History
In the Beginning – 1982
Mrs Lynn Hagar was a member of Summerset Valley Chorus in U.S.A. when she moved to Australia with husband and family in 1981. By 1982 she was missing her former hobby so much she decided to place an advertisement in the local paper for women interested in singing and able to ‘hold a tune’.
At their meeting on 11th July 1982 in Doncaster ten women were in attendance, plus Ann Gouch and Bron Dixon from Headquarters in Tulsa U.S.A.
Thus Sweet Adelines in Australia was here to stay - Lynn’s nine years experience with Sweet Adelines in New York equipped her to form The Yarra Valley Chapter of Sweet Adelines Inc later named Melbourne Chorus.
By November 1982 membership had increased to 23 members under the direction of Marian Reinsch and the Chapter was chartered in 1983.
Today, five members from the original chorus including Marian are still singing with Melbourne Chorus.
Some of Australia's first Sweet Adelines in 2005
First Show Performance
Thirty Sweet Adelines of the Yarra Valley Chapter, directed by Marian, proudly presented their 1st Annual dinner show on Friday October 5th 1984 at the Ringwood Cultural Centre. The group continued increasing in numbers, performing regularly at bowling clubs, lodges, private functions and shopping centres. They also performed on Melbourne radio programs in the 80’s.
First Australian Harmony International Convention
In 1990 Melbourne hosted the First Australian Convention of Harmony International Inc. in Geelong. Melbourne Chorus was placed first with Perth Harmony Chorus coming second and Sydney Town Chorus placed third. Nine quartets competed with Perth quartet Mischief winning Gold and the quartet Alliage, from Melbourne Chorus coming third.
Melbourne Chorus has won many National awards and entertained in such prestigious venues as Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Concert Hall, Government House and Las Vegas.
On the international stage we have performed at the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, U.S.A. and represented Australia at Sweet Adelines Conventions in Hawaii, Indianapolis and Las Vegas.
Twice winners of Melbourne International Festival of Choirs, winners of local Eisteddfods and many times National Australian Sweet Adelines Champion Chorus.
