About to celebrate its 40th anniversary! The choir was founded in February 1969 when conductor, Don Whitbread, and his pianist wife, Barbara, issued an invitation to local children soon after they moved to Canberra. Twenty-two young singers responded and the Choir was born. The Choir quickly grew to a regular membership of seventy and it soon began making its mark in Canberra. It wasn't long before news of the Choir began spreading outside the national capital and they soon established a reputation throughout Australia.
There have been many memorable highlights down the years. They have appeared before the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on three occasions, sung for the Prime Minister many times, performed with the Australian Opera, with symphony orchestras, and at major concerts with international guest artists. One of the occasions that will remain as the highlight of their choir membership will be singing at the ceremony for the conferring of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws on Nelson Mandela in 2000.
WVYC has hosted many national and international choral groups and has revealed in the exchange of music and friendship with each of them. Performing with Yale Glee Club on their 2005 Australian Tour will be a cherished memory as will that of dancing and singing with the Bodo Cathedral Youth Choir. Indeed, each of the visiting groups has left a lasting impression and has helped WVYC to become better performers, listeners and world citizens.
WVYC has recorded four albums, a one hour television special and four CDs. They can be heard on 'Macca on Air - Songs from Australia All Over', and on the international Christmas CD, 'the Children's Gift' in company with the Vienna Boys Choir and other world renowned choirs.
WVYC has undertaken six overseas tours, the most recent in 2006 when they participated in two International Choral Festivals in Pocatello, Idaho and Missoula, Montana.
At the end of 1996 Don Whitbread retired as President and Musical Director of the Choir after 28 years. He was named Canberra Citizen of the Year in March 1997. Don also received an OAM for service to music in 1980. The current artistic director of the choir is Alpha Gregory, a well-known Canberra choral director and music educator.