Past Events

24 May 2026 -Celebrating Volunteers Concert

St Thomas' Anglican Church Moonee PondsCWA Essendon afternoon teaThis concert was proudly supported by Moonee Valley City Council through its Biannual Community Grants program.

22 Dec 2025 - Essendon Hope Christmas Carols

Aberfeldie Baptist ChurchWe loved being part of the Aberfeldie Baptist Church's Christmas Carols afternoon.

7 Dec 2025 - The People's Messiah

Collins Street Baptist Church, Melbourne
Featured:

Greg Hocking AM - Conductor
Melbourne Opera Orchestra
Essendon Choral Society
Singularity Choir

Breanna Stuart - Soprano
Caroline Vercoe - Alto
Josh Erdelyi-Götz -Tenor
Hartley Trusler - Baritone
Christopher Cook - Organist

14 Sep 2025 - Ripples from Haydn

St Thomas' Anglican Church Moonee PondsAn afternoon of music with connections to influential composer, Joseph Haydn. Including Haydn's Little Organ Mass, Michael Haydn's Missa tempore Quadragesimae and Marianna Martines' Miserere.Conductor Ed Chan Soprano Claire McDonald Organist Zac Hamilton-Russell

25 May 2025 - Impressions: Choral and Organ Concert

St Thomas' Anglican Church Moonee Ponds

Erik Satie - Messe Des Pauvres (Australian Premiere of reconstructed movements by Erich Schwandt)Maurice Duruflé - Ubi CaritasArvo Pärt - BeatitudesGabriel Fauré - Cantique de Jean Racine Featuring Organist, Glenn Maus, playing the historic Fincham Organ

22 Dec 2024 - Essendon Hope Christmas Carols

We were thrilled to be part of the new local Churches Carols Night at Aberfeldie Baptist Church. ECS supported the community carols singing.Musical Director: Ern Theng (Ed) Chan.

1 Dec 2024 - The People's Messiah

Our annual Handel's Messiah sing-along led by Essendon Choral Society, Singularity, Melbourne Opera Orchestra at Collins Street Baptist Church. Soloists: emerging artists Breanna Stuart, Caroline Vercoe, Asher Reichman and Henry Shaw.John Rivers - Organist. Conducted by Greg Hocking AM and Ern Theng (Ed) Chan.

20 Oct 2024 - Les Miserables & Pirates of Penzance

We presented a concert of Les Miserables, and Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance at North Essendon Uniting Church.Musical Director: Ern Theng (Ed) Chan.

16 Jun 2024 - Selections from Mozart Requiem

A concert of selection from Mozart Requiem at North Essendon Uniting Church. Musical Director: Ern Theng (Ed) Chan.

16 Jun 2024 - Selections from Mozart Requiem

A concert of selection from Mozart Requiem at North Essendon Uniting Church. Musical Director: Ern Theng (Ed) Chan.

10 Dec 2023 - The People's Messiah

Our annual Handel's Messiah sing-along led by Essendon Choral Society, Singularity, Melbourne Opera Orchestra at Collins Street Baptist Church. Conducted by Greg Hocking AM.

5 Nov 2023 - Vivaldi: Gloria

We presented a concert of Vivaldi: Gloria in D Major, RV 589 and other choral pieces at North Essendon Uniting Church.Guest soloists: Rachael Joyce (soprano) and Jessica Carrascalao Heard (mezzo-soprano). Accompanist: Yvonne Carr. Musical Director: Ern Theng (Ed) Chan.

4 Jun 2023 - The Fauré Requiem and other sacred anthems

An afternoon of the gentle and serene music of Faure and others at North Essendon Uniting Church.Accompanist: Yvonne Carr. Musical Director: Ern Theng (Ed) Chan.

11 Dec 2022 - The People's Messiah

Our annual Handel's Messiah sing-along led by Essendon Choral Society, Singularity, Melbourne Opera Orchestra at Collins Street Baptist Church. Distinguished Soloists: emerging artists Teresa Ingrilli, Caroline Vercoe, Robert MacFarlane and Michael Lampard.Conducted by Patrick Burns.

