About The Cleftomaniacs
The Cleftomaniacs (affectionately known as The “Cleffies”) is an all-female community-based a cappella group. Based in Sydney, we currently have around 15 members.
We share a love of singing together, performing and blending different vocal sounds and rhythms. Most often we sing in four-part harmony.
Our aim is to have fun, develop as performers and spread the joy of a cappella music. Our approach combines musicality with persistence and good humour!
We perform at public and private events. As we are not-for-profit, any fees charged are reinvested in the group.
We share a love of singing together, performing and blending different vocal sounds and rhythms. Most often we sing in four-part harmony.
Our aim is to have fun, develop as performers and spread the joy of a cappella music. Our approach combines musicality with persistence and good humour!
We perform at public and private events. As we are not-for-profit, any fees charged are reinvested in the group.
Repertoire
The Cleffies’ repertoire spans the 60s, 70s, 80s, and up to the present day. It draws on a wide range of traditions - pop, jazz, folk, soul, blues and musical theatre. We also sing carols at Christmas time.
Rehearsals
The Cleffies rehearse on Thursday 7pm - 9pm during school terms at our current location - Alexandria Town Hall at 73 Garden Street. It’s a short walk from Redfern Train Station and Waterloo Metro Station.
History
The Cleftomaniacs was founded in 1992 by a group of enthusiastic amateurs who took a course in a cappella singing with Dale Caldwell. Under the direction of Gary Smith, the group grew to 25 in number and gained a reputation for great harmonies, diversity in repertoire and regular participation in major choral festivals in NSW, interstate and in New Zealand.
After Gary stepped down in 2018, the group consolidated its focus under the direction of Joanna Weinberg (till Dec 2023), as an all-female a cappella group. We then had Dr. Lillian Hearne (she/her) as our director until June 2025. From July 2025, we have Ricky Allan as our current musical director.
Inquiries
For inquiries, please click here
The Cleffies’ repertoire spans the 60s, 70s, 80s, and up to the present day. It draws on a wide range of traditions - pop, jazz, folk, soul, blues and musical theatre. We also sing carols at Christmas time.
Rehearsals
The Cleffies rehearse on Thursday 7pm - 9pm during school terms at our current location - Alexandria Town Hall at 73 Garden Street. It’s a short walk from Redfern Train Station and Waterloo Metro Station.
History
The Cleftomaniacs was founded in 1992 by a group of enthusiastic amateurs who took a course in a cappella singing with Dale Caldwell. Under the direction of Gary Smith, the group grew to 25 in number and gained a reputation for great harmonies, diversity in repertoire and regular participation in major choral festivals in NSW, interstate and in New Zealand.
After Gary stepped down in 2018, the group consolidated its focus under the direction of Joanna Weinberg (till Dec 2023), as an all-female a cappella group. We then had Dr. Lillian Hearne (she/her) as our director until June 2025. From July 2025, we have Ricky Allan as our current musical director.
Inquiries
For inquiries, please click here
