Box Hill Chorale (formerly the Box Hill Choral Society)

The Box Hill Chorale, formerly known as Box Hill Choral Society, was formed in 1946 and since that time the choir has developed into one of Victoria's leading community choirs, having behind it a proud history of performance, both within what now forms the City of Whitehorse and the wider community. In 1984 the Chorale was invited to become a chapter of the Royal Victorian Choir, which traces its origins back to 1868.

The community choir of the City of Whitehorse (formerly Box Hill), the Chorale is open to all interested residents of the City of Whitehorse and members of the wider community. Membership currently stands at around 80 voices and the Chorale is today widely regarded as one of Victoria's leading community choirs.

Since 1995 the Chorale has been under the musical direction of one of Australia's foremost choral conductors Andrew Wailes, who is assisted by the BHC accompanist and assistant conductor Evan Cresswell.

The Chorale performs a wide variety of music, from many different musical styles and traditions, often accompanied by professional orchestral ensembles and soloists.

In recent years the Box Hill Chorale has performed with other ensembles such as the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra, the Australian Catholic University Choir, Melbourne University Choral Society, The Australian Children's Choir, Vivaldi Chamber Orchestra, Hawthorn Band, The Australian Classical Players, the Glen Eira City Choir, The Melbourne Singers and Camberwell Chorale.

In 2011 the Chorale has been invited to join several of Melbourne's leading large choirs in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9

Major works performed in recent years have included large orchestral masterpieces such as Mozart’s 'Requiem', Haydn’s' The Creation', Bach’s 'Wachet Auf! ' Cantata, Gounod’s 'Saint Cecilia Mass', Charpentier’s 'Te Deum' and Handel’s Messiah and Dvoral's 'Stabat Mater'. BHC also regularly performs new Australian works written especially for the choir, which in recent times has included the highly acclaimed 'Mary Mackillop Mass' by Nicholas Buc (performed in Mount Gamber, Portland and Melbourne), and the 'Discovery Symphony' by Dindy Vaughan (performed in Portland and at Federation Square). Both of these works were filmed and produced as DVDs. Other Australian works have included 'Five Days Old' by Christopher Willcock, and several other works by Nicholas Buc including 'The Journey of the Magi', 'Centenary Flourish', and 'Celebration Lament'.

As well as presenting a number of its own concerts each year, Box Hill Chorale also performs at various civic and community events, including the Whitehorse Festival, concerts at the Nunawading Library, and at the Whitehorse Centre. The choir has also given its services to local charities and in in 2005 produced and organised a Tsunami Benefit concert at Box Hill Town Hall which raised over ten thousand dollars for local aid agencies assisting the Tsunami disaster relief operation.

Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings (excluding public holidays) from 7.30pm - 10pm in the main auditorium - "The Arbour" - of the spectacular Box Hill Community Arts Centre (corner of Station Street and Combarton Street, Box Hill). When you arrive at the Arts Centre, you will always be greeted by a member of our committee who will answer any questions and find a spot for you to sit and join in.

There are no formal auditions, although it ios prferable for people to be able to have some basic sight-reading ability or choral experience, and be able to sing in tune.

Membership of BHC is open to all local residents and other interested members of the community from around wider Melbourne. People interested in joining are always welcome to sit in on a few rehearsals and get to know us before making a commitment.

Box Hill Cjhorale prides itself on its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and encourages its members to participate in a number of specially organised social events throughout the year. These include interstate and regional tours, informal dinners, ab regular once a month supper during rehearsal, and various theatre excursions. Non-singing parrtners, relatives and friends are encouraged to participate in many of these events and are welcomed into the life of the choir as values supporters.

For further information please contact the Chorale via its website: www.boxhillchorale.org.au, or by contacting the President Rob Hall on 0428 991 855