Some people spend their weekends quietly humming in the kitchen. Others take that energy, gather 20–40 like-minded humans, and project it into a concert hall with intent. This week, Geelong is full of exactly that energy as Choralfest 2026 brings together choirs from across Australia — and for the first time, two Estonian choirs are in the mix.
We’re not saying this is a big deal… but we are also not not saying that.
A festival of voices (and the occasional goosebump ambush)
Held from 9–12 April at Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus and Costa Hall, Choralfest 2026 is Australia’s national choral symposium — which is a formal way of saying: four days of people who really love singing, all in one place.
Expect concerts, pop-up performances, workshops, masterclasses and those moments where a chord lands just right and suddenly you’re reconsidering your entire emotional stability.
With keynote voices like Catherine Fender (France — casual), the festival brings together singers, conductors and choral thinkers from around the world.
Two of our choirs, one proud diaspora
Flying the Estonian flag (musically, not literally… although we wouldn’t rule it out) are:
Melbourne’s Kodu Kaja and Sydney-based Kooskõlas.
Two cities. Two choirs. One shared ability to make you feel things you didn’t schedule into your day.
Where to catch them (and casually say “oh yes, we know them!”)
Kooskõlas kicks things off at the Twilight Concert on Thursday evening — opening the festival, no less. No pressure, just setting the tone for the entire event.
They’ll also appear here:
- Thursday 9 April, 5.30pm — St Paul’s Anglican Church, Geelong
- Friday 10 April, 12.30pm — Choirs in the City, Westfield Central Atrium
- Saturday 11 April, 3pm — Choral Masterclass, Costa Hall
Meanwhile, Kodu Kaja will be:
- Saturday 11 April, 1pm — Courthouse Theatre, Geelong
- Plus pop-up performances around town (the kind you “accidentally” stumble upon and then don’t leave)
Full choral immersion (bring feelings)
Choralfest isn’t just about standing still and singing beautifully (though there is plenty of that).
It’s also about learning, connecting and gently levelling up — with workshops, lectures, conducting masterclasses, repertoire sessions and massed choir moments where everyone sings together and you briefly consider joining a choir immediately.
This is a moment worth celebrating (and bragging about)
For Estonian choirs in Australia, having two groups represented at a national festival like this is something special. Can we get a high five?
It speaks to the strength of our community — and to the fact that Estonians, wherever they go, will eventually organise themselves into a choir. It’s just how things unfold.
Thinking of heading down?
If you’re near Geelong, Victoria, keep an ear out for free concerts and pop-up performances across the festival.
👉 Full program: https://dems-choralfest-2026.eventsair.site/program-2
👉 Read about all choirs: https://dems-choralfest-2026.eventsair.site/choirs
Go along, have a listen, and if you suddenly feel an emotional lump in your throat for no clear reason — don’t worry. That’s just choir music doing its job. Enjoy!
