Our Committee Members

Musical Director of La La La since July 2004, Paola Bastreri-Grey originally trained as a clarinettist, gaining her B.Mus. and Dip.Ed. from the University of Melbourne. Paola has broad musical experience including orchestral and band conducting, chamber music, orchestral performance, and instrumental and classroom teaching. 

Since taking up singing, Paola has successfully completed a Dip.Mus. at the Melba Conservatorium of Music and gained her A.Mus.A. in singing from the A.M.E.B. In addition to her work with La La La, she continues to teach clarinet, conducting, and singing; directs the a cappella vocal group, Colla Voce; and is Principal Artist and Choral Scholar in the choir of St John’s Anglican Church, Toorak.  In order to continue her own development as a singer, Paola has regular lessons with renowned voice coach Suzanne Johnston.

Combining her interest in languages and music, Paola lectured for four years in Italian Language and Diction to singers at Melbourne University and the Melba Conservatorium.  She has run clinics in Foreign Language Vocal Coaching through Melbourne Youth Music, and she is currently freelancing as a language coach.

In 2023, Stuart entered his 20th year as the president of La La La. Representing our tenor section, Stuart's enthusiasm is infectious, and his Dad jokes inevitable.

"I started with La La La at the end of 2002.  At Easter 2004, the then manager of the choir left to go back and live in France. I asked someone who would take over and was told that I would.  Not long after our musical director left us, I found Paola who has been with us ever since.  Although composed pieces like Salve Regina and “Calme des Nuits” give me much more satisfaction musically, I love the weird stories you get from the folk tradition and the energy you get from the drinking songs!"

"I joined the bass section of La La La on the invitation of a friend and fellow choir member in early 2020, just prior to the Covid epidemic. Though rehearsals were long interrupted, Paola the director conducted in-depth lessons online and the choir received a wonderful musical and linguistic education. I have always loved singing, and long ago briefly joined another choir, but without any training. The opportunity now to sing again with this choral group is enjoyable and rewarding."

"I joined La La La in 2011. I was interested in taking up choir singing again after a long time. I started looking online and I was so excited not only to find a choir but a French one. I had studied French at the Sorbonne and lived in France as a student. I thoroughly enjoy singing in La La La - great people, interesting and varied repertoire, and a great director."

"My introduction to La La La was in July 2017 when I attended the annual concert recognising Bastille day. Having retired and then devoted 2 years to helping with my baby grandchildren, I was ready for some personal time. Having sung in many choirs and loved French at school, the advertisement for the concert was very appealing. The first gig I sang with the choir was just 3 months later, and it was such a buzz being back in a choral family - and we are like a family. Three years later I became the Treasurer and here I am today with all those wonderful gigs behind me and many more to come."

I joined the choir in 2022. Having sung in a couple of  other choirs and deciding to take up French lessons (after having started 40 years previously at school!), I thought what a great way to combine two interests. It is a wonderful experience to sing with other people, especially such a diverse and interesting repertoire - Vive La Chorale! 

Jim joined the committee as a general member in 2026

In a previous life I was heavily involved in performance, both choral and instrumental, but with life and work taking precedence and moving in other directions, I found I had allowed music to slip down the priority list and had lost touch with my musical self.  Finding La La La, in 2025 has been a personal joy and helping to make the choir as good as it can be via participation as well as working within the Committee is a privilege and a pleasure, well worth the time invested. 

"After the pandemic, I wanted to find a creative outlet that was local. So in 2022 I found La La La and was immediately embraced by the members. It has been the perfect combination of music education, language learning and chorale performance experience. As the resident Zillenial, I have embarked on helping the choir build up their social media and online presence." 

Chloe joined the committee in 2023 and then in 2026 the role as digital editor and online marketer has been carved out