In 1884, 16 local men came together to sing, and 140 years later, the choir is still going strong.
The Brisbane Apollo Male Choir, originally formed as the Brisbane Liedertafel, has been part of Stafford’s cultural life since the 19th century, making it Queensland’s oldest continuously performing male choir. Today, the choir has around 25 members, with a recruitment drive currently underway for new members.
Vice president Paul Jewell said the choir was hoping to double its membership in the short term.
“And our plan is for the choir to continue to perform forever,” he said.
The first concert was held in 1885, and over the decades, the choir has performed at different venues, appeared on radio, reached more than 90 members at its peak, and was accompanied by a full orchestra at some points. In 1903, the patron of the choir was Sir Herbert Chermside, the first post-federation Governor of Queensland, after whom the suburb was named.
Historic Legacy, Repertoire Variety, and Community Connection
The group performs up to 20 concerts a year – everything from traditional choral music to show tunes and popular favourites – in aged-care centres, retirement villages and community venues.
Some of the choir’s favourite songs include Danny Boy, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, Do You Hear the People Sing? from Les Misérables, and Home Among the Gumtrees.
Its members range from new singers to those who have been part of the choir for decades. Among them is 96-year-old Alex McNeill, the choir’s librarian, who joined in 1993 and still performs solos. He has also carefully preserved sheet music dating back to its earliest years.
But for Paul, the choir has also provided a sense of connection. After losing his wife of 53 years, he said he felt like “a lost soul” until longtime friend and choir secretary Peter Cuffe persuaded him to join, despite Paul insisting he “couldn’t sing a note”.
“Since joining, my life has changed for the better,” Paul said. “I have found a new tribe of friends, and a renewed purpose in life.”
The choir rehearses on Mondays between 1pm and 3.30pm at St Clements on the Hill Anglican Church, 2 Eudunda Street, Stafford.
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