THE COWRA VOCAL ENSEMBLE
The Cowra Vocal Ensemble was formed in 1993 as the Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society’s own mixed-voice choir. Over the past 30 years, around 60 people have sung with the group — and remarkably, several founding members from 1993 are still with us today.
The “M” in M&D stands for Musical, and in every musical the chorus brings a show to life. After months of rehearsals and performances, it’s natural to miss the fun, friendship and excitement once the curtain falls. The Vocal Ensemble was created so that the singing — and the camaraderie — could continue all year round.
The ensemble began through the combined efforts of then-President Lawrance Ryan, long-time society member Greg Miller, and music teacher Janet Battle, who became the Ensemble’s first conductor and helped define its early character.
Since then, Maree McKay has led the group for many years, supported by a number of talented accompanists and conductors, including Mary Ann Wright, Hazel Winkley, Kerry Bailey, Mary Bullock and Alison Cozadinas
The Vocal Ensemble exists because its members simply love to sing — and to share that joy with the wider Cowra community.
The choir has performed at weddings, funerals, concerts, commemorations and major civic events. They’ve sung for the Prime Minister, for Governors and for visiting international dignitaries. They have even performed national anthems in their original languages — including Danish, Indonesian, Italian, Hebrew and Japanese — for many Festival of International Understanding guest nations.
For a country choir, the Cowra Vocal Ensemble has achieved a great deal in 30 years and we’d love to welcome new members.
If you enjoy singing, friendship and being part of something special, come and join us!
