To the strains of Irving Berlin’s “What’ll I do When You are Far Away?” and the Al Jolson number “Toot, Toot, Tootsie”, two of the groups entering this year’s competition launched the choral division of The Australian National Eisteddfod, to take place at Llewellyn Hall on August 15 and 16.
Members of the all-female quartet, Synchronicity, and the male group the Canberra Chordsmen, said they would be competing in the barbershop section of the contest.  With a record total of 74 performances and prize money totalling just under $20,000, the division is expected to be hotly contested.  Choirs convener Heather Jauncey told those present at the Red Hill home of Professor Brian and Mrs Dianne Anderson, that five interstate choirs had entered in what was expected to be the best choral division contest on record.
–Helen Musa
Photo by Cole Bennetts