By ALANA MITCHELSON
THE Voices of Casey will resonate as a chorus of hundreds at the Melbourne International Singers Festival this June.
Conducted by Dr Jonathon Welch, the founding director of the Choir of Hard Knocks which supports the homeless and disadvantaged of Melbourne, Voices of Casey will sing a few crowd favourites including John Farnham’s You’re The Voice before joining a mass of other choirs from across Victoria.
Together they will sing an hour-long Street Requiem in honour of those who have died on the streets.
The Voices of Casey choir of 50 is seeking at least 30 more members as they begin rehearsals for their annual performance at Melbourne Recital Centre over the Queen’s birthday long weekend.
American composer Kirby Shore will bring his expertise to Melbourne, hosting music workshops for the singers to co-incide with the festival.
Voices of Casey manager Paulien George said that singing was “very good for the soul”.
“Singing is a marvellous thing. You could be having a shockingly depressing day but when you’re surrounded with this amazing group of people and having a great time together, you feel 100 per cent better.
“All we ask is that our members sing in tune. There are no formal auditions. We are looking for people who simply enjoy singing.
“Our singers range in age from 25 to 80. All are welcome. It doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female.
“The Street Requiem is an absolutely moving piece and it’s a privilege to perform alongside other choirs.”
The choir will rehearse Monday nights at 7pm from 11 April at Fiddlers Green Retirement Village Berwick.
Proceeds from the festival will support the School of Hard Knocks and its provision of arts and cultural programs to disadvantaged members of the community.
