With the weather turning so cold, we have a sure way of getting warm – rug up, get inside – and sing! Or go and listen to choral music in its infinite variety. Snow-bound Europeans have known this to be true for years, Tasmania defies the wintry chill with its annual Festival of Voices – and now The School of Hard Knocks is getting excited about its eighth Melbourne International Singers Festival. From June 8—12 there’s plenty to occupy participants with a packed program. As the organisers tell it…
“Now celebrating its 8th year, the annual Melbourne International Singers Festival showcases world renowned artists, performers and educators in the magnificent venues in Melbourne’s arts precinct.Our concert program for 2017 has just been launched, featuring –
- Co-cheol, award-winning a cappella quartet with spine-tingling harmonies taking you on a journey to the Celts and beyond.
- THECHO!R one of Melbourne’s most exciting non-auditioned choirs, created and conducted by Dr Jonathon Welch AM.
- The spectacular Divine Divas of Sunbury conducted by Adam Przewlocki and Musica (Queensland) conducted by Melissa Gill.
The Festival has a very proud history of premiering new works and composers at the Festival. We are following this tradition again and are excited to perform –
- The Australian Premiere of Tobias and the Angel by Jonathan Dove. Conducted by Patrick Burns. Featuring XL Arts and the School’s massed Absolutely Everybody choir. “It’s a “community opera” in the very best sense of the word … the sense of communal striving, communal uplift was palpable,” said Rodney Milnes of The Times.
- The World Premiere of Acquired Taste – A comedic look at community choirs – of choral proportions, written and directed by Andy Payne. Featuring THECHO!R directed by Dr Jonathon Welch AM.
- The Australian Book Launch premiere of INTUITIVE by Craigh Wilson
Dr Jonathon Welch AM, creator and founding Artistic Director of the School of Hard Knocks said this will be “a wonderful weekend of song and singing, workshops, masterclasses, rehearsals, performances, learning and friendships, made and renewed. We invite and warmly welcome all singers whether they are experienced or novice, sing in a choir, ensemble as a solo performer or just in the shower!”
There is something for everyone to enjoy at #MISF17! An unforgettable experience not just a Festival.”
Well, that’s the pitch! Proceeds support the School of Hard Knocks, which was launched in 2012 as an extension of the work created by Jonathon with the award winning Choir of Hard Knocks in 2006, to empower marginalised and vulnerable Australians through the arts. The School delivers over 50,000 hours of arts and community music programs to over 3,500 Australians and offers programs in Victoria, Queensland and has recently commenced in regional New South Wales.
Grab a coat and scarf and, before you head out, check out all the details at http://schoolofhardknocks.org.au/sohk/events
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Melbourne International Singers Festival supplied this information to Classic Melbourne.
