When the Sydney Chamber Choir presents its 50th-anniversary celebration concert this July, it will premiere five new works specially commissioned for the landmark occasion. One of these is by its former Artistic Director Paul Stanhope. Called We Might be Fifty, current Artistic Director Sam Allchurch describes it as “something that reflects Paul’s relationship with the choir – a very tender piece about growing old together”.

Entering its next half-century, the Sydney Chamber Choir continues to go from strength to strength with an inspiring and dedicated conductor now six years into his tenure taking it into the 21st century.

Sam Allchurch. Photo © Robert Catto

The choir was formed in July 1975 as The University of Sydney Chamber Choir under Dr Nicholas Routley, who had arrived in Australia to take up a teaching position at the university. He was approached by some students who wanted to form a chamber choir. The ensemble gave its first performance in November that year. The program included Josquin des Prez’s Mille regretz, which launched the choir’s journey into Renaissance music. 

The choir’s second concert in December 1975 brought a dramatic change in direction when Ross Edwards’...