Past Events 2025
The Vincent Project
The combination of visual art and music draws together art lovers and musicians for a shared culture experience that enhances both art forms. That is what The Vincent Project is all about.
Over Voices of Birralee’s 29 year history, we have always endeavoured to produce new commissioning projects which have been linked to specific performance outcomes. The Vincent Project began in 2021, when Resonance of Birralee’s Assistant Conductor, Clare Finlayson commissioned the first piece of a set of works inspired by the works of Vincent Van Gogh. The Church at Auvers, written by Luke Byrne, was premiered in September 2021 by Resonance of Birralee. Clare’s vision began to take shape in the form of an exciting commissioning project, with the goal to produce 6 or 7 new Australian choral works by Australian composers that reflected paintings of the 6 periods of Vincent’s output.
The Vincent Project concert is a culmination of this 5 year project, where Resonance of Birralee will perform all 6 works from each Australian composer - whom were all inspired by one of Vincent Van Gogh's pieces:
Luke Byrne - The Church at Auvers (1890)
Carl Crossin OAM - Cafe on the Terrace at Night (1888)
Alice Chance - View of Paris From Montmartre (1886)
Sally Whitwell Corridor in the Asylum (Sept. 1889)
Abigail Lui - Sunflowers (1889)
Joseph Twist - Wheat Field in Auvers Under a Clouded Sky (1890)
The final addition to this concert will be an arrangement written by Peter Ingram - Vincent - after the song written by Don McLean:
"Starry, starry night
Paint your palette blue and grayLook out on a summer's dayWith eyes that know the darkness in my soul"PERFORMANCE IN REVIEW
"I have been to many of my son's concerts over the years, and this was the best performance I have attended. Both music and singing were of a very high standard! "
"A beautiful and uplifting afternoon of music. Congratulations to everyone involved. Thoroughly enjoyed this event"
"A lovely collaboration of music, art and poetry. The choral performances were top notch and the visuals and bridging music were perfect. Thank you for a lovely afternoon!"
"A wonderful celebration of Australian composers using the theme of Vincent Van Gogh’s art. Vincent’s life is such a beautiful and tragic story and his art reflects so many emotions. The composers captured these emotions and Resonance of Birralee presented the works perfectly.. It was a feast for the soul."
"What a beautiful, moving concert. Had my wife and I in tears. The choristers were so polished, tight harmonies and excellent diction. "
"The entire show was beautifully put together from beginning to end. It was an experience I will remember. The sound, the art and the poetry brought to life the essence of Van Gogh."
The Chronicles
Select Birralee Singers and Brisbane Birralee Voices will be involved in this display of contemporary dance and ethereal music - The Chronicles.
From the womb to the tomb.
Pulsing with energy and sensuality, The Chronicles explores the cycles of life and the inevitability of change.
Twelve of the country’s top contemporary dancers meet a masterful electro-acoustic score by Robin Fox, which blends driving rhythms with the stirring, ethereal sounds of a children’s choir (the Voices of Birralee) and singer Oliver Mann performing live on stage.
The Chronicles begins with the tiniest embryonic movement, through explosive, pulsating life-force, and back to the final quiet. The show grapples with life, mortality and what it means to be human.
Stephanie Lake is one of Australia’s most prolific visionaries of contemporary dance. She is a multi-award-winning choreographer, dancer, and artistic director of Stephanie Lake Company (Colossus, Manifesto).
Lake’s choreography — her signature blend of explosive dynamism and poetic introspection — navigates the cycles of life in The Chronicles with tenderness and power.
Birralee Celebrates - 30 Years Singing
QPAC and Voices of Birralee are proud to present the Voices of Birralee 30th Anniversary Celebration, a landmark tribute to this internationally renowned Brisbane-based choral organisation. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of choral music as we commemorate three decades of musical achievement and community impact.
This special concert will feature a curated selection of beloved favourites from Birralee’s history, alongside commissioned pieces that highlight 30 years of creating new and inspiring music.
Alumni and special guests will join Birralee’s vibrant ensembles, from the youngest Piccolos to the young adults of Resonance, creating an extraordinary musical experience. This performance promises to be a joyful celebration of choral music, filled with energy, passion, and harmony.
The finale will bring together over 400 singers, uniting voices in a powerful chorus to honour 30 years of musical excellence while looking ahead to many more decades of empowering music-making.
Don’t miss this remarkable event – a true testament to the enduring power of choral music and Voices of Birralee!
Sing with Brisbane Birralee Voices or Birralee Blokes
As Voices of Birralee celebrates 30 years of choral excellence, we are delighted to invite secondary school students to take part in a special performance opportunity – Vox Choralis our signature choir celebration concert
Choristers can join:
- Birralee Blokes (our changed-voices ensemble for ages 13–25)
- Brisbane Birralee Voices (our signature treble choir for ages 13–18)
Attending students will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform as part of these outstanding ensembles in a celebratory event.
How It Works:
Rehearsals: In the lead-up to the concert, individual students will attend three rehearsals with either Birralee Blokes or Brisbane Birralee Voices, learning repertoire to be performed at the concert. All rehearsals will be held at Birralee HQ, 57 Carwoola Street, Bardon
- Birralee Blokes: Mondays – April 28, May 5, and May 12 | 6:30–7:30 PM
- Brisbane Birralee Voices: Tuesdays – April 29, May 6, and May 13 | 6:30–7:30 PM
Performance: Vox Choralis concert
- Concert Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
- Concert Time: 4:30 PM
- Soundchecks: Commence at 1:30 PM
- Venue: St Peter’s Lutheran Chapel, Indooroopilly (renowned for its beautiful acoustics)
Choristers can join:
- Birralee Blokes (our changed-voices ensemble for ages 13–25)
- Brisbane Birralee Voices (our signature treble choir for ages 13–18)
Attending students will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform as part of these outstanding ensembles in a celebratory event.
