A BRIEF HISTORY Of THE COOLAMON SINGERS

The choir began as the “Anglican Singers” in the late 1980’s under the baton of Lois Beale and rehearsed at St. John’s, Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads. On cold winter nights they practiced in Lois’s lounge room in front of an open fire. The SATB choir was accompanied by the beautiful church organ and enriched the Sunday services and special occasions in the church calendar.
Joyce and Trevor Jones, well known in the Melbourne music scene had “retired” to the Gold Coast in early 1989. Retirement was not to be, however, as Trevor accepted a teaching position in the Music department of The Southport School. (TSS) He had also agreed to “fill in’’ for Lois at St John’s, while she furthered her studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. It was fortuitous in 1991, when he accepted the position of Musical Director of the Anglican Singers, St John’s, Burleigh, on Lois’s retirement. The choir adopted a new identity, “The Coolamon Chorale” in 1994 to suit its more secular character and growing numbers. Trevor’s wife Joyce, a superb alto, and Brian Blackwell, a senior TSS student, who became Accompanist, were two of several new members.
So “The Coolamon Chorale” was launched and the first performance was a “Pleasant Sunday Afternoon at St Johns” with tea and cake to follow. Certainly, a delightful June afternoon.
As a point of interest, the coolamon is a beautiful shady tree with pink blossoms native to this area. First Nations peoples used the wood from the trunk of the tree to form cradles lined with paper bark. The mothers sang to their newborn babies and thus a perfect name to nurture the young reborn choir.
Sadly for the choir but happily for Brian Blackwell, his dream came true when he was offered a Tertiary scholarship to Sydney Conservatorium two years later. Musicians, Margaret and Estavan Ellul had moved into the area with their twin boys who were just eighteen months old. Margaret was happy to accompany the choir but only if she could bring her boys to rehearsals! The boys curled up on the carpet in their sleeping bags and almost always drifted off as the mostly melodious sounds of the choir filled the church.
Time passed and the Elluls were offered exciting musical positions in Europe which they accepted. They were going home.
Leith Rogers was teaching music at TSS. She and Carl had moved to Queensland from South Australia for the warmth and where Leith had grown up. Leith had enjoyed a fulfilling musical career in South Australia holding senior positions in the Department of Education.
Leith became the brilliant new Accompanist of the Coolamon Chorale. Carl also was invaluable with his wide knowledge of sound production and the
growing importance of Information Technology. He produced concert and practice CD’s which were popular and improved choir finances.

Trevor and Leith selected music from a broad range of musical styles to please an eclectic audience. There would be a concert at the Church of the Holy Spirit (Isle of Capri), the Church of the Good Shepherd, a retirement or nursing home and concerts at St John’s. Many supporters came from the wider community, responding positively to the quality of voices and delightful programmes. Trevor, after many requests, began a women’s choir on Friday afternoons in about 2003. The ladies had decided that two hours of singing on a Monday evening just wasn’t enough. I well remember the three tender love songs by Mozart; “Now Comes the Dreaded Moment”, “Eyes so Sparkling”, and “Far from Thee, My Own.” Ballads
and songs from medieval times and modern pieces contributed to a varied repertoire which became another two of the best hours of the week!
 

The Arioso Recorder Quartet was a group of four talented ladies who each played a different type of recorder.... Always an entertaining interlude during a concert. A special occasion for the women was the “Victory in the Pacific” commemoration at the cenotaph in Brisbane on 15th August 2006. It was the 45th anniversary of Japan’s surrender to the allies ending WW2 in the Pacific.
The Coolamon ladies were invited to recreate the Women’s Vocal Orchestra of Sumatra, formed by the extraordinary women Prisoners of War from Holland, Australia and America. They sang to keep themselves alive in appalling conditions from 1942 for three and a half years. Their courage in the face of unspeakable hardship not only prevailed, but triumphed over the insanity of war. They performed popular classics a capella to lah, loo, and lai, the only instruments being their voices. Largo from the New World Symphony by Dvorak, Londonderry Air and Country Gardens by Percy Granger, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by JS Bach, were examples of the music they memorised. “Paradise Road”, directed by Bruce Beresford, is the
movie version of this evocative and uplifting story starring Glen Close.

