Celebrating its 8th year, the School of Hard Knocks is thrilled to present the Melbourne International Singers Festival at Deakin Edge, Federation Square and the Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank from 8 to 12 June 2017.
The annual Melbourne International Singers Festival showcases world renowned artists, performers and educators including Richard Gill AO, who will lead the massed choir rehearsals, workshops and the Best of British finale concert.
The concert program over the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend includes: the spectacular Divine Divas of Sunbury conducted by Adam Przewlocki, Musica (Queensland) conducted by Melissa Gill, MEN ALOUD! conducted by Jonathon Welch AM, and featuring special Guest Conductor, Richard Gill AO; and Co-cheòl, award winning a cappella quartet with spine tingling harmonies taking you on a journey to the Celts and beyond, and THECHO!R – one of Melbourne’s most exciting non auditioned choirs, created and conducted by Jonathon Welch AM.
The Festival has a very proud history of premiering new works and composers. In 2017, the Festival presents: the Australian premiere of Jonathan Dove’s Tobias and the Angel – conducted by Patrick Burns, and featuring XL Arts and the massed Absolutely Everybody choir; the world premiere of Acquired Taste – a comedic look at community choirs – of choral proportions, written and directed by Andy Payne and featuring THECHO!R directed by Jonathon Welch AM; and the Australian book launch 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,” he said. “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!”
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.
Melbourne International Singers Festival
Deakin Edge, Federation Square & Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank
Dates: 8 – 12 June 2017
Information and Bookings: www.schoolofhardknocks.org.au
Image: Singers at the Melbourne International Singers Festival (supplied)