UNSW's 100-voice choir known as the Collegium Musicum Choir was founded in 1975 by Professor Roger Covell and Dr Patricia Brown, and has a long tradition of performing choral-orchestral works and Christmas programs at UNSW to a semi-professional standard. For the past two decades, choral director, Sonia Maddock has led the ensemble's annual program. The choir's membership includes undergraduate students from across the university, as well as postgraduates, staff and members of the community - all are welcome.
The Collegium Musicum performs familiar repertoire including oratorios, masses, requiems and other sacred works, and secular works appropriate to a large choir. Repertoire has included Handel's Messiah, Haydn's Nelson Mass, Mozart's Requiem, and Orff's Carmina Burana. The choir also presents less familiar works but by important composers, to introduce both the singers and the audience to another side of choral music, including Tippett's Crown of the Year, Part's Berliner messe and Respighi's Lauda per la Nativita del Signore.
The choir has a wonderful social aspect as well as focusing strongly on musical performance. It is a significant part of the cultural fabric of UNSW, bringing local and international students from across the entire university with staff and members of the local community to collaborate in public performance.
Members of Collegium Musicum Choir are eligible for the Willgoss Choral Prize each year.
Rehearsals
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm Wednesday, during term
Location: Sir John Clancy Auditorium
2024 Schedule can be viewed here
If you are unable to attend a rehearsal, please email cmc@unsw.edu.au prior to rehearsal starting.
We will be accepting new members at the start of each program period.
Registrations:
Registrations for Term 3 2024 are now open.
Returning members: Please email cmc@unsw.edu.au for the registration link.
New Members: Must organise a short voice placement prior to registration. Voice Placements will take place during O-Week in Term 3 or early in the term. Email cmc@unsw.edu.au with any further enquiries or to make an appointment.
For the Voice Placement you need to prepare a simple song to sing unaccompanied, such as Scarborough Fair, Waltzing Matilda, a hymn, a Christmas carol, or a song in a language other than English!
Sonia Maddock
Choral Director
Room G19C, Robert Webster Building (BLDG G14)
Get in touch with us online, by phone or in person.