From our beginnings in 1903 as ‘The Austral Choir’, to renaming in 1905 as the ‘Toowoomba Philharmonic Society’, our choirs have played an important role in the cultural life of Toowoomba for many years.
Early music festivals in Toowoomba were held in a three-sided and roofed building opposite Queen’s Park. This had been used previously as an old gaol, and had a seating capacity of 10,000.
By 1906 the Philharmonic Choir had numbered 120 singers, and was able to successfully compete in such festivals. We also competed in many Eisteddfods across Queensland, and the large silver cups on display in our foyer are a testimony to this early success! Concerts were also held in the Toowoomba Town Hall at a rental cost of 3 pounds ($6), and an orchestra was founded to boost such performances.
Rehearsals commenced in the original Philharmonic Hall (Herries Street) in 1903, which was paid for with a tender of 700 pounds. The Society’s first venture into Musical Comedy was in 1914, and all costumes and scenery were hired from Sydney. However, World War I broke out at the time this first musical was due to go on stage, so all profits from the performance (76 pounds = $152) were donated to the Wartime Foodstuffs Fund.
The war had a big impact on the fortunes of the Society – both the ranks and the finances were seriously depleted during this time. For the next two years supplies were very lean, with the City Council granting a subsidy from which rate arrears were paid. To maintain viability, dances were held twice a week in the Hall. The success of these events stemmed from the Salvation of the Society’s funds, with the society finally becoming debt-free in 1933. Musical Comedies, Oratorios and Concerts were a given in this year, with the first Philharmonic Junior Choir forming to cater to the needs of younger singers.
Then came World War II. The Hall was taken over by the Army, many members joined the services, finances were low, and dances were held in the Paragon Café to keep the society running. First Choir Conductor Mr. Stanley Hobson was forced to resign from this position due to ill health in 1946 and Mr. Walter Emerson succeeded him in this position. Success by the Choir in competition continued, and in 1953 a Golden Jubilee Dinner was held in the Showgrounds Dining Hall (Campbell Street) with 400 people in attendance. By this time the choir had 140 active members and an orchestra of 40. In addition to three subscription concerts per year, the choir performed an open air concert in the Botanical Gardens for the Carnival of Flowers and assisted at the City Council’s Carols by Candlelight.
In 1956 Mrs. Chamberlin retired as accompanist after 26 years with the choir and six years with the orchestra. This record of service was considered unequaled in Australia.
The Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in 1963 with another large dinner in the Soldiers Memorial Hall. Over the years the society also staged Operas with outstanding success and astonishing support from the public. Mr. Emerson retired as conductor in this year and Mr. W.R Smith, Miss Madge Chamberlin and Mr. Geoff Langdale conducted the choir for the next 7 years. During the latter period the City Council acquired our complex on Herries Street as land for the Civic Square. Consequently, another home for the society had to be found.
‘Laguna’ was purchased in 1975 for $42,500, and a catering business was commenced to assist with finances. One of the previous owners, Mr C. Weis, had carefully converted the building’s former grandeur into a private home for weddings and parties. For many years, this was ‘the place’ to hold social functions.
Rehearsals began in this building in 1976, with bookings flooding in for wedding receptions and other functions. Mr. Langdale stepped down as Conductor in 1978 and Miss M. Chamberlain was again appointed to this position when family health problems were resolved.
In 1989 the decision was made to extend the Laguna premises in order to cope with the needs of our growing Society. Together, with a sum of $100,000 raised for the purpose and a Government Grant of $130,000, this idea became a reality. A new Youth Choir was formed in 1990, and has continued on to this day. The choir in 1993 numbered 100 with a Youth Choir of 80, an Orchestra of 20 and a subscription members list of 200.
The Society celebrated its Centenary in October 2003 with a Gala Concert at the Empire Theatre. This boasted performances from many Toowoomba choirs and musical groups, and was a most spectacular community event. It was supported by major sponsors such as the Toowoomba City Council, Empire Theatre, Heritage Building Society and the Toowoomba Chronicle.
By this time it became obvious that times were changing fast, with brides choosing to have their receptions at hotels, in marquees and other alternative venues. Changes to Public Liability laws and public standards had also presented difficulties in dealing with these functions, and it generally became very hard for volunteers to safely manage public events. The last Wedding Reception was held at Laguna in September 2003. At a Special Meeting of Members on 25th November 2003, it was decided that the Society could no longer afford to support the Laguna premises at a maintenance cost of $40,000 per annum. The decision was made to sell Laguna and move to other premises.
Our current premises (7 Matthews St) were found in a church complex for sale. After many negotiations, compliance with various Council and State regulations, and help from solicitors, agents and members, we finally made the move in November 2004.
A lot of work has been done on our current complex by a group of dedicated volunteers, with improvements always being made in order to make the facility ‘just right’. It is an ideal space for all of our events and activities – we are able to stage intimate theatre experiences, theatre restaurants, big public performances and wonderful concerts for the enjoyment of all. Interested in hiring one of our spaces? Check out our Hires page for more info!