27 November 2022 - Singularity Concert

Singularity Choir presented Handel's A Christmas Messiah, Mozart's Coronation Mass and 20th Celebration Composition by Elizabeth Sutherland at Upwey Baptist Community Church.With guests Essendon Choral Society

27 Mar 2022 - The People's Messiah

Our annual Handel's Messiah sing-along led by Essendon Choral Society, Singularity, Melbourne Opera Orchestra at Collins Street Baptist Church. Conductor Greg HockingDistinguished Soloists: Soprano Theresa Ingrilli, Mezzo Soprano Naomi Flatman, Tenor Michael Dimovski, Baritone Chris HillierOrganist Konrad Olszewski

8 Dec 2019 - A People's Messiah

Our annual Handel's Messiah sing-along led by Essendon Choral Society, Singularity, Melbourne Opera Orchestra at Collins Street Baptist Church. Distinguished Soloists: emerging artists Rebecca Rashleigh, Shakira Dugan, Michael Dimovski and Stephen Marsh.Geoff Urquhart on Organ and conducted by Greg Hocking AM.

27 Oct 2019 - An Afternoon of Fine Music: A Celebration of 40 Years of Glorious Singing

At St John's Uniting Church, Essendon.Soloists - Shakira Dugan & Rebecca Rashleigh.Conducted by Greg Hocking AMAccompanied by Raymond Lawrence and the Melbourne Opera Orchestra.

23 Jun 2019 - Verdi Requiem

Essendon Choral Society, Singularity and Yarra Valley Singers joined with Maroondah Symphony Orchestra for their biennial choral concert. Soloists: Margaret Orr, sopranoSarah Sweeting, mezzo sopranoMichael Lapina, tenorEddie Muliaumaseali’i, bass

14 Apr 2019 - ANZAC March and Service

Essendon Choral Society and Moonee Valley Brass joined Moonee Valley City Council and dignitaries to commemorate ANZAC Day at the Queens Park Cenotaph.

2 Dec 2018 - A People's Messiah

The annual sing-along Handel's Messiah lead by Essendon Choral Society, Singularity, Melbourne Opera Orchestra at Collins Street Baptist Church.Distinguished Soloists - Astrid Connelly, Caroline Vercoe, Paul Biencourt, Stephen Marsh.Graeme Burnham on Organ and conducted by Greg Hocking AM

15 Jul 2018 - Afternoon at the Opera

At St John's Uniting Church, Essendon. Soloist: Felicity BaldockGraeme Burnham on PianoConducted by Greg Hocking AM

25 Mar 2018 - Mendelssohn's Elijah

3 Dec 2017 - A People's Messiah

The annual sing-along Handel's Messiah lead by Essendon Choral Society, Singularity, Melbourne Opera Orchestra at Collins Street Baptist Church.Distinguished Soloists - Sop: Felicity Baldock; Alto: Caroline Vercoe; Ten: Paul Biencourt; Bass: Stephen MarshConducted by Greg Hocking AM

13 Aug 2017 - St John's Passion - J S Bach

St John's Uniting Church, EssendonEssendon Choral Society; Singularity Choir; Melbourne Opera OrchestraSoloists: Felicity Baldock; Caroline Vercoe; Paul Biencourt; Matt Thomas; Timothy ReynoldsOrganist: Graeme Burnham

7 May 2017 - A Pleasant Sunday Afternoon of Choral Music: Musical Score of the Merry Widow

Essendon Choral Society, Singularity, Melbourne Opera OrchestraUniting Church Hall, Newcombe St, PortarlingtonConducted by Greg Hocking AM

4 Dec 2016 - A People's Messiah

2016 Faure & Bach

2016 Memories and Music from WWI Commemorative Concert

2011 An Afternoon with Vaughan Williams

2010 Music Stage Screen with Napier Community Orchestra

2010 Joseph Haydn The Seasons

2010 Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow

2009 A People's Messiah

2009 Timeless Music Concert

2008 Haydn's Creation

2002 Haydn's Creation

1997 A People's Messiah

1994 Elgar / Handel / J S Bach

1993 Faure Requiem / J Haydn Harmonie Mass / Handel Organ Concerto

1993 Vivaldi / Mozart / Strauss / Weber

1992 J S Bach - Passion According to St John

1991 Handel Israel in Egypt

1989 A Night at the Opera

Essendon Choral Society performing with The Zelman Symphony Orchestra Two Special Concerts: Camberwell Civic Centre & St Therese's Church, Essendon