A highlight for Coolamon every Christmas was “Carols by Candlelight” at TSS chapel. The beauty of the chapel (a replica of Kings College, Oxford) was magical and a perfect way to herald Christmas for students, families and choir. Soloists too add variety and sparkle to performances, and some are still members of the choir. Keen music students from TSS would occasionally join the tenors/baritones/basses and were much valued as there was rarely a surplus of men. In 2007 two of “our” tenors became part of the renowned “Ten Tenors” and sang their way around the world.
Soloists have always received encouragement and tuition, and some remain in the choir today.... Margaret Thornton, Greg Mc Grory, Deirdre Pullen and John Hornsey (singer and poet). Deirdre, as a young soprano (teacher and mother), brought her two little girls to rehearsals. They too, like the Ellul twins, curled up in their doonas and slept or did their homework. The girls evidently absorbed the harmonies and
were delightful guest violinists as they grew up.
 

Sausage sizzles and garage sales proved an effective money spinner. They were exhausting but the camaraderie of working together was a joy, and profits were very pleasing. Most people, including choristers, went home with new treasures and little cash.
Simple ideas to raise money have dwindled with internet usage, and organisations must find other ways of making money to ensure the future. Publicity for concerts and events is paramount and the response from the public in recent times has been inspiring due to the hard work of the committee and the singers themselves.

Trevor Jones had given thirty years of dedicated leadership to music and he and Joyce retired (again) in 2011. Leith, Accompanist and Trevor, Musical Director/ Conductor, had been a great team musically, communicating subtly, discreetly and with a nod or blink of the eye.
Happily, Leith became Musical Director/Conductor. Her expertise, talent, flair and rapport with people made her the perfect choice for the growing choir. An earnest young pianist with the musical name of Luke SHARP, occasionally played a solo at our concerts and began studying for a Bachelor of Education (Music) degree at Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Leith felt that his skills would benefit by accompanying the choir. Luke agreed and became the Coolamon Singer’s next Accompanist.

The Covid worldwide pandemic, a human biosecurity emergency in January 2020, caused the choir to recess for over twelve months. Mandatory face masks, social distancing, vaccinations, isolation, restrictions on movement and gatherings, testing and so on, were enacted to keep everyone safe. State borders too were closed. Restrictions were eased in late 2021and everyone was buoyed to be back at choir and singing, although still wearing masks and maintaining social distance. It was restrictive and inhibiting and consequently the relaxed atmosphere of pre-pandemic
times took months to restore.

The name “The Coolamon Chorale” was replaced by “The Coolamon Singers” that year. A minor change but perhaps a more modern name would capture the attention of a wider group of singers, plus a new direction emerging after Covid. A soprano, Patricia Bellasi, and her husband had come to the Gold Coast from Italy. Patricia had sung at La Scala, Milan. Consummate Musical Director Leith, invited her to join “The Coolamon Singers.” Patricia warmly agreed. The Sopranos were delighted and thus a valuable new voice joined the choir.
By now, Luke was fully extended in his musical responsibilities at St Peters, Anglican Church Southport both with their choir and piano teaching.
Fortunately, Patricia’s son Marco, another very experienced and talented musician, was on an extended visit from the UK to visit his parents. Musical Director Leith, Once again in her role of Talent Scout Extraordinaire, contacted him to consider conducting the choir and she generously offered to replace Luke although her health was a consideration. Marco was warmly welcomed and his energy, passion for music and skills across the musical spectrum injected enthusiasm and vitality. Maestro Marco has inspired the choir to reach new heights of musical repertoire providing the guidance and leadership necessary to attempt sometimes difficult but inspirational and transformative works.
Jonah Patuto was studying piano at the Brisbane Conservatorium. Marco and The Coolamon Singers were delighted when Jonah agreed to accompany them. He endeavoured to balance his Conservatorium schedule and substantial travel time but unfortunately it became unmanageable.
However, the very good fortune of the Coolamon Singers cannot be overstated when virtuoso Ayesha Gough became the Coolamon accompanist. Ayesha’s technical and interpretive brilliance and vast overseas experience raises and enriches the quality and artistry of every performance and her captivating presence at the piano is a joy.
The Coolamon Singers have been fortunate in having many fine musicians to lead them as conductors, accompanists and soloists over the years.
They look forward to similar collaborations in their future of choral singing.
Postscript
As a personal note to this history, I must thank all the Coolamon Singers as a group who, over the years have so enriched my life.
Always interested in music, but far from being an expert, from that first tentative practice in 1997, I was welcomed, supported and exhilarated.
As years went by, my knowledge and skills widened enormously and the love of choral singing intensified to the extent where I would cancel a holiday if it clashed with an upcoming concert!
I compare the choir to a family, generously encouraging and caring when difficulties arise and sharing in happy and celebratory times. Singing pieces from many different and varied genres is challenging and stimulating but so fulfilling when concert standards are achieved and an enthusiastic audience appreciates and requests the date of the next concert.
The choir has been an enduring highlight in my life and I’m so grateful for the years we’ve spent together.

Christine Ansems 8.6.2025.