Choir History
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A Brief Historyof Choir Cecilia.
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. They held early rehearsals in the Waldorf School Mt Barker, under the
baton of Lyndon Piddington. In 1992, they staged a production of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas
which delighted the local community. They went on to perform in concerts of choral music from
all over the world and across the centuries.
Subsequently Tom Lambert led the choir until 1997 when Peter Webb OAM became the
Musical Director and led the choir until his retirement in 2022. He effectively nurtured and
maintained a high standard of performance of repertoire that was varied but mainly classical.
Following his retirement, Heather Elliott directed the choir for a short period and then in 2023
Choir Cecilia combined with Mount Lofty Singers to perform two concerts under Olga Strizhak,
and then Janet Leitch conducted several performances. In 2024 Brian Chatterton OA flourished
the baton for the choir to perform several concerts which contained many opera choruses
amongst other pieces.
In 2025, Jeremy Tatchell was appointed the Musical Director and continues to lead the choir in
varied but mainly classical genre of choral music.
We have been fortunate to have a number of talented accompanists including Gillian
Middenway, Audrey Collins, Bronwyn Simpson, Cheryl Bayliss from 2001 to 2007, Sarah Clay
from 2008 to 2015, Heather Elliott in 2016 after being the guest accompanist on a number of
occasions and then from 2018 to 2022, and Brenna MacKay from 2017 to2018. From 2023 until
now, Ruth Murcutt has been the accompanist.
Rehearsals have been held at various sites in the vicinity of Mt Barker and are currently held in
the Mt Barker Anglican Church Hall.
Choir Cecilia is an SATB choir that performs a variety of musical works, predominantly classical,
as well as a variety of popular folk songs from different countries. Performances have been held
in locations including Strathalbyn, Victor Harbor, Murray Bridge and Mount Barker, and in a
number of venues in Adelaide. As well as concerts in the middle and end of the year, the choir
has sung on a variety of other occasions including, Remembrance Day ceremonies, and at the
Mount Barker Christmas market, Retirement villages and Rest Homes.
The Choir is a not for profit, incorporated body with a membership of around 30 to 40 singers
who live in the Hills and in near Adelaide areas.
We continue to pride ourselves on our professional delivery and we enjoy sharing the joy of
music with our audiences as well as belonging to a friendly community of singers.
