About us
Woden Valley Youth Choir
Founded in 1969, Woden Valley Youth Choir has provided youth singing programs in Canberra for over 55 years. Our choirs are structured to support choristers as they grow, advance and change, with the development of extension programs and support for changing voices. Our choirs are wonderfully supported by a team of dedicated staff, under the artistic direction of Olivia Swift.
Our History
In its 55 year history Woden Valley Youth Choir has performed for Prime Ministers, Governor Generals, Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II and many others. They have toured locally and internationally, and been present at key events in Australia's history including the opening of Australian Parliament House. They have worked with leading composers and artists, recorded numerous albums and have learned songs across many genres.
Woden Valley Youth Choir celebrated its 50 year anniversary in 2019.
Community Engagement
Woden Valley Youth Choir has strong engagement with the Canberra community. They regularly perform the Australian national anthem at citizenship and memorial ceremonies held in Canberra, and appear regularly at much-loved local events such as Floriade.
The choir is perhaps best known as the organisers and choral contributors to the annual Canberra Carols by Candlelight, Canberra's biggest community carols event. We bring Christmas cheer throughout the region - singing carols in the city, in Woden, and in local hospitals during December.
Our Mission
Singing in a choir offers so many valuable benefits to young people - confidence, self-esteem, friendships and performance skills which will hold them in good stead for the rest of their lives.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we are committed to providing Canberra's youth with opportunities to sing. We offer bursaries and payment plans to ensure everyone is able to sing with us regardless of their financial situation.
We recognise the importance of accessibility and encourage parents to chat with us about how we can support your child to join our choirs.
The choir relies on the support of its parent community, and we are grateful for our dedicated committee and volunteers who make it all possible.
