A Community of the Imagination

The Choir of Newman College

The Choir of Newman College consists of twenty-four voices, comprising six sopranos, six altos/counter-tenors, six tenors and six basses, together with the College Organist. Each position in the Choir attracts a scholarship as an acknowledgement of the required commitment and standard expected of each chorister. The Choir participates in a Choral Eucharist at 7:00pm on each Sunday during the Academic Term and in a Compline service once per month on a Thursday night.  The Choir sings extensively in a number of services during Holy Week and in the Newman College Carol Service, held on the first Sunday of December.

The Choir’s Concert Series comprises three concerts per year held in the magnificent acoustics of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and the College Dining Hall.  Highlights of past concert series have included Christmas at Versailles, a dinner-concert in collaboration with Maggie Beer, a reconstruction of J.S. Bach’s lost St Mark Passion, three productions of Medieval plays, a performance of Tallis’s forty-voice Spem in alium, and a number of projects in combination with exponents of Early Music and World Music.

The College Art Collection

Within the setting of the Walter Burley Griffin designed buildings the College has acquired an extensive collection of modern Australian art. From time to time, an exhibit of the Art Collection is held and opened to the public.

The College Play

Each year, members of the College gather to perform a play for the enjoyment of the rest of the College and the general public. The play is produced, directed, managed and performed by students of the College, and is always of a high standard. An enjoyable night for all who attend!

Debating and Public Speaking

The College, the University and the Melbourne community provide a host of opportunities for those interested in Debating and Public Speaking.

Soirées and the Peter L’Estrange SJ Music Prize

Soirées are held a few times each year and provide an opportunity for students to perform in front of the College. Whether you play an instrument, sing, or write poetry, soirées are always a great night and a great chance to showcase your talents. The Peter L'Estrange SJ Music Prize is awarded to a student of the College in a special Soiree.

The Peter Steele SJ Prize for Poetry or Prose

This annual award is made to a student of the College for a piece of poetry or prose. The Prize is organised by a Committee of the Senior Common Room.

The Michael Scott Art Prize

The Senior Common Room offers the Michael Scott Art Prize, which welcomes submissions from all forms of Art on a theme decided each year.

Intercollegiate activities

The Intercollegiate Arts Committee organises several activities each year, including: Battle of the Bands, intercollegiate debating and public speaking, intercollegiate soirée and more.