To celebrate our 80th Anniversary we have performed Mozart’s Requiem in Brighton and Bendigo, held a celebration for current and past choir members, and released our history book 80 Years in the Making – a history of Glen Eira City Choir. Yet to come our Christmas Concert! 

Download
80 Years in the Making –
a history of Glen Eira City Choir  here (3MB).

You can also read the text (no photos) on our News page. Limited hard copies will also be available at our concert in Brighton on 5 December.  Thank you to Glen Eira City Council for support of this project. 

Read on for more on the anniversary celebration held for current and past choristers.

On Saturday 5 September 2026 a celebration was held at St Leonard’s Uniting Church, Brighton
 for current and past choristers, family and friends. A short performance was followed by afternoon tea
and the launch of 80 Years in the Making – A history of Glen Eira City Choir

Festivities commenced in the church with a short music program.
Read the full program here; click on photos above to expand.

On their way to afternoon tea people visited an 80th History Display 
which included newspaper articles, concert programs and photographs from the past 80 years 
along with a list of conductors and a list of accompanists

hall decorations

The hall was set for an afternoon of festivities with just over 100 people in attendance.

cutting the cake

Our talented treasurer (John Dunham) made and decorated the cake with the a replica of the cover of the first concert program (1926) and our 80th Anniversary logo. He was joined in cutting the cake by our President (Penny Paton), and Secretary and author of the history book (Rosemary Harmer).

dignitaries

L to R: Berta Brozgul (Accompanist),
Elena Varshavskaya (Conductor),
John Dunham (Life Member & Treasurer),
Denise Grocke AO (Concert Master),
Lisa Robinson (soloist & long term supporter),
Jane Elton Brown OAM (Life Member & former conductor), 
Rosemary Harmer (Secretary),
Penny Paton (President).

L to R: Elena Varshavskaya (Conductor),  Jane Elton Brown OAM (Life Memebr and former conductor), Denise Grocke AO (Concert Master).

Singing Jerusalem

The afternoon filled with much song and chatter concluded with all standing to sing Jerusalem

Glen Eira City Choir 2026