Musical Director and Founder : Daniel Pamenter-Calder. A graduate of the Queensland University of Technology with degrees in both Music and Education, Daniel has a special love of choral music and is highly regarded for his work within the community choir movement in Queensland.

He is a past Musical Director of the Caloundra Chorale and Theatre Company, leading them to “Champion Choir” status at the 2005 Queensland Eisteddfod, and the Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir, one of the oldest community choral bodies in the country, celebrating 120 years in 2006.

November 2005 saw Daniel found the Oriana Concert Choir, now a branch of Oriana Arts Inc, based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

In 2001, he was acknowledged as one of the states “leading choral conductors” and presently works as an Academic Music Specialist, Primary School Teacher and is in demand as a Choral Clinician.

Accompanist : Janet Brewer. Janet began playing piano in Brisbane at the age of seven. She has since studied under Betty Vergara, Leah Horwitz, Natasha Vlassenko and most recently Jenni Flemming. She attained a L.Mus.A in piano, October 1997, a Master of Music Studies, Queensland Conservatorium, November 2004, and is currently studying towards a Masters in Piano Performance also at the Queensland Conservatorium. Janet is in demand as an accompanist for performances at exams, recitals, competitions, eisteddfods and auditions for all levels up to L.Mus.A and Masters.

She regularly performs with the Pacific Chamber Players as pianist, and with Suncoast Sinfonia as clarinettist, and has been choir accompanist for both Noosa Chorale and Sunshine Coast Choral Society.

Apart from enjoying accompanying Oriana Concert Choir, Janet teaches piano, flute, clarinet and theory of music in her home studio.

Assistant Conductor / Accompanist : Fay Baker. Fay studied piano and cello at the Royal Academy of Music in London. In Australia her career began as an accompanist in the Vocal Departments of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and the University of Queensland. She has been accompanist of the Brisbane Chorale, the Conservatorium Chamber Singers and the University Chamber Choir. Fay was principal accompanist for the International Choral Conducting Schools in 1999 and 2000 in Brisbane, and also accompanist at the International Workshops held at the QCM in July 2001.

Since moving to the Sunshine Coast Fay has been the accompanist and Assistant Conductor of the Sunshine Coast Choral Society, before joining the Oriana Concert Choir in February, 2007. She is at present a Guest Vocal Coach at Opera Queensland in Brisbane working with the Young Artists.

President : Melissa Innes. A Human Resource Consultant, research assistant and part-time tutor at The University of the Sunshine Coast, and Mother of three, Melissa fulfills this demanding leadership role with skills developed during her diverse career in Project Management and Human Resource Management.

Secretary : Susie Hodges. A busy part time Registered Nurse and full time mother of three, Susie successfully juggles the fulfilling role of managing the administrative affairs of the choir.

Treasurer / Concert Manager : Nettie Knox. This retired school administrator and supportive community volunteer manages all the finances of the incorporation including sourcing grants and funding opportunities, as well as undertaking the role of concert manager for Oriana's various performances.

Vice President : Sharon Fitness. Sharon handles the publicity and promotion of the choir and as vice-president assists the president. In the 'real' world Sharon is PR manager for cable television's Australian Christian Channel.

Committee Members : Cath Galloway, Kendall Snowden and Joachim Rother.

Membership : Kendall Snowden. A retired primary school teacher, Kendall welcomes members each week to sign in and pay their $5 rehearsal fee. Kendall liases with new and current members to ensure open and active two-way communication is maintained.

Wardrobe : Barb White. Multi-talented Barb assists members with all their uniform needs, whether it be making a new uniform, alterations or preparing for a performance.

Library : Cath Galloway. An active member of the local theatre community and primary music teacher, Cath maintains our growing library, ensuring members have everything they need for each rehearsal period and performance.

What does the name Oriana mean?: The name Oriana dates from the era of Queen Elizabeth I of England, when the art of madrigal writing was at its peak. The name Gloriana, shortened to Oriana, was a fanciful name for the Monarch. The finest composers of the time contributed beautiful and intricate compositions to a series of madrigals known as “The Triumphs of Oriana” as a tribute to the Queen. Each song from the group ended with the refrain, "Long Live Fair Oriana". Seeking a name that evoked a classic mood, founder Daniel Calder drew the name of the choir from this collection of choral works.

Where do you rehearse?: We rehearse every Thursday night at the Immanuel Lutheran College Junior School Hall, off Wises Road, Buderim. Rehearsal starts at 7:15 sharp and runs until 9:30. We have a short break in the middle.

Where do you hold your concerts?: Concerts are held in a variety of Sunshine Coast and South East Queensland venues including: St. John's Cathedral, Brisbane, Lake Kawana Community Centre, Buderim War Memorial Hall and Immanuel Lutheran Church on the Sunshine Coast.

What type of repertoire do you perform?: Oriana enjoys a wide repertoire from classical, sacred and period works to modern, contemporary and world music.

Do I need to audition if I want to become a member?: New members are required to undergo a short voice placement audition. While the ability to read music and previous choral experience are an advantage, all you need is a good ear for music and to enjoy singing.

Do you have a uniform?: Ladies wear a long a-line skirt, black tank top and teal green overblouse which can be purchased for $80.00. Gentlemen wear their own black dinner suits with a black tie. All members wear our lovely 'O' brooch/lapel clip.

How do I become a member of Oriana?: Members pay a $50 annual membership fee and $5 per rehearsal attended. For more information see the 'Join us' page. Or contact us today.