- Gisborne Gazette Article Feb 2026
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Date Posted: Mon, 9 Mar 2026
The Gisborne Singers Look Ahead to a Vibrant 2026 Season
Following the success of their Songs of Connection concert in November, The Gisborne Singers are delighted to welcome back conductor Christopher Roache for the 2026 season. Roache’s inspiring leadership has become a valued part of the choir’s musical growth and community presence.
This year also marks a fond farewell to accompanist Anna Clarke‑Zuidland, who has contributed five years of exceptional musicianship to the ensemble. Anna’s work at the piano has supported a wide range of repertoire, and her talents as an alto have enriched several major orchestral performances. Most recently, she joined the choir on their memorable trip to Hobart for the Festival of Voices. The choir extends its warmest wishes to Anna as she embarks on her next musical chapter.
Looking ahead, The Gisborne Singers have an exciting program planned for 2026, including a Choir Jam in February, major concerts in May and November, a return to the Festival of Voices in July, and Christmas events to close the year. Their May concert will showcase a luminous selection of English motets spanning Renaissance to contemporary works.
The choir is now welcoming new members. As a non‑auditioned group, they invite singers of all backgrounds; sight‑reading skills are helpful but not essential.
For more details, visit www.gisbornesingers.org.au.
Kitty Skeen
Pictured – The Gisborne Singers at the Church of the Resurrection, Macedon, for the last concert in November 2025.
- Bringing people together through music
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Date Posted: Sat, 19 Jul 2025
Community Bank Gisborne & District
Bringing people together through music
At Community Bank Gisborne & District, we have a long-standing relationship with the @The Gisborne Singers, a local choir that brings joy and connection through music to our region.
Over the years, we’ve supported them through numerous grants, and in return, they’ve enriched our community with their beautiful performances — including a stunning set at our recent Annual Grant Night.
Community choirs like Gisborne Singers offer more than just musical performance — they create a space for wellbeing, friendship, and belonging. Singing together uplifts the spirit, boosts mental health, and fosters a sense of community.
If you’ve ever thought about joining a choir, the Gisborne Singers are always welcoming new voices. Visit www.gisbornesingers.org.au to find out more.
Thanks Jo-Ann Irwin for your kind words (and great photos!).For more information, see: www.facebook.com/share/p/1GXSnEeVfn/
- Artistic Director – The Gisborne Singers
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Date Posted: Tue, 10 Jun 2025
Are you looking to further your conducting career?
Do you enjoy delivering a wide range of repertoire with choir and orchestra?
The Gisborne Singers is seeking an Artistic Director to lead the choir.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the musical direction of a long-standing choir and make a meaningful contribution to the cultural life of Central Victoria.
About the Choir
The Gisborne Singers, founded in 1980, is a well-established and vibrant community choir based in the Macedon Ranges. The Gisborne Singers has built a strong reputation for musical excellence and community spirit. Our members are dedicated amateur singers who come together to enjoy the shared experience of music-making and the pursuit of high-quality choral performance.
The choir’s repertoire spans a wide range of musical styles, each year we currently perform 2 major oratorio performances (in May and November), as well as traditional choral favourites for community events and a cabaret style concert.
The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings (February through November) 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm in Gisborne, Victoria.
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic Artistic Director who will:- Lead weekly rehearsals and prepare the choir for high-quality public performances
- Inspire and challenge singers of varying skill levels in a supportive and engaging environment
- Curate diverse and thoughtful programs that reflect both musical ambition and accessibility
- Work collaboratively with the committee and accompanist to support the choir’s artistic and organisational goals
- Organise and prepare appropriate orchestra and soloists to accompany the choir
Application Details
If this role sparks your interest we’d love to hear from you.
Availability for November 2025 is desirable. Renumeration is negotiable.
Please submit your current resume, cover letter including your artistic vision for the choir to secretary@gisbornesingers.org.au
Applications close Friday 4th July 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview and audition with the choir.
Please email Wendy at secretary@gisbornesingers.org.au for any queries or for a copy of the Position Description.
- Tricia McLay
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Date Posted: Mon, 14 Apr 2025
Tricia McLay was instrumental in the formation of the Gisborne Madrigal Group with Barry Firth.
Details of her memorial service are attached.
From Robert Blair...
"Rehearsals were first held at the McLay's house "IvyLeigh" in New Gisborne. To start with they were held in the kitchen, but by the time I joined in the mid 1980s they had moved to the living room.Trish has a husband, Alan, who sang bass in the choir, and three children. Tricia worked at the Gisborne Technical High School where she supported my bushwalking program by walking as a female in the mixed groups I led. We were good friends."
- Accessing our Website
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Date Posted: Sun, 8 Sep 2024
Our HarmonySite is now all linked up with our website, and is available from our address
www.gisbornesingers.org.au
Please update your bookmarks!
- Last call for singers!
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Date Posted: Sun, 20 Nov 2022
Attachment: 
- Merlyn Quaife with Duo Allegrezza
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Date Posted: Tue, 4 Oct 2022
Our esteemed Artistic Patron Merlyn Quaife is performing with Duo Allegrezza in Bendigo in November. Voice, Flute and Guitar - what a treat! Attachment: 
- ANZAC DAY
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Date Posted: Mon, 25 Apr 2022
Thank you to Meron for attending today's ANZAC Day ceremony in Gisborne and laying a wreath on behalf of the Gisborne Singers. Attachment:
- Macedon Ranges Shire Council Singing Workshop
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Date Posted: Thu, 14 Apr 2022
For more information, see: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/See-Do/Events/Events-Activities/Singing-workshop-sign-up-day—Urban-Sea-Shanties-Community-Choir
- Relay for Life 2022
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Date Posted: Sun, 6 Mar 2022
Last night, Sat 5th march, members of the Gisborne Singers, conducted by Luke Severn and accompanied by Anna Clarke sang at the Lancefield Relay for Life.
The Gisborne Singers have appeared at the event for many years now, singing during the candelight ceremony and a short set of songs for the lanterns walk. Meron Scott, Jan Goodall and Olivia Severn lit the candles for rememberance and hope.This year, they presented Amazing Grace, Ave Verum Corpus, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, What a Wonderful World, To Music and Can't Help Falling in Love.
For the first time the Gisborne Singers were recipients of the 'Spirit of Relay' award. A plaque and a beautiful speech by organiser Ken Wiltshire praised the choir's dedication and skill, especially overcoming the last couple of very difficult years.Attachment:
- Congratulations Anna and James
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Date Posted: Sat, 19 Feb 2022
Congratulations to our wonderful accompanist Anna who married her sweetheart James on 18th February 2022, in a beautiful ceremony at Daylesford Botanic Gardens. All best wishes from the choir for a wonderful married life together. Attachment:
- Risers and Trailer
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Date Posted: Tue, 2 Nov 2021
text here about the risers and trailer Attachment:
