Kathleen Ware's blog

Last weekend, the Sweet Adelines Australia National Convention was held in Hobart, and our very own Alouette Quartet delivered a stunning performance on the national stage.

Competing against 21 talented quartets from across the country, Alouette members, Vicki, Diane, Crystal and Jane, performed two beautiful songs in the highly competitive quartet division. The stakes were high, with qualification for this year’s International Convention in Columbus on the line once again.

Back home, many Circular Keys Chorus members gathered for a lively webcast watch party at a member’s home, eagerly following the livestream performances. Cheers erupted as Alouette took the stage, followed by enthusiastic applause at the conclusion of their performance.

Circular Keys Chorus is offering women from across the Sydney region and beyond the opportunity to attend a six-week course, starting next month. The ‘Learn to Sing A Cappella’ workshop starts on 18th February and runs for six consecutive Wednesdays from 7.30 to 10 pm. Participants will learn vocal techniques from one of Australia’s leading professional directors and be surrounded by a group of like-minded women who love sharing the exhilaration of singing ‘a cappella’ style, that is without instrumental accompaniment.

The cheer squads from down under were in overdrive at the Greater Columbus Convention Centre (Ohio USA) for this year’s Sweet Adelines International competition. They may have been massively outnumbered by the North American audience members, but they more than made up for that minor impediment with their Olympic-sports-stadium-style welcomes to each of the Aussie performances that graced the stage. And why not? After all, this is indeed the world championships in the extreme sport of women’s barbershop singing. 

Two quartets from Circular Keys Chorus recently showcased their talent at the Barbershop Harmony Australia Eastern Region Competition, held on 24 May at the Cherrybrook Community Centre.

Alouette delivered an outstanding performance, earning 1st place in the Women’s Divisionand taking home 1st place overall in the quartet category. Meanwhile, Kephi also impressed the judges and audience alike, securing a strong 2nd place in the Women’s Division.

Both quartets are celebrating their success and proud to represent Circular Keys Chorus on the BHA stage.

Sweet Adelines choruses from all over the world are now in full preparation mode as this year’s international competition looms large, and Circular Keys Chorus is one of them! The 2025 International Convention and Competition will be held on 20-25 October in Columbus, Ohio, USA. CKC will be competing as a ‘wildcard’ entry, after finishing second in last year’s Region 34 (Australian) competition. Redland Rhapsody, from Queensland, will also be there as the 2024 Region 34 overall winner.