Information current as at AUGUST 2005

Choir's Email Address: bajzek@mail-direct.com.au

Choir's Website: www.austrianchoir.com.au

Vision statement / Artistic goals: To preserve and present as wide a range as possible of traditional Austrian and classical vocal and instrumental music through performance, recording and broadcasting to a broad general audience in Australia

Voice type: SATB

Choir performs: A cappella, and with various instrumental groups

Year Choir formed: 1981

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 35 Desired: 35-40

Musical Repertoire: ranging from traditional Austrian to general classical, Australian and original compositions; 4 CDs have been released, 2 of them in 2002

Musical Director: Dieter Bajzek

No. of years in current post: 24

Previous musical experience: MA (Music) LaTrobe University, Lecturer in Music (LaTrobe University), General Manager of Dex Audio & Newmarket Music, Choir Director of LaTrobe Choir and Liedertafel Arion (German Choir), freelance performer

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: Many other choirs in Melbourne, a host of professional Australian soloists and ensembles, as well as many other world music groups

Audition: Yes - but only a basic skills test, after several weeks of rehearsal participation

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes Concerts: Yes

Membership Fees: approx. $60 p.a.

Ability to read music: Desirable

Sight-reading ability: Not necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Tuesday

Suburb: Heidelberg

Rehearsal venue: Austrian Cultural Centre

Off-street parking: Yes

Performance Apparel: Traditional Austrian outfits - identical for men, varied for women; can be arranged at a small cost

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 4

Av. No. of Performances/year: 8

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Melbourne Town Hall, Melba Hall, Melbourne Concert Hall, Toorak Uniting Church, South Melbourne Town Hall, Malvern Town Hall, Montsalvat, Collins Street Baptist Church, Federation Square and many festivals; also many venues interstate and overseas

Examples of musical pieces performed: Abendruhe (Mozart), Tritsch Tratsch Polka and Blue Danube (Johann Strauss), large selection of Austrian traditional songs, yodels & contemporary songs

Touring: Yes - Melbourne Metro Area/Regional Victoria/Interstate/Overseas

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: Committee of Management

Types of Committees: Committee of choir members for fundraising, organisation and social activities

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: Yes

Hiring fees apply: No - reciprocal arrangements preferred