Come and Sing Bach Cantata Project

Posted on July 9, 2026July 9, 2026 by Adam Hoey in Queensland Events

Sunday, 25 October 2026 | St Peters Chapel, Indooroopilly | 9am Service time (with preservice rehearsal time TBC)

Choral Director: Tricia Elgar | Organist: Gregory Mayer

Join us at St Peters Indooroopilly for a special Reformation Sunday celebration centred on J.S. Bach’s Cantata BWV 79, Gott der Herr ist Sonn und Schild. This collaborative project brings together the St Peters Church Choir with singers from Brisbane’s wider church music community to sing Bach’s monumental work in its original liturgical context.

Registered choristers will commit to attend 4 weekly evening rehearsals in the heritage-listed St Peters Lutheran College Chapel from Thursday 1st October. Rehearsals will commence at 7:30pm, and will include warm-ups and exercises tailored to assist singers to meet the technical demands of the cantata.

The cost to be part of this choir is $10 (Free for RSCM Members and Affiliate Choirs). A retiring offering will also be taken at the service, in support of the congregational music programme at St Peters.

Click here to register

The Festival of the Reformation commemorates the 1517 publication of Martin Luther’s propositions for debate within the church, which came to be known as the ‘95 Theses’. The central focus of these theses, God’s gift of grace to all humanity, transcends denominational boundaries, and the Come and Sing Bach Cantata Project offers an opportunity for singers of all backgrounds to celebrate faith, heritage, and shared musical expression.

Cantata BWV 79 was composed in Leipzig for the Reformation Festival of 1725. In it, Bach integrates a grand opening chorus with intimate solo movements and well-loved hymns including Nun danket alle Gott, set in traditional congregational chorale style.

Singers will prepare the work over 4 rehearsals rather than a single “scratch” event and will be provided with links to online rehearsal resources to help their at-home learning. The cantata will be sung in full within the 9am Reformation Sunday service on 25 October. Whether you are an experienced chorister looking for a fresh challenge or simply wish to sing Bach’s music in its liturgical context, this promises to be a rich and uplifting celebration.

Tricia Elgar is a highly respected choral director. A professional mezzo soprano, she has performed with many leading Brisbane ensembles and sang with Opera Queensland for 15 years. As well as nurturing hundreds of singers through private vocal tuition, Tricia spent almost 2 decades developing and directing a large, award-winning choral program at Kenmore State High School. She has conducted the St Peters Church Choir since 2006.

Gregory Mayer is a prize-winning organist, accompanist and composer. Now playing for services at St Peters Lutheran Church Indooroopilly, his past musical appointments have included St Stephen’s Cathedral Brisbane, St Patrick’s Cathedral Toowoomba, St Andrew’s Anglican Church Indooroopilly and Christ Church St Lucia. Gregory was the accompanist for the Australian Catholic University Choir for 25 years. His compositions are published by Fagus Music and Morton Music.

The Sacred Songs of Brisbane

Posted on July 5, 2026July 9, 2026 by Adam Hoey in Queensland Events

When: Saturday, 25 July | 10am – 12pm
Where: Holy Trinity Hall | 141 Brookes Street, Fortitude Valley
Cost: $10 (Free for RSCM Members)

After Graeme’s successful and fun-filled exploration of Australian Christmas music last year we have invited him back to share church music by Brisbane composers.

Join us for a morning of singing and discovery as we celebrate the rich contribution of Brisbane composers to sacred music.

If you direct singers in your church; if you are a person who just enjoys singing with others; or if you just want to share and celebrate the imagination of some of our local creatives, then this session is for you.

Please indicate your vocal part when registering.

About the Presenter: Dr Graeme Morton AM

Graeme Morton is widely recognized as one of Australia’s leading choral conductors. With a career spanning over four decades, he has directed some of the nation’s most prestigious ensembles, specializing in the commissioning and performance of contemporary Australian choral music. His artistic leadership has been fundamental in shaping the landscape of Australian choral arts.

Graeme’s formal musical education began at the University of Queensland, where he studied organ under Robert Boughen. Early in his career he was engaged in Methodist (later Uniting) church music contexts, before being appointed the first Sub-Organist of St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane. He later served nearly three decades as Director of Music at Christ Church, St Lucia, establishing a reputation for liturgical and concert excellence. In 2011 he returned to St John’s as Director of Music, reinforcing his lifelong commitment to church-based musical life.

His contributions to church music have been recognised by his election as a Fellow of the Royal School of Church Music (FRSCM) a distinction held by luminaries such as Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten.

His international profile includes time as a Visiting Professor at St Olaf College, Minnesota, and invitations to prepare choirs for elite conductors such as Stephen Layton with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. He has represented Australia at the International Society for Music Education in Florida, Greece and Finland as well as at the World Symposium on Choral Music in Sydney. His doctoral research compared the development of leading high school choirs across three countries in the northern hemisphere. He also completed a Churchill Fellowship, investigating choral practices in the U.S. and Canada.

Scholarships to the Vocal Arts Academy Queensland’s Choral Intensive

Posted on March 14, 2026 by Adam Hoey in Queensland Events

One Week That Could Change Your Voice

This April, internationally respected UK conductor and educator Simon Toyne comes to Queensland for an immersive vocal intensive unlike any other.

Five days of high-level coaching, large ensemble rehearsal, small ensemble work, solo performance opportunities and two public concerts.

