Calliope formed in 2000 as a trio of secondary-school-aged recorder students, Daniel Cocks, Wade Tattersall and Joanne Coleman, taught by Malcolm Tattersall. In its first four years, Calliope presented concerts through the Townsville Community Music Centre (now MCNQ) and featured on the CD 'Music for Reflection' produced in 2002. After Joanne left to further her interests in dance and drama, Malcolm became a playing member. 

Daniel, Wade and Malcolm play baroque chamber music together regularly in The Telemann Ensemble but value the opportunity Calliope gives them to explore a wider variety of styles including jazz, world music and modern classical music.