Our Story

Every community has a beginning. Ours began with a simple belief—that music has the power to bring people together.

When Brendan O’Donnell moved from Melbourne to Bali in 2008, he brought with him a lifetime of experience in music, education, and choir leadership. Having spent decades conducting choirs and inspiring singers in Australia, he quickly recognised something special about Bali—its warmth, cultural richness, and strong sense of community.

At the same time, he noticed something missing.

There were many talented musicians on the island, but there was no open, multicultural community choir where people from different backgrounds could simply come together and sing.

So in 2009, with a vision, a passion for music, and a handful of enthusiastic singers, Bali Community Choir was born in Sanur.

What started as a small gathering of voices soon became something much greater.

Week after week, more people joined—Indonesians and internationals, experienced singers and complete beginners, young professionals, retirees, artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and families. Different languages, cultures, and life stories came together with one thing in common: a love of music.

Over the years, the choir has grown into a vibrant musical family of around 60 members, performing at community celebrations, charity events, memorial services, Christmas concerts, and cultural gatherings across Bali.

But beyond the performances, Bali Community Choir has always been about something deeper.

It is about friendship.
It is about belonging.
It is about creating connections through music.

Today, that original vision remains unchanged:

To create a place where everyone is welcome, every voice matters, and music builds community.

And our story is still being written—one rehearsal, one performance, and one voice at a time.