According to the Oxford dictionary, the definition of 'serendipity' is 'the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.'

The word 'serendipity' originated from Serendip, a Persian name for Sri Lanka. It was coined by the English politican and writer Horace Walpole (1717-1797) after 'The Three Princes of Serendip', a Persian fairy tale in which the heroes were 'always making fortunate discoveries by accidents and sagacity, of things they were not in quest of'.

Serendipity: the choir is a Southern Highlands community choir, founded in February 2008. We are based in the beautiful village of Bundanoon, from where two-thirds of our singers come. Others travel from various locations - Exeter, Moss Vale, Werrai, Robertson, Burradoo, Mittagong, Goulburn, Tallong and Bowral - to be part of this dynamic ensemble.

Serendipity: the choir has enjoyment as its prime reason for existence, Enjoyment by the singers of the repertoire selected for each 'themed' concert, and listening enjoyment for our audiences. To achieve this seemingly simple goal requires much hard work and dedication by the choristers as we aim for choral excellence. The overwhelming response to our music-making since we began has vindicated the decision to form a choir which aims to provide choral pleasure for the wider community. We now have Serendipity 'groupies' who travel regularly from Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne to attend our concerts.

The choir of some thirty voices is not auditioned in the traditional sense. New singers are offered the chance to join as 'potential' choristers, and their position in the choir is determined after several weeks of actual participation in rehearsals.

The greatest strength of Serendipity: the choir lies in its singers, the choristers themselves, and their dedication, enthusiasm and involvement in the life of the choir. We are now a closely knit group in which each singer receives support and encouragement from others, and all feel a strong sense of ownership of the choir.

Members of the general community also support us in website development, administration, library organisation, photography and ticket sales. Our status as a sub-committee of the Bundanoon Community Association (www.bundanoon.nsw.au) provides insurance cover as well as an excellent rehearsal and performance venue.