Our Story

Hastings Choristers – 21 Years Young!

The numbers tell only part of the story: 21 years of performances in the Hastings and further afield, almost 80 individual concerts, hundreds of members (some for a short time, some since Day One) and many thousands of people entertained and charmed by a wide variety of choral music.

The story of Hastings Choristers goes beyond bald statistics. From its origins as a community choir formed in 1990 to promote the art and practice of choral singing in the Hastings the troupe has evolved into a nationally-respected organization with a talented and dedicated group of singers who have a broad experience of choral styles and music repertoire.

While entertaining audiences is the ultimate aim, the presence and evolution of Hastings Choristers has made and continues to make a huge contribution to the cultural wealth, development and appreciation of the entire region. Through ‘sharing the joy of song’ and bringing great pleasure to performers and audiences alike, the group is materially boosting a healthy community whether physically, psychologically or spiritually.

The 21^st birthday of Hastings Choristers was commemorated by a special concert, simply and appropriately called ‘Celebrate’, at the Glasshouse at 8.00pm on Saturday 18 June 2011. The concert was indeed a celebration with a program comprising audience favourites and crowd-pleasers from the last 21 years presented by the Cantorus and Cantabile choirs and invited soloists including Baritones Rob MacDougall and Jim Matsinos.

The ‘Celebrate’ concert also marked the launch of a special publication: ‘Our Story’ is a glossy, comprehensive and fascinating coffee-table book providing a history of Hastings Choristers from its origins in 1990 to the modern and dynamic group of 2011.

‘Our Story’ encompasses the foundation days, year-by-year descriptions of choral and social events and listings of all concerts and past members. This colourful 104-page book includes many wonderful photographs of concert performances, personalities and historical programs and promotional material.

'Our Story' is a ‘must have’ for regular concert attendees, past members of the group and anyone interested in the beauty and inspiration of choral music. It was launched at the ‘Celebrate’ concert, and is now available from The Glasshouse Visitor Centre in Port Macquarie at the modest price of $20.00, or direct from Hastings Choristers (email choristers@midcoast.com.au for further information).

The existence and longevity of a thriving community choir is something the Hastings region should be justly proud of and a warm invitation is extended to all to share in the festivities by discovering more about Hastings Choristers by purchasing a copy of ‘Our Story’.

On congratulating the group on its birthday milestone in 2011, Governor of New South Wales, Professor Marie Bashir wrote:

“I offer my best wishes for a successful 21^st Birthday “Celebrate’ concert on 18 June and I trust that the Hastings Choristers will continue to provide audiences far and wide with your special musical delights for many years to come.”