National Choral School 2027: Celebrating 30 years of Gondwana National Choirs!

For 30 years, National Choral School (NCS) has been the pinnacle of choral singing for young Australians. Bringing together the country’s most talented singers to form the Gondwana National Choirs, it is the only opportunity of its kind in Australia for young singers to work with the world’s leading choral conductors.

In 2027, we’re so excited to be taking National Choral School (NCS) to Ballarat in Victoria.

Professional Development at National Choral School

A professional development program for choir conductors and music teachers.

Each of our international guests has created a highly successful and world-renowned choral program of their own. Watch and hear them rehearse alongside their Australian colleagues and then listen as we delve deep and unearth the secrets to their choral magic. How are their choirs structured? Do they audition? How often do they rehearse? How do they create their unique sound? What might we all be able to learn from their new perspectives?

This program is open to anyone with a passion for choral music and the desire to gain new insights. Participants will have the opportunity to observe rehearsals across all choirs, share a meal with the NCS artistic staff and choral colleagues, and attend dedicated Q&A forums with our renowned international and Australian conductors.

The Genesis of a Choir

Discover how our expert conductors build a choir from the ground up. Observe how they inspire singers, create a unified sound, introduce new repertoire and foster a positive choir culture. Gain practical insights, fresh ideas and answers to the key questions every choral leader faces.

Date: 13 January

Cost: $175 if booked separately, ($125 if booked as an add-on to Core PD)

Core PD: Choral Inspiration Forum

Observe rehearsals, share lunch with the Artistic Staff and enjoy a Q&A session with the conductors.

Dates: 18 January – Treble choirs. 19 January – SATB choirs

Cost: $175 per day or $300 for both days

Students can use the code STUDENTS to receive a 10% discount (please note this discount will appear once you have selected your tickets)

Sing with Gondwana – for conductors and music teachers

Experience the magic of National Choral School international guest conductors first hand through participation in the massed choir items with NCS choristers.

Dates:

Rehearsals: 7.00pm 18 & 19 January, Ballarat Grammar School

Performance: 20 January, 5.30pm soundcheck for 7.00pm performance, St Patrick’s College

Cost: $60

Travel, accommodation, and meals other than those listed above are not included or provided by Gondwana Choirs.

Contact the host of Professional Development at National Choral School 2027