Reviews and Testimonials
Hear from our audience
‘Beautiful voices blended together, combined with enthusiasm,created an amazing, wonderful sound. I could have listened for hours! You had perfect intonation and emotional expressions. Inspired by Jane Edwards, you showed no fear but the love of singing. The program was inspiring, and all soloists contributed to a memorable concert.’
Helena Griggs, June 2026‘I went in with no expectations, and I was just simply blown away.’
Audience member, June 2026‘JESSA never fails to impress! The hard work, talent and passion every member brings to each performance are truly inspiring. Every concert is beautifully presented and such a joy to watch. Congratulations to everyone involved on another fantastic experience. I can’t wait to see what comes next!’
Hannah Barker, June 2026‘It was an evening of joy and delight. The repertoire was the perfect mix of emotion, and all so beautifully sung. The addition of the cello, clarinet and percussion to the stunning pianist added another layer entirely. I just loved it all.’
Pauline Roche, June 2026‘It’s such a privilege to hear strong, professional choral music reverberate through the space. JESSA took me outside of myself and allowed me to suspend for a time within the power of their collective voices.’
Matthew Stolp, June 2026‘I got a chance to attend a JESSA rehearsal as a photographer and left feeling inspired to join a choir when I get back to the States. I could feel the joy and power in the room and miss being a part of something like it. I grew up involved in musical theatre and a cappella, and after hearing this group rehearse I remembered how important making music with other like-minded artists is to me.’
Maddie Beck, May 2026
At ABC Radio Hobart
Two of our singers, Kerry Bennett (Soprano 2) and Marisa McArthur (Soprano 1) had the pleasure of appearing on ABC’s Tasmania Afternoons with Joel Reinberger in May and December 2024.
We talked about our 2024 performances and the wonders of the Tasmanian classical singing scene.
‘We had the most wonderful time at your concert last night! Thank you for the truly beautiful music. The music brought both of us to tears, because it reminded us of how significant choral music was in our lives and how much we’ve missed it. We also love your focus on recent repertoire. Thank you for such a special evening.
Audience member, September 2023
‘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, rapid revisiting Billy Joel’s back catalogue. Bravo!’
Jane Longhurst, September 2023
‘I loved, loved, loved last night’s concert. Amazing in so many ways. You filled my heart with joy and my soul with beautiful music. Thank you.’
Penny McDonald, September 2023
Ben van Tienen
‘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, April 2023
About JESSA’s performance of his piece Hear Me, April 2023. Learn more here.
‘We were extremely lucky last night to see the most superb concert from Hobart’s newest choir JESSA. It was a program of exceptional beauty and complexity of tone, expression and repertoire. Jane Edwards is the inspiration for the choir and clearly its guiding angel (as she is for so many lucky Hobart singers). On top of the delight of every single moment was the satisfaction of knowing this titan of the Tasmanian musical world was being acknowledged, at least for an evening, for her years of guidance and loving support for so many. Congratulations to accompanist Michael Power and to every single one of the choir who shone throughout.’
Rod Anderson, former board member Theatre Royal, Theatre Council of Tasmania, and Contemporary Arts Tasmania, October 2022
Read the full post here.
‘JESSA is a new treble choir filling the niche in the Hobart choral scene encompassing classical repertoire, accessible new work and delightful reinterpretations of well-known standards. Having premiered during the 2022 Festival of Voices, the choir has grown into something of substance, power and great beauty.’
Anne Blythe-Cooper, Stage Whispers, October 2022
Read the full review here.
‘A new choir consisting of teenagers through to [people] in their 60s will hold its first official concert this week, promising a spellbinding and diverse program of material.’
Rob Inglis, The Mercury, 17 Oct 2022
Read the full article here.