The Mapleton Choir delivered two memorable afternoons of music that captured the heart of their community, with “Choir Favourites” concerts on June Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th drawing approximately 150 attendees to the Kureelpa and Dulong Community Hall.
Under the dynamic leadership of choir master Brian Martin, who assumed the role 18 months ago, the 42-year-old choir has undergone a remarkable transformation. The energy was palpable as choir members described an atmosphere of “anticipation, real appreciation, and enjoyment.” Audiences consistently remarked on the “joyful mood” radiating from the stage—a direct reflection of the performers’ genuine delight in their craft.
An Afternoon of Favourites
The concerts opened with the haunting Scottish folk song “Wild Mountain Thyme,” establishing a captivating tone for what followed. True to the concert’s title, the program featured songs selected by the choir members themselves—a democratic approach that resulted in an eclectic mix of beloved classics.
From the driving rhythm of “Don’t Pay The Ferryman” to the Latin passion of “Hernando’s Hideaway,” the audience was treated to familiar favourites that had feet tapping and voices joining in. “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and “California Dreamin'” demonstrated the choir’s versatility, while Billy Joel’s “Lullaby” created a particularly moving moment that visibly touched hearts throughout the hall.
Beyond the full choir performances, the concerts showcased the diverse talents within the group. The “Geri Hat Tricks”—a spirited group complete with matching hats—brought infectious energy to their rendition of “Green Door” by Shakin’ Stevens.
Tenor Ben Adams delivered a standout solo performance of “Tenterfield Saddler,” commanding the audience’s complete attention with his powerful vocal interpretation.
Adding to the local flavour, Marty Hunt MP made a special guest appearance on June 7th, delighting everyone with his spirited performance of “Crocodile Rock.” The strong community support was further evidenced by the attendance of Division 10 Councillor David Law and his wife Karen at the Saturday concert.
A Musical Legacy 70 Years in the Making
The concerts’ most extraordinary moment belonged to John Taylor, the choir’s accompanist. At 92 years old this year, John has been the musical backbone of the Mapleton Choir, his skilled accompaniment bringing their repertoire to life with what members affectionately call his “flying fingers.”
For these special concerts, John premiered his self-composed piece “Tutoko: Glimpses of a Mountain”—a work seven decades in the making. Inspired by his youthful trekking experiences in New Zealand’s Southland, the composition takes its name from Mount Tūtoko, the highest peak in Fiordland National Park.
“I had what is now page 1 pretty well completed by the end of the 1950s,” John reflected. “Over later years I made attempt after attempt to complete it, and every time finished up scrapping something which I found to be quite unsatisfactory.” The mountain that inspired the piece, he discovered, was named after a Maori chief “who probably did the same” as John—standing in awe of the majestic peak guarding its domain.
The completion of “Tutoko” represented more than just finished composition for John. “It was a long unfinished task finally completed,” he said. “It has probably left a huge hole which I now have to fill. I couldn’t help wondering if anyone else would like it, but eventually I realised this was the way I always wanted it to be and nothing else mattered.”
John’s musical journey began in 1939 at age six, when his mother found a teacher offering special rates for additional children. “Music always played a big part in our household,” he recalled. “I believed that it was something everybody else enjoyed.”
Building Community Through Song
The success of “Choir Favourites” reflects the democratic spirit Brian Martin has fostered within the group. All 40 choir members contributed song suggestions, with Martin selecting those most suitable for choral arrangement. The final program was chosen collaboratively with committee members, ensuring broad representation of the choir’s preferences.
This inclusive approach extends to performance opportunities, with choir members regularly encouraged to showcase solo pieces, original poems, or songs. The concerts featured solo performances from bassist Barry, alto Susannah, and Martin himself, demonstrating the choir’s commitment to nurturing individual expression within their collective voice.
The Mapleton Choir has grown significantly under Martin’s leadership, expanding to 40 members with around 33 performing at these concerts. The positive transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed—audience members spoke of returning after years away, drawn by enthusiastic word-of-mouth recommendations.
Martin’s philosophy is refreshingly inclusive: “Everyone can sing, you just need to want to and come along to rehearsals.” His focus extends beyond vocal technique to ensuring choristers genuinely enjoy themselves, fostering both confidence and a lasting love for music.
More Than Music
These “Choir Favourites” concerts, supported by a MADCA community grant, a Sunshine Coast Council grant and numerous donations from local businesses, represented far more than musical entertainment. They stood as testament to the enduring power of community arts and the invaluable contributions of dedicated individuals like John Taylor, whose decades of volunteer service continue to enrich Mapleton’s cultural landscape.
In an age where community connections often feel fragmented, the Mapleton Choir’s success demonstrates how music can bring people together, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the final note fades. The enthusiasm radiating from both stage and audience suggests this 42-year-old choir is entering a new chapter—one filled with the same passion and community spirit that has sustained it for over four decades.
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