RECORDINGS

How times and technology have changed. Current choir members may not know what a “record” is, nor recognise the terms “vinyl” or “LP”. Even their parents may not have heard the terms “shellac” or “78”.

Since the very early days, the choir has recorded its music. At least five records were produced prior to 1953. Unfortunately the archives do not contain details of when all of these records were made. Formatted as 78 rpm , then later 45 or 33⅓ rpm, some of the early recordings were even produced on novel red or blue coloured vinyl. The CD format was only introduced for choir recordings in 1996.

In addition to formal recordings, the ABC’s archive contains audio and video archives representing concerts, radio, television and film appearances, oral history interviews, and footage from choir music camps and tours. These provide a fascinating insight into the music performed by the choir, but also into the changing times.