By ALANA MITCHELSON
ALL-GIRL group Co-cheòl has gone from strength to strength since being crowned the champions at the Australian A Cappella State Championships and placing second at nationals.
Most recently they were honoured to have been named the Best Up-and-Coming Celtic Act at the National Folk Festival last year.
The award-winning four-part vocal group met locally, with three of its members – Claire, Merrily and Ginger – having formed a friendship during their time performing with the Berwick Youth Choir as teenagers.
Now they will return to where it all began – the City of Casey – performing a Celtic concert to launch their first full-length album Stay A While, which explores Scottish and Irish music styles.
Fronted by singer and multi-instrumentalist Claire Patti, Co-cheòl blend the soft sounds of harp, French horn, flute, accordion and ukulele with their vocal harmonies.
Patti has performed with artists such as the Rolling Stones and the Australian Chamber Orchestra and was named Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2014 Australian Celtic Music Awards.
“I have an Irish background and grew up often signing with my family beside the piano,” Patti said.
“The members of our group are all good friends, and I think that comes through in our music. We sing so well together and understand how each other think, musically.
“When we harmonise, I think it’s something quite special.
“There are a variety of different songs on our album, including some originals that we’re excited about. One of the melodies has been written in the style of traditional Irish music.”
In two years, Co-cheòl has quickly become a strong presence in the Australian folk and A Cappella scenes.
Co-cheòl will perform at 2.30pm on 18 June at Harkaway Hall.
