We are proud to introduce our upcoming concert.

At once intimate and monumental, The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins is a profoundly moving musical journey that traces the arc of human conflict—from the first call to arms through the devastation of war, and ultimately toward reconciliation and hope. Drawing on texts from diverse cultures and faith traditions, Jenkins weaves a rich tapestry of sound that is both timeless and urgently relevant, inviting audiences to reflect on the cost of violence and the enduring possibility of peace.

Under the direction of The Geelong Chorale, this performance brings together choir, soloists, and instrumental forces to create an immersive and emotionally resonant experience. From moments of haunting stillness to powerful, full-voiced intensity, the work unfolds with cinematic scope and spiritual depth, leaving a lasting impression long after the final note.

The Geelong Chorale was honoured to present the Australian premiere of The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins in 2007. Commissioned for the centenary of the Royal Armouries, this powerful and moving work has become a modern choral classic, performed more than 3,000 times worldwide.

Sunday 31st May 2026 2.30pm

Wesley Uniting Church

100 Yarra Stre

Geelong

https://www.trybooking.com/DKOHR

We are thrilled to unveil a vibrant and captivating program for our 2026 concert series — a celebration of powerful storytelling, luminous soundscapes, and music that stirs the soul.

The Geelong Chorale was honoured to present the Australian premiere of The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins in 2007. Commissioned for the centenary of the Royal Armouries in 2000, this extraordinary and deeply moving work has since captured hearts across the globe. With more than 500 performances and numerous recordings to its name, it stands today as a modern choral masterpiece — dramatic, poignant, and profoundly uplifting. We are delighted to bring this monumental work once more to our audiences.

In August, we journey northward for Northern Lights, an evocative exploration of the shimmering sound world of Scandinavia. This program weaves together exquisite a cappella gems and richly accompanied works from Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Estonia. Featuring music by Ola Gjeilo, Carl Nielsen, Arvo Pärt, Kim André Arnesen, Niels Gade, Jean Sibelius and more, this concert promises radiant harmonies, crystalline textures, and music of breathtaking serenity and power.

And as the year draws to a close, we celebrate the wonder of the season with a resplendent Christmas program. Spanning five centuries of glorious choral tradition, we will journey through music written for Advent and Christmas — from ancient chant to contemporary brilliance — filling the air with joy, reverence, and festive splendour.

We’d love for you to join us for our final and most festive concert of the year!

In the glorious setting of the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, we combine forces with The Windfire Choir for a magnificent performance of Handel’s Messiah.

Presented by Music at the Basilica, this grand event features distinguished soloists and orchestra, bringing to life Handel’s immortal masterpiece.

Come and experience the majesty and timeless beauty of Messiah — from the stirring“Hallelujah Chorus” to the radiant “For Unto Us a Child Is Born.”

A joyful celebration of music, hope, and the spirit of the season — this is a concert not to be missed!

Sunday 7th December 2025 4pm

Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels.

136 Yarra Street

Geelong.

https://www.trybooking.com/DCLAM

As part of this year’s 75th anniversary celebrations, The Geelong Chorale presents Song of Australia – a special concert that journeys through 200 years of Australian choral music. Commencing with some of the earliest colonial music from the 1800s, this dynamic and diverse program highlights the depth and vitality of Australia’s musical landscape. Works by renowned composers including Isaac Nathan (considered to be the father of Australian music), Percy Grainger, Stephen Leek, and Claire MacLean will be featured. The concert also shines a light on the talent in our own community, with works by John Ingram, Martin Greet and acclaimed Geelong-based Australian composer, Michael Hannan.

Join us for an afternoon of inspiring music that celebrates Australia’s choral heritage and the enduring spirit of community music-making.

Sunday 24th August 2025 2:30pm

All Saints’ Anglican Church

Noble St

Newtown

Geelong.

https://www.trybooking.com/DCUCV

To celebrate our 75th anniversary we present a selection of cherished repertoire from our archives, featuring madrigals, sacred music, opera choruses, art songs, folksongs, spirituals, jazz and contemporary pieces.

Something for everyone to enjoy.

We invite you to pop some corks with us after the performance for a celebratory supper.

Sunday 18th May 2025 2.30pm

All Saints’ Anglican Church

Noble Street

Newtown

https://www.trybooking.com/CZRQF

As we step into our 75th year, The Geelong Chorale extends our warmest wishes to all our followers for a happy, healthy, and harmonious New Year. This milestone is not only a celebration of the years we’ve spent making music together but also an opportunity to reflect on our rich and diverse history.

The roots of The Geelong Chorale stretch back to the late 19th century, with the establishment of the Geelong Choral Society in the 1890s. In the 1950s, under the leadership of George Logie-Smith OBE, who conducted both The GAMA Orchestra and The Geelong Choral Society, a smaller auditioned madrigal group was formed—The Geelong Madrigal Choir. This ensemble focused on performing madrigals and other works suited to a more intimate setting.

In the 1960s, the choir adopted the name The GAMA Singers to better reflect its association with GAMA and its expanding repertoire. In the 1990s, the choir embraced its current identity—The Geelong Chorale—signifying the broader and more diverse nature of our musical journey.

As we celebrate this significant anniversary, we would love to connect with you, our loyal community, by sharing more of the stories and passions that have shaped our choir over the years. If you have any anecdotes, memories, or historical insights to share, we would be honoured to include them as part of our ongoing narrative.

Please feel free to send us a private message with any stories or information you’d like to contribute. Together, we can celebrate the enduring spirit of The Geelong Chorale and its many years of musical passion.

We will update you with our superb 2025 concert series shortly.

We are thrilled to present Requiem by Karl Jenkins in its original version with full orchestral accompaniment. Over the centuries many composers have composed Requiems (think Victoria, Mozart, Verdi to name three) but Jenkins, in his usual fashion, creates a completely distinctive, contemporary composition.

In this deeply moving work, he combines the traditional Latin movements of the Mass for the Dead with five Japanese haiku: in this case, poems concerned with nature and the water cycle, which the Japanese view as being synonymous with life. In this journey of life and death, Jenkins utilises a wide palette of orchestral colours and rhythms (including hip-hop) whilst referencing other settings of the Requiem by Fauré, Duruflé and Lloyd-Webber.

Sunday 18th August 2024 at 2.30pm

Wesley Uniting Church

100 Yarra Street

Geelong

Admission $40 / $35

https://w.trybooking.com/CTSFK

Since October 1883, when the Orient Express made its inaugural journey, there have been numerous trains and several different routes.  But the magic and romance of this luxurious train, which completely redefined long-distance travel, have remained constant.  As you journey with us on the original route of this iconic train, we travel from Istanbul to Paris, pulling in at each station to enjoy musical delights from Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, Germany, finally arriving refreshed and rejuvenated in France.

Sunday 5th May 2024

St Paul’s Anglican Church

LaTrobe Terrace

Geelong