Graduate Singers

Graduate Singers (known affectionately as ‘Grads’) is one of Adelaide’s premier choirs, praised by The Advertiser as “one of Adelaide’s finest.” For nearly 50 years, Grads has been a vibrant force in South Australia’s choral music scene, earning critical acclaim for its polished performances and artistic integrity. 

Renowned for its versatility, Grads seamlessly navigates the full spectrum of choral repertoire—from majestic large-scale works to the finesse of chamber music. The choir brings together some of Adelaide’s most experienced choral singers, many of whom are regularly featured in major productions across the state. Its diverse membership is united by a shared passion for precision, balance, blend, and beauty. 

Grads is driven by a mission to keep choral music not just alive, but thriving—presenting accessible, high-quality, and diverse performances that celebrate both tradition and innovation. The ensemble is deeply embedded in the local arts community, frequently collaborating with a wide range of artists and organisations, from emerging talents to established institutions. 

In addition to its own acclaimed concert series, Grads maintains an active schedule of special engagements. Highlights over the past decade include performances with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in major events such as Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular (2015), Last Night of the Proms (2016, 2019), Scotland the Brave (2017), Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (2022), Carmina Burana as part of the 2021 Festival of Orchestra, and the 2021 world premiere of Nativity, commissioned from Australian composer Richard Mills, alongside Adelaide Chamber Singers and Young Adelaide Voices. In March 2022, Graduate Singers was thrilled to join the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the Elder Conservatorium Chorale to perform Prayer for the Living, the Adelaide Festival’s closing event, presenting works by Lili Boulanger, Francis Poulenc, and Pēteris Vasks. Most recently in 2023, Grads and Chorale joined the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for Christmas Unwrapped, a vibrant Christmas spectacular. 

Grads looks forward to joining the ASO again in 2026 for Origins, its collaboration with Big Sing McLaren Vale, with Grads serving as the core choir. Origins will be the South Australian premiere of a major new oratorio by Australian composer and conductor, Nicholas Buc. 

Grads is thrilled to perform in Festival of Voices for the first time in 2026, and can’t wait to connect with the wider choral community at this incredible event. 

Image credit: James Field