By Alana Mitchelson
THE voices of Gippsland’s ‘real life’ Von Trapp Family Singers will resonate in the halls of Beaconsfield Baptist Church next month.
Father of seven Gavin Chatelier recalled that from when he was five years old the other kids at primary school would bring in their toys or insects for class show-and-tell while all he wanted to do was sing a song.
He formed a band with classmates during high school with his dad taking out a personal bank loan to purchase the band’s first quality PA system.
Now a musician in his own right, Mr Chatelier is “living the dream” as a solo act after years of touring the world as the Chatelier Family Singers with his seven children – Jessika, Elijah, Jordan, Moses, Jotham, Isaiah and Grace.
His music has taken him nationwide and on international tours to the United States, Europe, New Zealand and Asia.
“Faith’s always been a big part of what I do,” the Indian-born Aussie said.
“I remember needing to fill one more subject in my final year at school and the music teacher recommended I study and train in classical singing. At the time, I’d reluctantly I enrolled.
“Now I am living the dream.”
Chatelier – who often plays at Berwick Market – has been influenced by music legends such as Cliff Richard, Elvis Presley, Billy Joel, Elton John and Tom Jones, and more recently Michael Buble and Keith Urban covering a variety of musical tastes from gospel and classical to folk and country rock.
“My youngest will also be doing some duets with me like old times,” he said.
Chatelier said he was excited to have recently been selected for this year’s first-stage auditions for the television singing contest The Voice.
Gavin Chatelier will perform from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on 23 October 2016 at Beaconsfield Baptist Church.
Afternoon tea will be provided at the conclusion of the performance.
