Published on Thursday, 3 September 2026 at 3:00:00 PM
For 40 years, the Hills Choir has been bringing people together through the power of music, creating lasting friendships, uplifting audiences and enriching community life across the Perth Hills.
Founded in 1986, the choir began with just six women rehearsing in a private home in Mundaring. Their first public performance took place at a Maundy Thursday service in the Mundaring Shire Council Chambers. From those humble beginnings, the choir has grown into a thriving mixed community choir that performs four-part harmony from a diverse repertoire.
Over the years, rehearsals have been held in a variety of locations, including Mundaring Primary School, before finding a long-term home at Mundaring Uniting Church, where the choir continues to rehearse today. Membership has steadily grown and now spans ages 16 to 92. More than 300 people have been part of the choir throughout its history.
The choir has performed at countless concerts, festivals and community events across the Hills and beyond. Highlights include performing sections of Handel's Messiah at the Mundaring Catholic Church with renowned artist Robert Juniper as the spoken cantor, as well as winning an eisteddfod at Carmel College during the 1990s.
This year marked a significant milestone as the Hills Choir celebrated its 40th anniversary. The celebrations began in May with the screening of a documentary, A Story of Music, Connection and Community, produced by current Musical Director Storme Reeves. The film captures the choir's history through interviews with past and present members, sharing stories of friendship, achievement and belonging.
The anniversary celebrations continued at the choir's winter concert in June, where former members returned to perform alongside the current choir. Three past musical directors were invited back to lead selected pieces, providing a moving tribute to the people who have shaped the choir's legacy. Visitors also enjoyed a special photographic exhibition featuring historic concert posters, photographs and memories from the past four decades, as well as a commemorative anniversary cake created by one of the choir's members.
Current choir member and committee representative Jessica Taylor joined in 2021 after moving to the Perth Hills and searching for a local musical community.
"I immediately felt welcomed after my first visit," Jessica said.
"The choir is incredibly accepting and friendly, and I love the variety of music we sing. There's something very special about hearing all the individual parts come together to create beautiful harmonies."
"Being part of a choir is about more than singing. It's about community, friendship and belonging. People from all sorts of backgrounds come together to create something bigger than any one person could create alone."
The Hills Choir has received ongoing support from Shire of Mundaring over many years, including grants that have helped fund equipment, concerts, promotional materials and, most recently, the production of the 40th anniversary documentary. The Shire also provides storage space for the choir's extensive music library through a peppercorn lease arrangement at the Station Master's House in Glen Forrest.
The choir welcomes new members of all ages and abilities. Rehearsals are held each Monday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Mundaring Uniting Church, 120 Stoneville Road, Mundaring. Prospective members are encouraged to attend three trial sessions before deciding whether to join.
Community members can next enjoy the Hills Choir at its End of Year Concert on Sunday 6 December at Eastern Hills Senior High School in Mount Helena.
To learn more about the choir, join a rehearsal, or book tickets to upcoming performances, visit the choir's website.
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