Welcome to Sydney Sings® the home of massed choral events mounted by the Sydney University Graduate Choir and orchestra, in the Sydney Town Hall. These events involve professional soloists and orchestra, together with Sydney University Graduate Choir augmented by guest choristers from Sydney and beyond.
The Sydney Sings® … concert series will return to the Sydney Town Hall in November 2024 with a performance of
Dvořák’s Stabat Mater
Sydney University Graduate Choir invites singers from other choirs to join us in singing this magnificent work in November. We will sing under the baton of our acclaimed Music Director, Christopher Bowen OAM whom you will recall from previous Sydney Sings® events.
In past years Sydney Sings® has performed great works including the Messiah, Verdi’s Requiem, Christopher Bowen’s An Australian War Requiem, Brahms’ German Requiem, Christopher Bowen’s The Redfern Oratorio, and most recently, Haydn’s The Creation in 2023. Many guest singers enjoyed these performances immensely and are very keen to repeat the experience with our next Sydney Sings® event. We are also eager to welcome new guest singers to the ranks. It promises to be a great day!
Please note all rehearsals are compulsory to be eligible to participate in Sydney Sings®. Singers must know their parts before we meet for these rehearsals. There will be no time to go over notes. The learning aids (available on Cyberbass) are very important to get all singers up to standard to enjoy the whole experience.
Guest choristers are invited (if available) to attend the SUGC regular rehearsals held on Monday evenings at Forest Lodge Public School. Please contact us at sydneysings@sugc.com.au if you wish to join these rehearsals in addition to the compulsory rehearsals below.
Please note, dates are indicative only and are subject to change.
I. Voice part rehearsals
Saturday 2 November
10am – 1pm Sop/Alto (piano rehearsal)
2pm – 5pm Ten/Bass (piano rehearsal)
II. Combined rehearsal
Saturday 9 November
10am – 1pm SATB with piano
2pm – 5pm SATB, soloists & orchestra
III. Rehearsal and performance
Sunday 10 November
8.30am – 8.50am Registration
9.00am – 14.45pm Seating and rehearsals (Please view next tab for full schedule)
3pm Performance
Sunday 10 November 2024
Sydney Town Hall
| 8.30 – 8.50 | Registration for all choristers |
| 9.00 – 9.30 | Seating of all choristers on choir stalls and in galleries |
| 10.00 – 11.30 | Rehearsal – choir, soloists and orchestra |
| 11.30 – 11.45 | Break |
| 11.45 – 13.00 | Rehearsal |
| 13.00 – 14.30 | Lunch break |
| 14.45 | Choristers to take their seats |
| 14.00 – 15.00 | Ticket Sales |
| 14.00 | Doors open to Centennial Hall for audience |
| 15.00 | Concert begins |
Forest Lodge Public School (Rehearsal I)
231-233 Bridge Rd, Forest Lodge NSW 2037
Forest Lodge Public School can be accessed by car and public transport.
Entry to the school carpark is from Foss Street off Bridge Road. There is limited parking onsite and limited street parking in the local area.
The school is best accessed by public transport: bus (470, or any bus along Parramatta Road), or light rail (Jubilee Park). Enter via Bridge Road or Foss Street.
Ashfield Boys High School (Rehearsal II)
117 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131
Ashfield Boys High School can be accessed by car and public transport.
Unlimited parking is available at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club, 115 Liverpool Road Ashfield.
The school can also be accessed by bus (along Liverpool Road), or by train to Ashfield station (followed by a 8-10 minute walk).
Sydney Town Hall (Rehearsal III and Performance)
483 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Sydney Town Hall, on George St, between Bathurst and Druitt Streets, is well served by public transport, both train and bus. Please check timetable information on the Transport NSW website. Sydney Town Hall is fully accessible by people with disabilities.
St Andrew’s House Car Park, adjacent to and underneath the Town Hall has parking. The rates are available on their website. There are other commercial parking stations in the area. We recommend booking a parking space in advance.
Fort Street High School
Parramatta Rd, Petersham NSW 2049
Fort Street High School can be accessed by car and public transport.
Entry to the school carpark is from Palace Street of Parramatta Road. There is ample parking onsite and street parking in the local area.
The school can also be accessed by bus (along Parramatta Road to Palace Street), or by train to Petersham station (followed by a 8-10 minute walk).
What happens to the statistical, financial, and personal information I provide?
We are using standard web security techniques. We won’t share personal details with third parties. The statistical information will be used only as aggregated data in a report to the City of Sydney after the event. The event is supported by the City of Sydney. No personal information (age, background etc) identifying an individual will be used.
For online payments with a credit card, we use PayPal and we (Sydney University Graduate Choir) never see nor store the credit card details: the payment is processed entirely through PayPal.
What do I wear for the concert?
White on top (with long sleeves) and black (long) on the bottom, black socks/stockings and shoes. Black bow- ties for men if possible. If you have a name badge you would like to wear, please put that on too.
How should I cover my score?
Scores are covered in black or can be held securely inside a black folder.
I have registered to sing, but now find I cannot sing. Can I get a refund?
We do not give refunds. If you (or a friend) can attend the concert at 3 pm, you can have an audience ticket (provided tickets are still available) instead of your singer registration. Please contact sydneysings@sugc.com.au about this no later than 1 November. This option will not be available after that date. No refunds will be given for audience tickets, but they are transferable.
Will there be food and drinks available on the day?
There are food outlets nearby. Of course you may prefer to bring your own food and drink. Space will be available at the Town Hall to sit to eat your lunch.
I want to buy audience tickets. How do I do this?
Audience tickets are available through the trybooking website. Tickets may also be purchased at the rehearsals during break.
I have an audience ticket. Are seats reserved?
No. For this reason, replacement tickets cannot be issued, so please keep your tickets in a safe place. Doors will open at 2.10 pm.
Can my children come with me and wait while I rehearse in the morning?
No. We won’t have a child-minding service available at any of the venues. Up until 2.00 pm the Town Hall will be open only to singers, soloists, and orchestra members.
What will I do with my purse and keys while the performance is going on?
Please keep valuables to a minimum. You may have a small purse or wallet with you.
Where will I be sitting? Can I sit with my friends?
Singers will be grouped together in their voice parts, so if your friends are in the same voice part, that should be fine. The Music Director usually groups the Graduate Choir together. Please note that a number of guest singers may be in the galleries.
How do I obtain a concert program?
Programs will be available during registration on the day of the performance.
My question isn’t covered here. Who can I contact?
Please email sydneysings@sugc.com.au.
