History
The Diamond Valley Singers (DVS) was established in 1985 to provide a means for community members in the Diamond Valley and surrounding areas to exercise their talents, and at the same time to raise money for charity.
Graham Ford, Artistic Director for 30 years, co-founded the group with Dr Ian Lowe. DVS has raised over one hundred and ninety thousand dollars for World Vision, International Needs Abroad and local charities such as Open House in Ivanhoe. Ian Lowe recalled conducting the Eltham Community Orchestra in 1985 when World Vision launched its first Freedom from Hunger Campaign. Ian realised he could use the orchestra to raise some money. ‘We put on a concert, singing teachers Graham and Mavis Ford organised a singing group to present Trial by Jury (Gilbert and Sullivan) in the Baptist Church, Greensborough, and this led to the formation of the Diamond Valley Singers’.
Since our inception, we have donated over $200,000 (as at 2020) to charities, including World Vision, International Needs Australia, Open House, Bushfire relief and the Elizabeth Nursery School in Malawi.
Since then, musicals have mostly been presented at Warrandyte High School’s theatrette, with the Eltham Community Orchestra continuing to play for performances. Oratorios such as Handel’s Messiah have been presented in a variety of churches, mainly Diamond Creek Uniting Church, where the company rehearses. Since 2018 DVS has presented a fully staged junior production for the under 18 years members early in the year as well as the major production in July. Approximately 130 members belong to the Diamond Valley Singers, with ages ranging from primary school students upwards. DVS is one of the few companies in Melbourne who does not audition our adult chorus for musicals, or the choir for oratorios.
DVS is appreciative of the long-term friendly relationship we have with Warrandyte High School, and of the freedom the school allows with the access to their theatre. Props, costumes and sets are stored in Hurstbridge in a shed and two containers. This is where the majority of working bees are held for the productions.
An annual membership fee of $45 for adults and $30 for juniors is required. Fees are due either by the start of February or August, and last for 12 months. Each individual program also involves a show fee. We keep all costs to a minimum. Of course, these charges go nowhere near covering our costs, so we run various fundraising activities throughout the year.
New members are always welcome. We usually rehearse from 7.30pm on Wednesday nights at Diamond Creek Uniting Church. Melway Ref 12 B6.
Press the “DVS history” button below, to take you to a year by year summary of DVS history.