Astra Chamber Music Society

found: Beyer, J.M. Sticky melodies, p2008:container (Astra Chamber Music Society) container insert (formed in 1951 in Melbourne; since 1978 under the direction of John McCaughey)

found: "We, like Salangan swallows ... ", 2018:insert, page 26 ("The Astra Chamber Music Society in Melbourne is a contemporary music organization with the 35-voice Astra Choir as its core group. Astra began in 1951, as a string orchestra of women musicians under Asta Flack ... Under the directorship of George Logie-Smith (1958-77) the Astra Choir was founded and the playing group extended to a professional chamber orchestra. ... Since John McCaughey succeeded as Musical Director in 1978, the choir has been the main focus of concerts, joined by leading contempoarary instrumental performers in a wide range of solo and ensemble music)