Our Story
Humble beginnings...
In 1982, Founding Director Wynette Horne OAM was inspired to start a Christian girls’ choir, leading her into a new, exciting, and rewarding chapter of her life. With no formal choral training but a deep sense of purpose, she stepped out in faith to follow this ‘call’. Beginning with just 40 girls in her rumpus room, Wynette laid the foundation for what would become the Australian Waratah Girls Choir—an ensemble dedicated to musical excellence, community engagement, and the promotion of Australian choral music.
From the very first rehearsal, her daughter, Lindy Connett, was there—one of the choir’s original young voices. Growing up within the choir, she experienced firsthand the joy, discipline, and passion that defined its journey. As a chorister, choir captain, and later accompanist, Lindy became deeply woven into the fabric of the choir’s story. She witnessed its growth, shared in its triumphs, and developed a profound love for its mission.
In 2007, while returning to Carnegie Hall as an alumna, Lindy felt a clear calling to step into leadership and carry forward the legacy her mother had begun. Taking on the role of Artistic Director, she embraced the responsibility of shaping the next generation of singers, ensuring that the spirit of excellence, faith, and community remained at the heart of the choir.
Over the years, the Waratah Girls Choir has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues and events. Highlights include:
- Carnegie Hall (New York, USA): A milestone achievement, showcasing the choir on the global stage.
- St Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City): A deeply moving experience, singing in one of the world’s most revered sacred spaces.
- World Expo (Shanghai, China): Representing Australia in a major international cultural event.
- National Eisteddfod (Canberra, Australia): Twice crowned Australian National Champion, demonstrating the choir’s excellence in performance and musicianship.
The choir has also been actively involved in national festivals, community performances, and collaborations with renowned Australian musicians and composers. Dedicated to promoting Australian choral music, the choir has commissioned and premiered numerous works, ensuring that local composers are celebrated on both national and international stages.
From its humble beginnings in a family home to becoming a nationally recognised ensemble, the Waratah Girls Choir continues to inspire, innovate, and uphold a tradition of musical excellence that has spanned more than four decades.
