About Toowoomba Choral Society

Throughout the 90 years of its existence, the Toowoomba Choral Society has become one of the city’s most treasured institutions.

The Society began in 1933 with the formation of the "Toowoomba Musical Union", which was a choir formed to represent the City of Toowoomba in the City of Brisbane Eisteddfod in that year.  In 1940 the name was changed to the Toowoomba Choral Society and in 1946 the Junior Choir was added with with Mr Mansel Jones as conductor.

In 1950 Mansel was appointed conductor of the Senior Choir. Under his leadership the choir focused on the development of excellence in choral singing.  Competing in the Queensland Eisteddfod, the choir achieved unparalleled levels of success. During the period from the late 1950s to 1968 Toowoomba won the Chief Choir section 10 times in succession. By 1976 they had won all four major choral competitions nine times.

When Mansel retired as senior conductor in 1985, the position was taken over by John Penny, who began his association with the Choral Society at age eight when he became a member of the Junior Choir.  Robyn Morris was appointed conductor in 1996 when John Penny stood down and was also instrumental in the formation of the Society's second adult choir, Contemporary Choral, in 1999.

As the Society grew several venues have provided a home for performances and rehearsals.  In 1958, with the success of the annual stage musical (commenced in 1955), the Society purchased its first property in Neil Street.  Twenty years later the Bell Street Squash Courts became a purpose built hall with a practice venue and music library.  In 1997 the Society purchased the Uniting Church building on the corner of Bridge and Raff Streets which now includes set and prop sheds, a costume house, three rehearsal halls, and a venue for small performances.

The Society now boasts two adult choirs and four junior ensembles and continues to provide the citzens of Toowoomba with the opporunity to participate in professional performances and productions.

Today the Toowoomba Choral Society embraces the challenges of remaining a viable volunteer organisation. We continually work with our members to develop a strategic direction that positions it for the future, while building upon our long and respected history.