By Kath Ware
Circular Keys Chorus (CKC), from Bella Vista in the Hills District, is now officially in the top 20 women’s barbershop choruses in the world. The chorus has just returned from Columbus, Ohio USA, where they performed in the 2025 Sweet Adelines International competition, coming 19th overall in the open division representing Australia.
Singing a cappella (unaccompanied) singing in four parts, CKC perform regularly in concerts and community events throughout the Sydney region, and have won many awards over the years. Vicki Dwyer, musical director of CKC said at the end of this year’s event in Ohio: ‘We love what we do and get so much enjoyment out of doing it. But it’s only when we come to these sorts of events and compete against our peers that we’re reminded how pretty damned good we really are’.
Audience members told the chorus afterwards that they were amazed at the volume and richness of sound CKC had achieved for such a comparatively small group. With 28 singers on stage, CKC was half the size or less than most of the other competitors, although back home they regularly perform with higher numbers at local events.
The next couple of months will be a busy time for the chorus – as it always is leading up to Christmas. There will be lots of daytime and evening performances surrounded by baubles, bangles and sparkling lights, and delighted families joining in and singing along to their favourite Christmas carols.
CKC organises recruitment drives once or twice a year, often in combination with a short course in barbershop-style singing. Rehearsals are held every Wednesday evening at Bella Vista. Members come from all over Sydney and from all social demographics and ages, including students, mothers, grandmothers, business people and retirees.
The glue that bonds them together is a love of beautiful music and the desire to create gorgeous harmonies for others to enjoy. For those interested in joining CKC, there will be a new membership drive early 2026 – follow them at www.facebook.com/circularkeys for upcoming details.
To learn more about CKC, visit their website www.circularkeys.org, and for all enquiries & event bookings email enquiries@circularkeys.org
