The University of Newcastle's award-winning Chamber Choir has taken out three first prizes at the McDonald's Sydney Eisteddfod.

The Choir, which won the Seven Network's Battle of the Choirs in 2008, won the John Lamble Open Choral Championship prize last night and was awarded a $6,000 cash prize. The Choir also won the City of Sydney Chamber Choir Award and the Sacred Music Award.

This money will help fund the Choir's future projects including its upcoming trip to Shaoxing, China where it will compete in the Sixth World Choir Games from 15 - 26 July 2010.

The group has also been named one of just four choirs to perform at the opening ceremony of the Games.

Before the 42-member Choir heads to China, it will present a special farewell and fundraising concert at Newcastle City Hall on 27 June 2010 from 2pm. The program will feature both contemporary Australian and traditional Chinese music. Members of the public are invited to attend this concert.

In addition to money generated by the Choir's fundraising events, the China trip is being supported by several donations from Hunter businesses and the general community.

Anyone wishing to support the Chamber Choir can contact the University of Newcastle Foundation on 02 4921 7454 or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation for more information.