Empowering girls for 40 years

For 40 years, the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) has been proud to play a role in growing girls into confident, young leaders; empowering choristers to find their voices and reach their full potential. 

This year has been a momentous one for the AGC, marked by significant milestones that reflect our rich history and the dedication of our exceptional leaders. As we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we are reminded of the core values that underpin our philosophy: mentoring, role modelling, and leadership. Parents often share how their daughters flourish not only in the performing arts but also grow in confidence and self-esteem as they develop leadership skills surrounded by strong and positive female role models.

We are delighted to shine the spotlight on three incredible leaders who have each reached significant personal milestones in 2024. This September, we celebrated the 95th birthday of our esteemed Founder, Judith Curphey OAM. Her visionary leadership laid the foundation for our choir’s success and her continued influence is a source of inspiration for us all. Additionally, we congratulate Nicole Muir AM, our Chief Executive Officer, and Vicki King, our Artistic Director – two creative and driven women who are celebrating 30 years of service.

We invite you to explore how we instil these values in our young singers and witness the transformative experience firsthand. Join us for a complimentary class at our November Open Day and discover the enriching opportunities awaiting your daughter at the Australian Girls Choir.

Our Founders Legacy

Our culture of positive female leadership was born at the AGC when, at the age of 55, Judith embarked on a remarkable journey by founding the Australian Girls Choir. Her commitment to empowering young people through music has not only shaped our choir but has also provided many opportunities for both staff and students. Under her guidance, the Australian Girls Choir has evolved into an internationally recognised cultural icon, recently expanding to Singapore.

Judith’s legacy is a powerful reminder of how one woman’s vision can create pathways for future generations. Her journey illustrates that it’s never too late to lead and inspire. Girls who join our choir are not only nurtured musically but are also immersed in an environment that champions mentorship.

“The confidence of Judith’s decision to start the Australian Girls Choir when she was 55 lives large at ASPA. Not only has she instilled many traditional values in us all but she has also challenged us to stretch and strive, and absolutely never rest on our laurels.” – Nicole Muir AM, ASPA CEO

This ethos encourages our choristers to strive for excellence and embrace their potential as future leaders.

From Founding Chorister to Artistic Director

A unique aspect of our organisation is the number of people who have made the transition from chorister to staff member and have seen their careers expand and grow at the Australian Girls Choir. Judith Curphey OAM is proud to have created a culture where girls are encouraged to continue their association with the AGC beyond their time as a chorister.

“The little girls who started 40 years ago are now, running the choir under Nicole.” – Judith Curphey OAM

Among these talented individuals is Vicki King, our Artistic Director, who started her journey with the AGC as one of the first choristers in 1984. After years of honing her craft, she returned as a Tutor and now leads our music team; contributing enormously to the heart, soul, and creativity of our organisation. Her extensive musical knowledge and talent have been pivotal in shaping our music curriculum and guiding the vocal and musical growth of thousands of choristers. Under her leadership, Vicki and her team curate vibrant and eclectic repertoire each season, blending pop songs, musical theatre favourites, international pieces, and classic choral works into a rich and diverse concert experience. Vicki’s commitment and creativity highlight the importance of female role models in leadership positions.

“Isn’t it wonderful for the girls to look to the top and see such inspirational female figures leading the institution?” – Helena Westwood Dix

This representation is crucial for our choristers, showing them that they too, can aspire to such roles. Leadership opportunities are woven into the fabric of our choir, reinforcing the potential for every girl to lead, regardless of her starting point. In our choir, girls are encouraged to take on leadership roles as they grow. Through mentoring opportunities and positions like Choir Leader, girls learn valuable skills such as teamwork, resilience, and effective communication. These experiences empower them to become the confident leaders of tomorrow.

“When I was younger, I always looked up to the Choir Leaders and all the Performing Choir girls. I remember seeing them on concert days and at rehearsals and they were so polished and so talented. I wanted to be like them when I grew up. That became a huge motivator for me because it was something I aspired to.” – Clare Wever, AGC Alumni

Our CEO’s Journey

In 1994, Nicole Muir AM responded to a newspaper ad for an Administrator, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey with the Australian Girls Choir. Nicole’s visionary leadership elevated her to the role of CEO of ASPA, where she has played a pivotal role in guiding, growing, and shaping our organisation into what it is today. Her deep conviction in the transformative power of the performing arts, combined with her passion for girls’ education, has inspired her to mentor and empower her team, creating opportunities for young people across Australia and beyond.

Nicole’s commitment to leadership reflects the belief that “you can’t be what you can’t see.” By showcasing successful female leaders, we inspire our choristers to envision themselves in similar roles.

“My eldest daughter now 21 received early entry into our local Universities Global Leadership program based on her leadership in the choir.” – Sarah Charge, NSW Parent

Inspiring the Next Generation

Our shared desire to develop, maintain and continue our culture of positive leadership at the AGC flows down from ASPA Directors and permeates through to the staff to pass onto choristers to take into their own lives and assist with their future endeavours.

We are privileged to have three impressive female leaders – Judith, Nicole and Vicki – at the helm of the Australian Girls Choir. Their creativity, courage, and leadership serve as powerful examples for the 6,500 girls who attend our choir each week. May their influence inspire each chorister to dream big, embrace their passions, and recognise that purpose and commitment can lead to success.

Are you ready to see for yourself the wealth of possibilities at the AGC? Join us for a complimentary class at our November Open Day! Places are limited, so registration is essential.

Please visit our Open Day page for further details including venue locations and class timetables. We look forward to welcoming you and inspiring the next generation of female leaders!