Introducing JESSA.

A vocal ensemble of soaring soprano and alto voices, conducted by Jane Edwards.

We are JESSA.

A group of passionate musicians bringing the finest choral music to Hobart.

Led by Jane Edwards, one of Australia’s most celebrated classical singers, we create transcendent musical experiences for our audiences and choristers.

JESSA Christmas Sing

Friday December 13th, 7pm | St Mary’s Cathedral, nipaluna / Hobart

Mark your calendars with JESSA’s final 2024 performance. Details about our Christmas programme coming soon.

Jane Edwards, Musical Director

[Postponed] The Sun Never Says

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our spring programme, The Sun Never Says, has been postponed. We look forward to seeing you an our annual Christmas season performance on 13 December 2024. Thank you for your understanding.

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Friday September 27th, 7pm | St Mary’s Cathedral, nipaluna / Hobart

From profound to capricious, contemplative to exuberant, The Sun Never Says showcases JESSA’s artistry in repertoire from England, Canada, Norway, South Korea, Australia and the USA. This remarkable programme highlights music’s ability to convey powerful social messages, and to entertain.

Composers of note include the brilliant Joshua Shank, Thomas Lavoy, Dominic DiOrio, Kim Arnesen and Dan Forrest, as well as beloved Australians Paul Stanhope and Dan Walker.

We are overjoyed to welcome Meriel Owen as guest pianist, and Tracey Patten on percussion. Rumours of appearances by a-ha, Kate Miller-Heidke and a duck cannot be confirmed at this time.

Jane Edwards, Musical Director

Meriel Owen, Pianist

Tracy Patten, Percussionist

Musicality. Rigour. Community. Fun.

JESSA was born from a passion for creating exceptional music together.

Three choristers singing in a rehearsal setting

Meet our team

  • Image of Jane Edwards standing in front of seated choir, conducting and singing

    Jane Edwards

    Musical Director and Conductor

  • Sarah Chick

    Pianist

‘Thank you for another superb concert last night. Such a treat for all the senses and a balm for the soul. The discovery of And So It Goes had me, and others, rapidly revisiting Billy Joel’s back catalogue. Bravo!’

JANE LONGHURST (actor, performer, broadcaster, and voice artist), about JESSA’s Spring Sing performance, including an a cappella rendition of Billy Joel’s And So It Goes, September 2023

‘JESSA Chorus are out here casually nailing everything they put their minds and hearts to - they somehow seem to understand decades-ago me better than I understood myself at the time. How they do it, I don’t know, but their collective musicality is incredibly unique. ❤️’

BEN VAN TIENEN (composer and musical director), about JESSA’s performance of his piece Hear Me, April 2023

JESSA is a community of musicians dedicated to the highest level of choral singing, created in a joyous environment.

Find out more about what we do and how to join the choir.