Choral Music

St Paul’s, Manuka, has a strong and active musical tradition, providing for the liturgical needs of the parish as well as contributing to Canberra’s wider musical life.

Our choral programme involves the St Paul’s Choir, the Children’s Choirs and the St Paul’s Singers.

The work of the choirs and the organists forms an important contribution to the life of St Paul’s. The choir’s major commitments are to the weekly Choral Eucharist at 9.30am and Evensong at 5pm (except January). Services are also enhanced through the participation of brass, strings, harp and other instrumentalists from time to time.

In addition, many concerts are held at St Paul’s throughout the year by renowned performers and ensembles from Canberra and interstate.

St Paul’s Choir

The Choir sings a wide variety of music including psalms, communion settings, canticles and anthems, and leads the congregation in a fine selection of hymns. The style of repertoire is varied, ranging from plainsong and polyphonic music settings to inspiring contemporary works. The turnover of music is fast so there is never a dull moment.

The Choir sings for Choral Eucharist on the second, fourth and fifth Sundays of the month and for Choral Evensong on the first and third Sundays of the month. The Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6.30-7.30pm. 

Although the choir is not formally auditioned, good sight-reading and ensemble skills are highly beneficial. Many current members are highly experienced and from a variety of musical backgrounds. Please contact the Director of Music if you would like to express an interest in joining.

Singing in a liturgical choir is a rewarding experience, offering the chance to:

• explore the great works of sacred music in the context for which they were written
• develop sight-singing, teamwork and ensemble skills
• develop vocal skills in a supportive environment
• experience the joy of music-making in a group context

Membership is open to people of all faiths and none. Diversity of background and experience is welcomed and celebrated amongst its members, and throughout the parish.

The choir is affiliated with RSCM Australia (ACT)

The St Paul’s Singers

Established in 2022, the St Paul’s Singers is an informal choral group which leads the singing at the 9.30am Eucharist on the third Sunday of the month. This is an inclusive ensemble where the ability to read music is not required. The Singers rehearse on the third Saturday of the month at 10am. Attendance at this rehearsal is not compulsory but encouraged.

Please direct all enquiries regarding music and choirs to music@stpaulsmanuka.org.au. If you wish to hire the church for a concert, contact office@stpaulsmanuka.org.au.

The Director of Music

The musical program at St Paul’s is led by Clara Teniswood. Clara has been involved in the musical life of St Paul’s since 2020, and brings a broad background in choral singing, instrumental performance and education. Her love of choral singing began at Ogilvie High School in Hobart, where singing formed part of the core curriculum. While at school, she performed with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and was a member of Gondwana Voices, Australia’s national children’s choir, from 2002–2005.

 Clara sang in the Choir of All Saints’ South Hobart from the age of 13 and, after relocating to Canberra, continued her involvement in parish music at All Saints’ Ainslie. In 2011, she established the children’s choir programme at All Saints’ Ainslie, which she directed until 2018. She has also sung with the University of Newcastle Chamber Choir under Philip Matthias, including a tour to Italy and performances in the Vatican as part of a sacred music festival.

As a cellist, Clara studied with David Pereira and received her LMusA in 2013. She is principal cellist of the Canberra Bach Ensemble and performs with ensembles including the Limestone Consort, Apeiron Baroque and The Southern Concert. Clara holds qualifications in music, education and science, and works in the Australian Public Service.