Choir history
For more than three decades, Choir Cecilia has brought singers together in the Adelaide Hills through a shared love of choral music, community and performance.
Choir Cecilia was formed in 1991 when a group of teachers, parents and students in Mount Barker, inspired by their interest in and love of choral music, formed a choir that became known as Choir Cecilia.
Early rehearsals were held at the Waldorf School in Mount Barker under the baton of Lyndon Piddington.
In 1992, the choir staged a production of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, which delighted the local community. Choir Cecilia went on to present concerts featuring choral music from around the world and across the centuries.
Our musical directors
Choir Cecilia has been guided by a succession of dedicated musical directors, each contributing to its musical development and performance tradition.
Lyndon Piddington
Lyndon Piddington conducted the choir during its formative years, including its early rehearsals at the Waldorf School in Mount Barker.
Tom Lambert
Tom Lambert subsequently led Choir Cecilia until 1997.
Peter Webb OAM · 1997–2022
Peter Webb OAM became Musical Director in 1997 and led the choir until his retirement in 2022. He nurtured and maintained a high standard of performance across a varied, but predominantly classical, repertoire.
Heather Elliott
Following Peter Webb’s retirement, Heather Elliott directed the choir for a short period.
Olga Strizhak and Janet Leitch · 2023
In 2023, Choir Cecilia combined with the Mount Lofty Singers to perform two concerts under Olga Strizhak. Janet Leitch subsequently conducted several performances.
Brian Chatterton OA · 2024
In 2024, Brian Chatterton OA flourished the baton as the choir presented several concerts featuring many opera choruses alongside other works.
Jeremy Tatchell · 2025–present
Jeremy Tatchell was appointed Musical Director in 2025 and continues to lead the choir in a varied repertoire with a strong emphasis on classical choral music.
Our accompanists
The choir has been fortunate to work with many talented accompanists throughout its history.
Gillian Middenway, Audrey Collins and Bronwyn Simpson
Cheryl Bayliss
Sarah Clay
Heather Elliott
Brenna MacKay
Ruth Murcutt
Damien Mansfield
Our performances
Rehearsals
Rehearsals have been held at several sites around Mount Barker and are currently held at the Mount Barker Anglican Church Hall.
Repertoire
Choir Cecilia is an SATB choir performing a variety of works, predominantly classical, together with popular folk songs from different countries.
Performance locations
Performances have been presented in Strathalbyn, Victor Harbor, Murray Bridge, Mount Barker and at a number of venues throughout Adelaide and in rural areas.
Singing in the community
In addition to concerts held in the middle and at the end of each year, the choir has performed at Remembrance Day ceremonies, the Mount Barker Christmas market, retirement villages and residential care homes.
