Our Story
Founded in 1998
by George Combis
In 1998, the choir was founded by Protopsaltis George Combis — a Sydney-based chanter who trained under his father, Father John Combis. Originally established as the Sydney Byzantine Choir, it later became the Australian Byzantine Choir to reflect its growing national prominence.
Our mission from the very beginning: to spread the transcendent beauty of Byzantine chant — a musical art-form that originated in the heart of the Byzantine Empire, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Today, our ensemble of eighteen singers drawn from parishes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia carries that mission forward — not only through performances, but through parish training, community seminars, and charitable service.
“A custodian of 2,000 years of musical tradition.”Australian Byzantine Choir
18 Voices,
One Ancient Sound
Our eighteen singers are all active chanters serving in parishes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. They bring together deep liturgical experience and a shared commitment to authentic performance practice.
The choir has performed at Sydney Festival, Australia Day celebrations, St Andrew's Cathedral, St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney University, the Enmore Theatre, and Carnivale Christi — as well as interstate in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Tasmania.
We accept bookings for weddings, christenings, and special ceremonies. The choir is also available for press, documentary, and collaboration enquiries.
Choirmaster
Scoufis
George Scoufis
Choirmaster · Australian Byzantine ChoirGeorge Scoufis serves as Choirmaster of the Australian Byzantine Choir, bringing a deep expertise in Byzantine musicology and a contemporary musical vision to one of Australia's most distinctive choral ensembles.
His approach to Byzantine chant is defined by an innovative use of powerful drones, intertwined with ancient melodies and dynamic phrasing — honouring the integrity of the tradition while giving it new life for contemporary audiences.
Under his direction, the choir has continued to grow as both a performing ensemble and a living educational institution, training parish chanters and introducing Byzantine chant to new communities across Australia.
What Is Byzantine Chant?
Byzantine chant is the sacred music tradition of the Eastern Christian Church, originating in the Byzantine Empire over 2,000 years ago. It is a monophonic, modal form of chanting — built on a system of eight modes called the oktoechos — and transmitted through a unique form of musical notation developed by Byzantine scholars.
In 2019, UNESCO formally recognised Byzantine chant as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its survival and revival in contemporary Australia is a testament to the communities who have kept it alive across centuries and continents.
Experience the Music
We perform regularly across Sydney and interstate. Book tickets to our next performance or get in touch for bookings and enquiries.