victoria, Australia. Established originally in 1946 as the Box Hill Choral Society, the organization has since evolved into a well-respected ensemble that performs a diverse repertoire ranging from classical sacred and secular choral works to madrigals, oratorios, and operas.

History

The chorale traces its origins to a public meeting held in October 1946 to establish a choral society and brass band in Box Hill. The group presented its first formal concert in October 1946 at the Box Hill Town Hall, featuring madrigals and part-songs, receiving positive reviews from the local press. Early rehearsals took place at the Box Hill Tennis Club Pavilion, with initial membership subscriptions set at five shillings and threepence per quarter.

In 1996, the choir underwent significant revitalization under the direction of conductor Andrew Wailes. Wailes, a highly regarded figure in Australian choral music, elevated the choir’s musical standards and reputation through strategic collaborations with instrumentalists, soloists, and orchestras. The choir’s accompanist during this period was noted organist and pianist Thomas Heywood. Venues for rehearsals and performances expanded to include the Box Hill Community Arts Centre, Box Hill Town Hall, and other larger spaces in Camberwell and Hawthorn to accommodate growing audiences and orchestral collaborations.

Musical Activities and Collaborations

Box Hill Chorale is known for its wide-ranging musical repertoire and frequent collaborations with professional orchestras and other choral ensembles. The group has performed with the Melbourne Staff Band, National Boys Choir of Australia, Melbourne University Choral Society, Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra, and Ballarat Symphony Orchestra.

In 2020, the chorale was selected to perform Mahler’s 8th Symphony with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra; although this event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it underscored the choir’s recognition at the highest levels of orchestral and choral music in Australia.

The chorale regularly participates in community events organized by the City of Whitehorse, including the Whitehorse Carols and the Whitehorse Spring Festival. Notable upcoming performances include a feature at the Surrey Hills Music Festival and participation in the Melbourne Festival of Choirs at St Paul’s Cathedral, along with a major performance of Mozart’s "Coronation Mass" with the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra at Deakin Edge, Federation Square.

Membership and Community Engagement

Open to all local residents and music lovers, Box Hill Chorale promotes inclusivity and community participation. Special membership rates are available for secondary and tertiary students, young adults under 25, and holders of Commonwealth health care cards, emphasizing accessibility for a broad range of participants. The choir encourages new members to join and enjoys an active presence in community life through performances and educational outreach.

Governance and Status

Box Hill Chorale Incorporated is registered as a nonprofit organization under Australian charity laws, with an Australian Business Number (ABN) of 73480251469. It operates as a community-based cultural institution dedicated to fostering choral music appreciation and participation in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

Box Hill Chorale stands today as a vibrant and dynamic cultural organization, contributing significantly to the artistic fabric of its community and maintaining a proud tradition of choral excellence fostered over nearly eight decades.

[1] https://boxhillchorale.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/e03826dd-2daf-e811-a963-000d3ad24077 [3] https://boxhillchorale.org.au/history/ [4] https://choircentral.com.au/choir-details/828 [5] https://www.choirsofmelbourne.com/BoxHillChorale.html