How It Works:
Rehearsals: In the lead-up to the concert, individual students will attend three rehearsals with either Birralee Blokes or Brisbane Birralee Voices, learning repertoire to be performed at the concert. All rehearsals will be held at Birralee HQ, 57 Carwoola Street, Bardon
- Birralee Blokes: Mondays – April 28, May 5, and May 12 | 6:30–7:30 PM
- Brisbane Birralee Voices: Tuesdays – April 29, May 6, and May 13 | 6:30–7:30 PM
Performance: Vox Choralis concert
- Concert Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
- Concert Time: 4:30 PM
- Soundchecks: Commence at 1:30 PM
- Venue: St Peter’s Lutheran Chapel, Indooroopilly (renowned for its beautiful acoustics)
Vox Choralis
Voices of Birralee mark their 30th Anniversary with a series of concerts. This first one features the three signature ensembles of this extraordinary choral organisation.
Brisbane Birralee Voices, the first Birralee ensemble formed back in 1995 under the name Westside Youth Choir, will perform alongside the Birralee Blokes and Resonance of Birralee. In the lovely acoustic of the Chapel at St Peter's Lutheran College, Indooroopilly these ensembles will inspire you with the works they will present. In keeping with the Birralee values of excellence in singing, honouring all cultures and commitment to positive contributions to our community the repertoire to be performed draws from many cultures and musical styles. The choirs are also proud to present music written by Australian composers Joe Twist, Dan Walker, Annie Kwok, Luke Byrne and Daniel Brinsmead.
We know you will be amazed by the music and the talent of these fine musicians. Please enjoy Vox Choralis.
When: Sunday 18 May | 4:30pm concert (doors from 4:10pm)
Where: Chapel of St Peters' Lutheran College, Lambert Rd, Indooroopilly
EVENT IN REVIEW
"I enjoyed the sense of community love - created through 'telling people's stories' of involvement at Birralee. The Resonance choirs are just so good; listening to the combined Res choirs sing the Rumi universe text was a spiritual experience! I enjoyed my son telling me how much he enjoyed performing :)"
"The repertoire selected was refreshing, a great credit to the conductors although the sounds of birds and St Peter's boarders (I assume ) did sometimes interfere. The entire presentation was most professional with an obvious genuine and healthy rapport with the conductors. With so many returning choir members the success of the Biralee is assured. Future music educators, male and female are assured. Thank you so much..our grandson loves it and we can look forward to many more enjoyable concerts."
"A triumph! Great repertoire, conductors, voices all top class."
"Congratulations Paul, Jenny and your absolutely wonderful team…. Your love and passion for music shines through in everything you do and I am so grateful that Gabby is being exposed to all the wonderful music and opportunities that Biralee offers!"
Young Voices Festival 2025
Get ready for an afternoon full of music and celebration as we throw a proper party for 30 years of Birralee.
We’re super excited to premiere a brand new piece by Stuart Gillard and Jenny Moon, written especially for this big milestone. And guess what? Stuart’s joining us as guest conductor to lead the massed choir - it’s going to be epic!
You’ll see our awesome Kids and Piccolos in action, along with four other amazing children’s choirs from West End SS, Eaton's Hill SS, Northgate SS and Poco Voci. It’s a huge celebration of young voices coming together to sing, smile and make music!
So bring your friends, bring your family, and join us for a fun, feel good afternoon at the Young Voices Festival.
Don’t miss the fun - we can’t wait to see you there!
When: 3:00pm Sunday 25 May 2025 (doors open at 2:45pm)
Where: Valmai Pidgeon Performing Arts Centre, Somerville House, Graham Street, South Brisbane
CONCERT IN REVIEW
"The most enjoyable thing was to se the kids having fun and getting used to the public performance."
"The kids were the centre of the concert. Their confidence and enthusiasm was amazing"
Generations in Song
We continue to celebrate 30 years of Birralee with our Generations in Song concert on Sunday 8 June.
The Birralee Singers, our senior training choir, will share the repertoire they have brought to life this semester. They will be joined by Birralee Recycled who complete stage 1 of their 2025 season with this concert before many of them undertake a tour to Tasmania for Festival of Voices in late June and early July.
We are also very excited to welcome the Mandolins in Brisbane ensemble as our guests. This group of string players will have you toe tapping as they bring their unique ensemble sound to our audience.
So bring your friends, bring your family, and join us for a fun, feel good afternoon at Generations in Song.
Don’t miss the joyous music making - we can’t wait to see you there!
When: 3:00pm Sunday 8 June 2025 (doors open at 2:40pm)
Where: Trinity Centre, St Rita's College, Enderley Rd, Clayfield
CONCERT IN REVIEW
"Each performance was excellent and such a fun end with the pub choir type audience participation"
"The repertoire was a great mixture of mostly novel and provocative music with some much loved favourites. The quality of the singing was excellent and I was very fortunate to know and be related to members of Singers and Recycled, I'm very proud of all of them but also obviously biased. Thank you for this excellent concert."
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Voices of Birralee acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this country and recognise their continuing connection the land, water and culture. In our organisation, we recognise the Turrbal and Jagera Peoples as the traditional custodians of Meanjin land. We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to their Elders past, present and emerging.