Choral singing is a vibrant and cherished tradition deeply rooted in Welsh culture, and it’s no wonder Welsh migrants brought it with them to Australia. Today, Australia boasts its own share of Welsh churches and choirs, keeping this rich heritage alive.

St Peter’s Presbyterian, above, is the Welsh Church of Sydney.

Melbourne’s Welsh Church, below left, at 320 La Trobe Street. Picture: Facebook/melbwelshchurch.

Blackstone United Welsh Church in Ipswich, Queensland, below centre. 

The Trinity Church on St George’s Terrace in Perth, below right, has been the home of Welsh Church services for more than 100 years.

Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir Inc.

Originating in 1886, this Queensland-based choir has evolved into an organisation with five ensembles. They contribute to Ipswich’s cultural scene, recently participating in the 140th anniversary of the Blackstone United Welsh Church. Learn more at www.cambrianchoir.org.au.

Sydney Welsh Choir

Sydney Welsh Choir, since its establishment in 1978, has been a vocal ambassador of Welsh culture in New South Wales. Comprising around 30 members from diverse backgrounds, the choir’s repertoire spans traditional Welsh tunes and global performances. Catch them rehearsing at West Ryde Community Centre Hall, and for more information, visit www.sydneywelshchoir.com.

Cantorion Sydney

Boasting 45 male members, Cantorion Sydney showcases a wide-ranging repertoire from Welsh traditionals to opera choruses. They collaborate with various ensembles, fostering a rich musical experience. Earlier this year they sang at a 180 years of history celebration at the Welsh Church of Sydney, St Peter’s Presbyterian in North Sydney, where they practice every Wednesday at 6pm. They also sang at Allianz Stadium. Learn more at www.cantorionsydneychoir.com.

Australian Welsh Male Choir

Celebrating its 50th anniversary last year, Melbourne-based the Australian Welsh Male Choir, with 60 members, sings in the spirit of the great male choirs of Wales. They’ve toured globally, including singing at the Royal Albert Hall, and last year, they enjoyed a tour of Outback Australia. More details at www.awmc.org.au.

Melbourne Welsh Male Choir

Established in 1984, the Melbourne Welsh Male Choir blends Welsh choral traditions with an Australian twist. The choir will celebrate St David’s Day on February 28th, from 7.30pm at MLC James Tatoulis Auditorium, 207 Barkers Road, Kew 3101. They will perform a wide array of songs that they sing best, particularly the Welsh standards that are so important on this day in particular. The soloist this year will be Heulen Cynfal. Details at www.melbournewelshchoir.com.au.

Victoria Welsh Choir (Vic Welsh)

Founded in 1980, Vic Welsh, a traditional Welsh men’s choir, enchants audiences with 15 concerts annually. At least a quarter of what the choir sing is in Welsh. Their Musical Director Faleiry Koczkar OAM is a native Welsh speaker. They have led the singing at Cymanfa Ganu Hymn Festivals held by the Welsh Church in Melbourne since their foundation. Learn more at www.vicwelshmenschoir.com.au.

Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir

A group of 30 members performing since 1998, the Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir in Victoria meets weekly. In 2024, the choir sang at the Shrine of Remembrance as part of the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing. They embrace varied musical genres. Follow them at facebook.com/GeelongWelshLadiesChoir/.

Mornington Peninsula Welsh Ladies Choir

Formed in 2018, this choir revives the Welsh ladies’ choir tradition, embodying the cultural essence of Wales. Join them in celebrating Welsh choral heritage on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Explore more at www.mpwlc.com.

Perth Male Voice Choir

Perth Male Voice Choir is a performance choir singing in four-part harmony. In 2024, they toured Chester and North Wales. They hold rehearsals at 7.30pm on Wednesdays at Royal Park Hall, 180 Charles Street, West Perth, WA. www.perthmalevoicechoir.org.