About Toowoomba Choral Society

Throughout the 90 years of its existence, the Toowoomba 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 and 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 and by 1976 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.

With the Society’s growth, several rehearsal and performance venues have provided a home over the years.  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 become 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 boast two adult choirs and four junior ensembles and continues to provide the citzens of Toowoomba with opporunity to participate in professional performances and productions.

As a progressive and innovative Society, the Toowoomba Choral Society (TCS) embraces the challenges in 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 its long and respected history.