Cleveland Singers Inc.

30/04/2026

Messiah Prelude and Interlude — done and dusted! ✨

Now we’re preparing for the grand finale: our Choral Winter School this July, under the direction of German conductor Volker Hedtfeld.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far. A special shout-out to our youngest singers (ages 9–13!) — and congratulations to every single choir member for the personal milestones achieved along the way.

Here are just a few reflections from singers after our April concert:
✨ “I've just lived out a long-held ambition to perform in a great choir and with a wonderful orchestra. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity. I'm greatly looking forward to the complete Messiah in July.”
✨ “What a joy and privilege it was for us to sing praises with you to The King of Kings, and Lord of Lord's. Thank you so very much for the work you have put into The Messiah Project. We're looking forward to the grand finale in July.”
✨ “For me, it’s been an amazing experience to be part of the Messiah project and I’m extremely grateful for your skill and hard work. It’s been a learning journey I’ve truly appreciated - now I’m looking forward to the Winter School.”

It’s not too late to join us in July!
If you’re keen to sing with us, register here:
https://pci.jotform.com/form/260570087759063

29/04/2026

Applause for our wonderful soloists in the Messiah–Interlude concert on 19 April 👏

Sophie Ricca, soprano
Deborah Rogers, alto
Harrison Thomas, tenor
Aaminah Khan, bass

We’re so fortunate to have such talent here in Townsville, making it possible to present a full oratorio performance — choir, orchestra, and soloists together.
Thank you for sharing your artistry with us 🎶

(photos curtesy of Chrissy Maguire)

27/04/2026

Today we’re celebrating the incredible musicians behind the Great Barrier Reef Orchestra. 🎶

A heartfelt thank you to the 17 dedicated players who came together to form our chamber orchestra for Messiah–Interlude. Your passion, talent, and commitment brought this performance to life in such a special way.

We’re also grateful to local star photographer Chrissy Maguire for capturing these moments so beautifully and for her ongoing support of the performing arts in Townsville.

Want to hear more? Don’t miss GBRO at the Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies this weekend (May 1–3)!

26/04/2026

A week on from our Messiah-Interlude concert and the music of Handel is still playing in our heads—what a master of unforgettable melodies!

Thank you to everyone who came along. You were a fantastic audience and made the afternoon truly special.

(More photos coming soon.)

18/04/2026

We’ve introduced the continuo, trumpets and timpani, and soloists — now it’s time to shine a light on the rest of our orchestra for tomorrow’s performance of Handel’s Messiah ✨

🎻 First violins: Olivia Jung, Bianca Parison, Abigail Ly
🎻 Second violins: Katisha Lindée, April Powell, Afram Bakoz
🎻 Violas: Jessica Winton, Joshua Weston
🎶 Oboe: Emily Webster

The Baroque orchestra is smaller than a modern symphony orchestra, but it brings clarity, energy, and incredible color—perfectly supporting our 48-voice choir. Thank you again to Great Barrier Reef Orchestra for this collaboration.

Join us tomorrow (19 April) at 4pm at St. Patrick’s College. Don’t miss this beautiful performance!

16/04/2026

Programs for Sunday just arrived 👀✨
Here’s a sneak peek at our incredible soloists!

Get ready to experience timeless favorites like “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” (Sophie Ricca), “He Was Despised” (Deborah Rogers), “Thou Shalt Break Them” (Harrison Thomas), and “Why Do the Nations So Furiously Rage Together” (Aaminah Khan).

You won’t want to miss this! 🎶

Tickets at https://www.cleveland-singers.com/messiah-project-2025-26/

14/04/2026

🎺 Did you know?

“The Trumpet Shall Sound” from Messiah by George Frideric Handel is considered a high-level, challenging piece for trumpet. It demands exceptional breath control, endurance, and precision, with dazzling florid passages and a bright, consistent tone - usually performed on a piccolo trumpet to master its high Baroque register.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mark Smith as principal trumpet for our Messiah–Interlude concert this Sunday, 19 April at 4pm. A distinguished Australian performer, conductor, composer, and educator, Mark is well known in Townsville for his outstanding musicianship and contributions to music education.

Joining him will be Joel Offerman on second trumpet (featured in our Messiah–Prelude concert last November) and Noel Price on timpani. In Baroque music, trumpets and timpani symbolize royalty and divine majesty - you’ll hear their brilliance in the iconic “Hallelujah” chorus and the powerful finale “Worthy is the Lamb” and “Amen.”

✨ Don’t miss this unforgettable performance!
🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://www.cleveland-singers.com/messiah-project-2025-26/

13/04/2026

🎶 Baroque Spotlight: The Power of Basso Continuo 🎶
Baroque music – like Messiah – is built on the foundation of basso continuo, meaning “continuous bass” or “bass non-stop.” It’s the driving force that supports and shapes the entire sound.

We’re excited for our upcoming collaboration with the Great Barrier Reef Orchestra!

✨ Meet our basso continuo team:
At the heart of it all are our harpsichordist Joanne Batterham and lead cellist Wade Tattersall, who carry the continuo line throughout. They are supported by double bassist Deborah Ayres, bassoonist Irelna Lowrie, and cellist Lucy Edelman.

Sunday, 19 April, 4pm, St. Patrick’s College – Messiah-Interlude
Tickets: https://www.cleveland-singers.com/messiah-project-2025-26/

(Photos curtesy of Chrissy Maguire, taken at our Messiah-Prelude concert in November 2025.)

12/04/2026

Initially receiving a modest public reception, few masterworks of Baroque music can now rival Handel’s Messiah for its eternal popularity as one of the most...

27/03/2026

One week to go until our Messiah-Interlude concert! Don't miss out!

🎟️ Concert Tickets Update
Buy online (link below) or at the door if not sold out prior.
⏰ Online sales close Fri 17 April, 9pm.

🗓️ In-person sales (St. Patrick’s College Auditorium):
Sat 18 April: 10am–12:30pm & 2pm–5pm
Sun 19 April: from 3pm (1 hr before concert)

🚗 Arrive early — parking is limited
♿ Wheelchair access via Fryer St (closest) or The Strand

Initially receiving a modest public reception, few masterworks of Baroque music can now rival Handel’s Messiah for its eternal popularity as one of the most...

21/03/2026

Have you sung Handel’s Messiah before and can’t wait to do it again? 🎶 Or have you always dreamed of singing it but never had the chance?

Join Cleveland Singers Inc. this July 2026 for an unforgettable week of music, connection, and joy! ☀️
Enjoy a balmy tropical winter while being part of an inspiring choir experience.

✨ All voices welcome
✨ Make new friends
✨ Sing one of the world’s most loved choral works

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly special.