“This group of young people were nothing short of brilliant”
- Canberra CityNews
The Luminescence Children's Choir came together for their first performances in September and December 2015, and became a permanent ensemble in July 2016. Since then, the Luminescence Children's Choir have performed at national institutions and world-class concert venues, including Parliament House, the National Portrait Gallery, the High Court, the Sydney Opera House, Hobart Town Hall, and Federation Concert Hall. In addition to regular performances in Canberra, the choir has toured to Hobart, Melbourne, and Sydney, and appeared at a number of major Australian music festivals, including the Canberra International Music Festival (2019, 2022), the Festival of Voices (Hobart, 2018), and the Gondwana World Choral Festival (Sydney, 2019).
Luminescence performs a wide range of music, including newly commissioned works. Choristers learn to sing in many languages across a range of genres, and regularly collaborate with professional artists and composers. Performance highlights include acclaimed performances of Benjamin Britten's Children’s Crusade (Canberra International Music Festival, 2023), Vivaldi’s Gloria (2022), recordings and appearances for at the launch of Skywhale: Every Heart Sings with the National Gallery of Australia, and annual performances of the National Anthem in English and in Ngunnawal language at the Australia Day National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony.
Luminescence Children’s Choir hosts an annual winter holiday program for singers ages 7 - 12. This program is open to all singers - no audition required!
The Luminescence Children's Choir is a treble choir for singers aged 10 - 17. The ensemble is offers young people holistic and high quality musical experiences and education. The choir creates a safe and creative space for young singers express themselves while fostering enduring friendships, a life-long love of music and the arts.
Conducted by AJ America, the Luminescence Children’s Choir has rapidly established itself as one of Canberra’s premier programs for young singers and musicians. Singers do not require prior musical training to join Luminescence Children’s Choir - only an eagerness to learn, and a passion for music and singing!
Hear from our choristers
“For me, it’s the easiest way to show
the universe who I am”
Luminescence Children’s Choir chorister
Hear from our families
“Luminescence has been the most remarkable experience for our girls.
It has tested their self-discipline,
taught them to listen and to hear things they didn’t before, broadened their cultural bearings, and cemented new friendships, both at home and on tour - all while showering them with the singular gifts that music brings.”
— Luminescence Children’s Choir parent
Where and when does the Luminescence Children's Choir rehearse?
The Luminescence Children's Choir rehearses:
4.30 - 6.45pm, Tuesday afternoons (Wesley Music Centre) Choristers are expected to arrive at rehearsals between 4pm - 4.20pm, for a 4.30pm start.
In addition to weekly rehearsals, choristers participate in sectional rehearsals from 4.30 - 6.30pm on Thursdays afternoons, at Ainslie Arts Centre. These sessions enable choristers to learn music more quickly, as well as learn music theory and aural skills. The session time choristers attend depends on the voice part they sing that year.
How do I join the choir?
When you fill out our online application form, we will be in touch to arrange an audition time that works for you. Auditions usually take place on Thursday afternoons, or Saturdays. New choristers are welcome to join the choir at any time during Term 1 2025. After this, we arrange an appropriate time for you to join us, depending on the upcoming choir activities and performance schedule.
Do singers need to have prior experience and music training in order to join the choir? What do I have to do in my audition?
Choristers do not necessarily require prior experience or musical training - we are looking for children who love singing and music, have a good ear, and an eagerness to learn. Auditions are designed for us to get to know your voice, and help us make sure that Luminescence is an environment that seems like a good fit for you! You will be asked to sing one short song or an excerpt of a song lasting up to two minutes from memory. Something you already know is great. Recorded accompaniment is not permitted. In addition to your song, we will do a few singing exercises together, including some sight-singing.
Do you have any programs for children younger than 10, or programs that do not require auditions?
Luminescence runs a winter holiday program each July, for children aged 7 - 12. All young singers are welcome - no audition required! Registrations for our 2025 holiday program are currently open. Learn more about Luminescence holiday programs here.
What costs are associated with enrolment in the choir?
Luminescence is a not-for-profit arts organisation that relies on chorister and student participation fees to operate, and to provide high quality music education to choristers. The cost of participation is $300 per term + camp ($350). We understand that providing opportunities can be a strain on a family's budget, and are constantly striving to make the Luminescence Children's Choir accessible for all singers who have the necessary talent and passion. For that reason, we have a number of schemes in place to offer financial assistance to families, including payment plans, fee discounts for second (or more) siblings from the same family, and a number of bursaries. Bursaries are significantly reduced fees, awarded to choristers of exceptional talent and/or passion, who would otherwise be unable to participate in the program. Please note that camp is compulsory, and unless otherwise discussed with the artistic director, enrolment in the choir is for the calendar year. This allows us to plan and rehearse for major performances, which often take many months of planning and rehearsing.
Every Heart Sings: We Are the Skywhales
In early 2021 Luminescence Children’s Choir joined forces with Jess Green (aka Pheno), Patricia Piccinini, and the National Gallery of Australia for ‘Every Heart Sings’. This choral arrangement of Jess Green’s ‘We Are The Skywhales’ was created for and premiered by Luminescence Children’s Choir, and was performed live as the Skywhale family took flight.
Recorded January 2021, National Gallery of Australia
Choristers on camp (2019)
Performing at the Sydney Opera House for Gondwana World Choral Festival (2019)
Choristers on camp (2020)
With composer Jess Green, artist Patricia Piccinini, Papa Skywhale at 'Every Heart Sings', National Gallery of Australia (2020)
Performing from the balcony of the High Court of Australia (2019)
With Prime Minister Albanese after the Australia Day National Flag Raising Ceremony (2023)
Performing at Parliament House (2016)
On stage at Canberra International Music Festival, alongside soprano Chloe Lankshear and countertenor Tobias Cole (2018)