Irene Bennetts has spent a lifetime singing professionally. These days, she gets her biggest thrill from helping other people discover their voices.
By Irene Bennetts
I SPENT more than 40 years as a professional singer and 20 years teaching singing in primary and secondary schools before I turned my attention to adults.
Starting Sisters & Misters was a way of reinventing myself while staying true to what I love most: helping people discover the joy of singing.
The Melbourne version of the choir started in 2009 and the Phillip Island version is entering its eight year. They’re non-auditioned choirs. Anyone can join, even if they think they can't sing.
I SPENT more than 40 years as a professional singer and 20 years teaching singing in primary and secondary schools before I turned my attention to adults.
Starting Sisters & Misters was a way of reinventing myself while staying true to what I love most: helping people discover the joy of singing.
The Melbourne version of the choir started in 2009 and the Phillip Island version is entering its eight year. They’re non-auditioned choirs. Anyone can join, even if they think they can't sing.
Sisters & Misters: the Phillip Island choir rehearses fortnightly.
Many of our members are shower singers. Others sang in choirs years ago and have become a bit rusty. We sing songs people grew up with and still love, and that familiarity helps people find the confidence to join in.
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One of the greatest pleasures is watching people arrive as complete strangers and gradually become friends. Singing together creates a sense of belonging. It brings people together in a way that few other activities can.
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SISTERS & MISTERS are back fortnightly at Newhaven Primary School on Tuesdays from 6pm to 8pm. Next session Tuesday 28th July Contact Irene on 0412822126 or [email protected] |
I've worked hard to make the choir welcoming, supportive and inclusive. I especially love seeing different generations singing side by side. Music has a wonderful way of breaking down barriers and reminding us of what we have in common.
As someone who's spent a lifetime performing, it's enormously satisfying to give other people the chance to experience that same excitement. You can see members grow in confidence as they realise they're capable of much more than they imagined.
There are plenty of songs that always lift a room, but I Still Call Australia Home seems to touch almost everyone. It reminds us how fortunate we are to live in this country. Hearing a full choir sing it together is always a special moment.
Some of my proudest memories have come when my Phillip Island and Melbourne choirs have joined forces. In 2025, more than 100 members travelled to Hobart, where we performed at venues across the city and sang with the local choir Sing for Your Life. That was an unforgettable experience.
There are plenty of songs that always lift a room, but I Still Call Australia Home seems to touch almost everyone. It reminds us how fortunate we are to live in this country. Hearing a full choir sing it together is always a special moment.
Some of my proudest memories have come when my Phillip Island and Melbourne choirs have joined forces. In 2025, more than 100 members travelled to Hobart, where we performed at venues across the city and sang with the local choir Sing for Your Life. That was an unforgettable experience.
Sisters & Misters, the combined choirs, World Rotary Convention, Melbourne, 2023
If you've ever thought, "I'd love to sing, but I'm not good enough," come along and give it a go. The Phillip Island choir is warm, friendly and welcoming, and we have a lot of fun. You might just discover you can sing after all.