Local spirit and musical excellence unite as the ensemble delivers memorable weekend performances.
The Mapleton Choir brought the house down this past weekend with two stirring performances of “Rhythm of Life,” demonstrating once again why this non-auditioned ensemble has remained a cornerstone of the Sunshine Coast hinterland arts scene for more than four decades. This was their final major concert for 2025.
Performing on November 8th and 9th at the Kureelpa and Dulong Hall, the choir of approximately 30 voices delivered a diverse program that ranged from Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” to the Caribbean rhythms of “Banana Boat Song,” showcasing the breadth and versatility that has defined their musical journey under conductor Brian Martin.
A Concert Built on Connection
The theme “Rhythm of Life” was inspired by the inclusion of the titular song from the 1966 Broadway musical Sweet Charity. For Brian, however, the theme represented something deeper. “In exploring the theme, I would hope that something the audience took away from the concert is that we all have a common ground in going through similar experiences and similar cycles or rhythms in life’s journey,” he explained.
That philosophy of shared human experience was carefully woven throughout the weekend’s programming, creating a narrative arc that resonated with listeners. The concert took the audience on an emotional journey from isolation to connection, from struggle to celebration, mirroring the very rhythms of life that give the concert its title.
Brian described his programming approach as creating “a fairly evenly spread variety of styles, tempos and feelings. A mix of colours to paint a more complete picture.” Yet within that variety lay a deeper structure, moving from reflective, intimate moments like the classic Rodgers and Hart standard, ‘Blue Moon,’ to the glorious, celebratory peak of George Frideric Handel’s triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus.”
The concert showcased not only the choir’s vocal abilities but also the exceptional talents of accompanist John Taylor, whose piano work provided the foundation for many of the afternoon ‘s most moving moments. At 90-plus years old, Taylor’s almost four decades of service to the choir were evident in every nuanced phrase and sensitive accompaniment.
An Epic Hallelujah Moment
One of the weekend’s undeniable highlights came during the performance of George Frideric Handel’s iconic “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah. When Brian invited audience members who knew the piece to join the choir on stage, the response was electric.
“Brian traditionally asked if there were any members of the audience who knew it and would like to join us,” the choir shared on their Facebook page. “Our numbers swelled by half a dozen or more and it was an epic sound that filled Kureelpa and Dulong Hall. We were all on a musical high and the applause, loud!”
The addition of audience voices created a powerful sense of unified musical force. Tina, a soprano, who joined the choir 18 months ago remarked on the strong programming for the event: “Definitely, the song choices. They all fitted so well together. I loved that Brian invited others to sing the Hallelujah Chorus with us.”
Brian described the moment as particularly gratifying: “I was very happy that people from the audience got up to join in with the Hallelujah Chorus,” he beamed, calling it one of his favourite moments from the weekend.
The experience proved transformative for some choir members as well. New member Jennifer admitted she had been “grumbling about performing it all semester,” but later told a fellow alto, “I enjoyed that! It was fun, …after singing it.”
Tina added that keeping the song list tight helped the singers: “Having only 11 songs also helped with us learning them well and not feeling out of our depth when performing.”
The Heart of the Choir
At 90-plus years old, accompanist John Taylor represents the living history of the Mapleton Choir.
For choir member Emese, who has sung with the group for five years, the weekend’s performances embodied what makes the choir special. “It was wonderful to have members of the audience join us in singing the Hallelujah Chorus; it created a true ‘musical family’ feeling,” she reflected.
Emese, whose journey began after a neighbour invited her to a concert, describes the experience as transformative. “The choir is a place where we create harmony not just in song, but in how we support one another. The friendships I’ve made are priceless. Singing together lifts our spirits, relieves stress, and gives us a sense of purpose.”
Tina was motivated to join the choir to “sing with Brian Martin as director and that rehearsals are at night,” notes that the choir has made her more confident outside of rehearsals. “I am in a ukulele group, and I sing more confidently now. I’m also more willing to sing in various social situations more readily e.g. choirs at folk festivals etc.”
This member offered an insightful comparison after the recent performance: “Someone I know from another choir of Brian’s said to me afterwards, ‘you’re better than us!’. Hey, it’s not a competition, but I was chuffed. I think because we read music, our songs are more complicated and challenging. Plus, I think there are a number of people in the Mapleton Choir who can sight read music. They are good and bring the rest of us up!”
Newcomers Find Welcome and Purpose
Martin, a member for approximately 15 years, finds the rewards of membership multifaceted, including the “Camaraderie that forms within a likeminded gathering” and the joy of working a piece of music from ‘no idea’ to a successful performance.
Newcomer Jennifer, who joined in 2025 after relocating for retirement, also found great reward. The most rewarding aspect for her has been “having fun singing together. Hearing the pieces improve over time. Being part of a welcoming and supportive group.” She was drawn to the group’s focus on service: “The idea of providing choral music as a local service also appealed to me…”
Tina highlighted a favourite memory: “Singing at the Bella Vista Italian restaurant after our last concerts in June 2025. Spontaneous and fun.”
A Legacy of Local Harmony
The Mapleton Choir’s 40-plus year history speaks to the community’s enduring commitment to music and the arts. The tradition of concluding concerts with complimentary afternoon tea exemplifies this warm spirit, providing a comfortable atmosphere for audience members to connect with performers.
The choir’s continued success is supported by a grant from MADCA, the Mapleton and District Association and the Sunshine Coast Council reflecting the strong partnership between local organisations committed to fostering arts and culture in the region.
Breaking Down Barriers
Conductor Brian Martin’s philosophy is centred on making music accessible to everyone. He identifies the biggest barrier as “beliefs that they won’t be able to do it before even trying to learn how and not feeling worthy.”
His message to potential members is direct: “There are steps to learning singing and it is doable.” He observes that the biggest evolution in the choir is simply “the increase in passion and joy that the singers bring.”
A Busy December Ahead
The choir’s commitment to service continues well beyond their formal concerts. In December alone, the choir will make five performances, bringing festive cheer to local hospitals and other community events.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the choir wraps up 2025, Brian’s hopes for the future are characteristically joyful and ambitious: “More concerts, more singing, more harmony, more sharing with the local area, more hugs, more smiles, more laughter, more celebration, more honouring of what people give all while singing more songs.”
The choir rehearses Monday nights from 7-9 pm at Kureelpa and Dulong Hall, running from early February through to the end of November (excluding school holidays). With members ranging from their 30s through to their 80s, the choir welcomes singers of all ages and abilities—no audition required.
The Mapleton Choir continues to prove that harmony, both musical and social, remains one of the hinterland’s most enduring and uplifting traditions.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy and timeliness, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the article or the information contained within for any purpose.