7 Sep 1987 Mozart Requiem

Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra with the Royal Victorian Choir (Essendon Choral Society; Box Hill Choral Society) in the Camberwell Civic Centre.Soloists: Joanne Ryan-Neal (soprano); Alison Ralph (alto); Edward Parry (tenor); Desmond Lukey (bass)Conductor: Simon Harvey; Philip CarringtonAccompanist: Lindsay Jenkin

1983 Easter Concert

1982 Easter Concert

1980 An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan

1980 Handel The Messiah

1979 Formation of Essendon Choral Society

City of EssendonPublic Meeting for Formation of Choral SocietyAll interested in the formation of an Essendon Choral Society are invited to a meeting to be held in the Civic Centre, cnr Kellaway Avenue and Pascoe Vale Road, Moonee Ponds, on Tuesday, 13 March, 1979 at 8pm.Business will include discussion of aims of Essendon Choral Society, election of office-bearers and time and place for rehearsals.

Report on the activities of the Society for nine months ending 31.12.1979

FormationEarly in the year 1979 a group of musical friends discussed the advantages of forming a choral society in the City of Essendon. They considered that, as well as providing a meeting for citizens of similar interests, the love of music throughout the City and beyond would be encouraged and strengthened. This they considered, would be for the betterment of wholesome living in our area.Councillors of the City of Essendon became interested. An advertisement was placed in the Essendon Gazette advising of a meeting of interested people to be held in the Essendon Civic Centre on 13th March 1979. This meeting was attended by thirty-five people. The Mayor of the City, Councillor K Readwin was Chairman. Eleven office bearers were elected and they were charged with the drawing up of a constitution for the Society. This was to be presented to a meeting of members on 8th May 1979. This meeting was held and with small additions, the proposed Constitution was passed, and became the Constitution of the Society. With two exceptions the interim office bearers, asked to act at the first meeting, were confirmed and appointed.ProgrammeMr Peter Nicholls was appointed Musical Director and a full programme was arranged and carried out.An Easter Concert was held in Holy Rosary Church, Kensington, in April, a Winter Concert was held in the Essendon Civic Centre in June, The “Messiah”, by Handel, was presented in the Strathmore High School Assembly Hall in October. The Society took part in the Essendon Community Centre Dedication Service in October. We assisted with the music at the Service of Remembrance in Coburg Town Hall in November. A Service of Carols and other Christmas music was held in St Monica’s Church, Moonee Ponds in December. After this Service a Social Gathering was held at the home of Mr and Mrs Nicholls. Early in the year a barbecue was held.MembershipMembership at the end of the year was as follows: Sopranos 31, Altos 12, Tenors 5, Basses 10 - totalling 58 members.GeneralThe Society was grateful to the donors of money gifts totalling $447.Mrs Mary Wilkinson gave us two music storage cabinets for which we are grateful. Mrs Wilkinson was thanked for the gift.Thanks was expressed to the Essendon City Council for allowing us meeting and practice accommodation for our first two months free of charge. We obtained a permanent practice room at the Music Centre of Essendon Grammar School, Nicholson Street, Essendon, in May and are grateful for the helpful co-operation of the School authorities.That the Society has attracted members of such varying ages and national origins is a joy to us all.Thanks is offered to all members who have contributed in any way to the establishment and smooth running of the Society in its first period.Special thanks to our Musical Director, Mr Peter Nicholls, for the quality of his leadership, his hard work and inspiration resulting in our singing to the maximum of our abilities.J M Grant, Secretary.

1978 Handel The Messiah

(St John's Uniting Church Choir)

1978 A Pleasant Sunday Afternoon

(St John's Uniting Church Choir)

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