The original choir was formed in 1872 and named the Brisbane Musical Union. Later the name was changed to the Queensland State and Municipal Choir and still later simplified to The Queensland Choir. It is believed to be the oldest continuously operating musical organisation in Australia. The choir is comprised of members of the community who volunteer their services to participate in the Choir’s annual performance programme. Members come from a diverse range of backgrounds and ages and they perform at various times as a symphonic choir, the core of the biennial Brisbane Sings Messiah Chorus and as a chamber choir. Over the years the choir has contributed greatly to the Brisbane musical scene not only through its presentation of quality concert performances but also by the performance opportunities it has provided to Australian soloists, both professional and developing, and to Brisbane’s orchestras and bands, both professional and community; the opportunities provided for school choirs and members of the public to join with it in the performance of major works and in choral workshops; and the commissioning and performance of new music by Australian composers.