Tag: Hillbrook Chorale

Community Voices Shine in Enoggera with Hillbrook Chorale’s Uplifting Concert ‘An Echo of the Spheres’

The sounds of Enoggera will soon be filled with music as the Hillbrook Chorale prepares for its end‑of‑year concert, An Echo of the Spheres.

Read: Hillbrook Chorale to Perform ‘Wattle Sky’ in Enoggera

The concert will take place on Saturday 22 November at the Tree of Life Chapel, Hillbrook Anglican School, Hurdcotte Street, running from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. 

The chorale, conducted by Joshua Clifford and accompanied by pianist Judy Collins, will perform pieces by composers and songwriters including Joe Twist, Jodie O’Regan, Amy Bebbington, Cyndi Lauper, Dr Mark Patterson and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 

Reena Esmail (Photo credit: Facebook/Hillbrook Chorale)

Among the highlights is the moving piece Listen by Indian‑American composer Reena Esmail, known for combining Indian and Western classical traditions. Esmail trained at The Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music, and has composed for major orchestras and festivals worldwide. 

Another standout is Shadowland from the Broadway adaptation of The Lion King, composed by Lebo M and Hans Zimmer; the piece is performed in both English and African languages and explores themes of injustice and survival.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for concessions and free for children under five. The event will also include the chorale’s traditional raffle, a popular highlight for families and visitors alike. The concert reflects the chorale’s mission to create joyful, uplifting musical experiences and foster community engagement.

About Hillbrook Chorale

Hillbrook Chorale
Photo credit: hillbrook.qld.edu.au 

The Hillbrook Chorale has been part of the Hillbrook Anglican School community since the school opened in 1986. Co‑founder Norm Hunter OAM recalled that, in the early days, the school looked for ways to strengthen its community culture and he believed music could serve as a unifying force. He approached John Webber with the idea of forming a choir for past students and current and former parents. Webber supported the plan and the chorale was soon established.

Today the chorale continues to welcome singers from all backgrounds and skill levels. Rehearsals are held every Monday evening from 7 pm to 9 pm in the Tree of Life Chapel, providing a space for learning, singing and building community connections. 

The group regularly performs a diverse range of musical styles throughout the year and maintains a supportive and stimulating environment for all members. 

For local residents and visitors, the upcoming concert offers a chance to enjoy a shared musical experience in a welcoming setting. Ample parking is available on campus and nearby streets, making it accessible to local families and residents.

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As the year draws to a close, An Echo of the Spheres presents more than just a concert; it offers an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and enjoy the resonance of community and music.

Published 10-November-2025

Hillbrook Chorale to Perform ‘Wattle Sky’ in Enoggera

Music lovers in Enoggera are in for a rare treat this June, as Hillbrook Anglican School’s Hillbrook Chorale presents a uniquely Australian choral concert at the Tree of Life Chapel on Sunday, 22 June from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Read: Brisbane Weekend Guide: Comedy, Music & More 13 to 15 June 2025

The highlight of the afternoon is the Australian premiere of Wattle Sky, a three-movement choral song cycle by acclaimed Brisbane-based composer Joe Twist and lyricist Jodie O’Regan. This powerful new work explores Australia’s involvement in space science, telling the remarkable story of golden wattle seeds sent into orbit aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and later studied by school students across the country.

Photo supplied

Originally from the Gold Coast, Twist brings international experience and local heart to the piece, having composed for names like Moby, Kate Miller-Heidke, and Bluey. His deep understanding of choral music makes Wattle Sky a perfect centrepiece for the Hillbrook Chorale, who are working closely with the composer in the lead-up to the performance.

Hillbrook Chorale
Joe Twist (Photo supplied)

The program also features a vibrant lineup of Australian compositions, including:

  • Shackleton by Paul Jarman, a dramatic musical retelling of the Antarctic explorer’s epic journey
  • Bell Birds by William Brown, a lush setting of Henry Kendall’s classic poem
  • The Brown Snake by Thelma Plum, celebrating Brisbane’s river and untold stories
  • Spirit of Australia by Donna Dyson and Damien Leith, a soaring anthem
  • Lay Your Burden Down by Jane Christie-Johnston, an emotional original work
  • Keep a Dream in Your Pocket by The Seekers, a nostalgic audience favourite
Hillbrook Chorale
Joshua Clifford (Photo supplied)

Under the direction of conductor Joshua Clifford and accompanied by Judy Collins, the Hillbrook Chorale promises an afternoon of inspiring music that blends contemporary storytelling with timeless choral beauty.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 concession, and free for children under 5.

Read: When Enoggera Witnessed the Execution of a Circus Giant

This is a rare chance to experience the premiere of a major Australian work in the heart of Enoggera, performed by one of Brisbane’s most passionate school ensembles.

About the Hillbrook Chorale

Founded alongside Hillbrook Anglican School in 1986, the Hillbrook Chorale has long been a cornerstone of the school’s community. This SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) community choir performs an eclectic mix of musical styles, spanning classical, folk, and contemporary genres.

Under the direction of Joshua Clifford and with Judy Collins as accompanist, the Chorale is dedicated to fostering a positive, supportive, and musically enriching choral experience.

Published 11-June-2025