The Honeybees
A cappella choir (NSW)
The Honeybees is a pre-eminent Sydney-based a cappella gospel choir formed in 1996 under the direction of acclaimed singer, composer and choir director Tony Backhouse. For the past fifteen years the choir has been directed by Steve Clarke, one of Sydney’s most versatile and engaging choral directors.
Although not a religious choir, the Honeybees find inspiration in the passionate and captivating quality of gospel, soul and related genres. From Tom Waits to Aretha Franklin, Leonard Cohen to Australia’s Ian Moss, traditional gospel to Dolly Parton, the Honeybees’ polished and soulful performances leave audiences uplifted and inspired.
The choir has performed for a wide range of events over the years from fundraising concerts, weddings and festivals to high profile corporate functions and radio broadcasts. In 2024 the choir featured in the Desert Song Festival in Alice Springs and was privileged to share the stage with the Central Australian Aboriginal Woman’s Choir.
The Honeybees successful Soul Sing events reflect the choir’s strong commitment to inclusion and creating community. Currently hosted by the Royal Oak Hotel in Sydney’s Balmain, but able to be held in any relaxed pub-style setting, participants join the Honeybees in learning a fun and not-too-challenging soul song in four-part harmony taught by Steve with humour and ease. With tipple in hand, the crowd soon find themselves immersed in the joy of singing, creating a happy, uplifting atmosphere.
The Honeybees are also known for their highly successful Gospel Groove workshops in which participants learn about the history of gospel music and the role of gospel songs in the American Civil Rights Movement in a lively, hands-on workshop. A range of four-part a cappella gospel songs are taught to the group, culminating in a joyful performance at the end of the workshop.
The Honeybees rehearse at Sydney’s Wayside Chapel and the choir’s values of acceptance and inclusivity align with Wayside’s mission to “create community with no ‘us’ and ‘them’ “.
