Did you know that Queensland’s oldest continuously performing male choir has been singing for more than 140 years? Established in 1884, the Brisbane Apollo Male Choir has continued performing through changing eras, including both World Wars, while remaining active in Brisbane.
Read: The Timeless Harmony of Stafford’s Brisbane Apollo Male Choir
Today, that musical heritage continues in Stafford, where the choir has rehearsed at St Clements on the Hill Anglican Church Hall in Eudunda Street since 2018. The move followed a decade at St James Anglican Church Hall in nearby Newmarket after increasing traffic noise prompted the search for a quieter rehearsal venue.
From Brisbane Liedertafel to Brisbane Apollo
The choir’s story began after an appeal in 1884 invited interested gentlemen to form a male choir in Brisbane. Sixteen men answered the call, leading to the formation of the Brisbane Liedertafel on 16 July 1884.
Early rehearsals were held in Messrs Pollard and Co’s warehouse at 120 Queen Street under the direction of H. J. Pollard, with W. A. Calfisch as accompanist. The choir presented its first public concert at the original Brisbane Town Hall in Queen Street on 16 July 1885.
“Liedertafel,” a German term meaning “song table”, reflected a tradition of men gathering around a table to sing together in harmony. During World War I, patriotic sentiment led the choir to adopt the name Brisbane Apollo Club in 1916. The name honoured Apollo, the Greek god associated with music, song and poetry. In 1993, the organisation was officially registered as Brisbane Apollo Male Choir Inc.
More Than a Century of Song
The choir built a strong reputation for its performances, particularly under conductors Leonard Francis, who led from 1913 to 1936, and Percy Brier, who directed the ensemble from 1936 to 1939. Contemporary newspaper reports praised the choir’s musical standards and performances.
In 1985, the choir celebrated its centenary with a commemorative concert at Brisbane City Hall. Proceeds from the event were donated to St Vincent’s Hostel at South Brisbane.
Over the years, the choir has rehearsed at several Brisbane venues, including the Shaftsbury Centre in Spring Hill and St James Anglican Church Hall in Newmarket before relocating to Stafford in 2018.
Continuing the Tradition in Stafford
The choir is currently led by musical director Guillaume Lemay-Yates, an experienced conductor, singer, instrumentalist and arranger who is also an accomplished saxophonist and pianist.
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Rehearsals are held every Monday from 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm at St Clements on the Hill Anglican Church Hall. Men interested in singing are encouraged to enquire about joining the choir.
Today, the Brisbane Apollo Male Choir continues its weekly rehearsals in Stafford, carrying forward a tradition that began in Brisbane in 1884.
Published 7-August-2026