Designed for ambitious singers aged 16–28 who want to move beyond “good” and into confident, expressive artistry.

Two strands: Young Adults Strand up to 28 years
Secondary Strand Year 11 and 12

Scholarships through the RSCM

The Royal School of Church Music Queensland (RSCM) is proud to be offering scholarships to this wonderful event. The link to our scholarship application form can be found below.

Scholarship Application

[QLD] Trivia Night 2025: A Great Night for a Great Cause

Posted on August 28, 2025October 16, 2025 by Adam Hoey in Queensland Events

Join us for an evening of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit at the RSCM Queensland Trivia Night 2025. Get your team together, brush up on your general knowledge, and enjoy a night of trivia, prizes, food, and laughter – all in support of the Ralph Morton Memorial Fund.

📅 Event Details

Date: Friday, 17 October 2025
Time: Doors open 7:00pm | Trivia starts 7:30pm
Venue: St Peters P&F Centre, Indooroopilly (enter via Lohe Street)

💰 Tickets

Table of up to 8 people – $140
Individual ticket – $20

🎟️ Book online via TryBooking:
👉 www.trybooking.com/DETNF

🍷 Food & Drinks

Nibbles included with your ticket
Bar available serving beer, wine, and soft drinks (cash and card accepted)
After something more substantial to eat? Feel free to bring your own or order delivery (no BYO alcohol)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will there be prizes?
Absolutely! We’ll have prizes for top teams, best table table theme (name, decoration and costume!) and maybe even a few surprises along the way.

Q: Do I need a full table to book?
No – you can book as an individual and we’ll place you with others to make up a team.

Q: Is there a limit to team size?
Yes – tables seat up to 8 people.

Q: Is this only for church musicians? I don’t know much about church music and don’t want to be in over my head!
Absolutely not. Trivia will follow the usual “standard” trivia night categories, so no church music knowledge is necessary for the majority of the evening. Whilst there will be one church music category, all teams can select their “bonus” category at the start of the night where they earn double points – so you’re encouraged to set that for the category you’re likely to do best in to balance this out!

Q: Can I get the people in my table to book separately rather than paying for the whole table myself?
Yes you can – simply get them to purchase individual tickets and list your table name. It may work out a little more expensive this way though.

Q: What should I bring?
Just your sharpest wits, your table name and theme (prize awarded) and a readiness for some good fun! Some nibbles are included, and drinks are available to purchase at the bar. If you would like to eat something more substantial while you’re there, feel free to order your own delivery service. Note: our liquor compliance doesn’t allow BYO alcohol.

Q: How do I get there?
There is plenty of parking-on site. Drive up Lohe Street (off Indooroopilly Road) and take the first left (as you’re passing the tennis courts). Looking on Google Maps, the P&F centre is exactly where the “Mayer Oval St Peters Lutheran College” pin is. It is less than a 20 minute walk from Indooroopilly train station.

Q: Who can attend?
Everyone is welcome, including kids – this is a community event, not just for musicians or RSCM members.

Q: Where does the money go?
Proceeds support the Ralph Morton Memorial Fund and the wider work of RSCM Queensland.

👉 Book Now

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Secure your spot today:
Book via TryBooking

Sacred Songs: Friday 11 July 2025 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Posted on May 29, 2025May 29, 2025 by Adam Hoey in Queensland Events

All Saints, Wickham Terrace, Brisbane

Held in collaboration with the Australian National Choral Association, Queensland Chapter

Join us for a unique and enriching evening of sacred choral music with our esteemed international guest, Chris Kiver! As part of a massed choir, we will explore exciting sacred music repertoire while developing our singing techniques under his expert guidance. Chris will share insights into the music and help us deepen our understanding and performance. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss – come sing, learn and be inspired!

As part of this exciting collaboration with ANCA, RSCM members qualify for the heavily-discounted price of $33 (non-member price: $60). QLD Members – keep an eye on your inbox for your promo code!

Download the Flyer

Other Queensland Events with Chris Kiver

In addition to Sacred Songs, other events Chris will be leading during his time in Brisbane include:

Community Choir Workshop: Saturday 12 July, 9.30am – 5.30pm

Held at Mt Alvernia College (82 Cremorne Road, Kedron), you will hear from Chris in his Keynote address, as well as sing in a massed choir

Conductor PD with Podium Time: Sunday 13 July, 12-4.30pm

Held at Mt Alvernia College (82 Cremorne Road, Kedron), where conductors will get some podium time with Chris.

If you are interested in making a weekend of it, the RSCM Member’s Discount applies to the 3 Day Super Pass as well, allowing you to save $110 on the standard price! Again, watch our membership emails for details.

About Chris Kiver

Dr Kiver is a sought-after clinician, frequently guest-conducting and adjudicating in China, Australia, New Zealand, and across the USA for ACDA and NAfME. His expertise includes conducting and vocal pedagogy, changing voices, music ministry, programming, recruitment, score study, rehearsal methodology and choral advocacy.

Currently a Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Pennsylvania State University, Dr Kiver is a double Grammy Award winner and a recipient of the World Choral Symposium Foundation Scholarship and the PSU President’s Award.

A graduate of the Universities of London, Michigan, and Florida State University, Dr Kiver studied with eminent conductors, including Blackstone, Eichenberger, Thomas, and Bernius. Before moving to the US, Dr Kiver worked in Brisbane, where those who had the pleasure of singing with him will be eager for a repeat of his dynamic, educative and engaging approach.