BY JESSIE WANG, LEAD WRITER (COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL AWARENESS)
There are some incredible people in the Australian music industry who make a difference by doing something ground-breaking. It may be in their approach to teaching (not sure if I will ever say this enough, but I love Richard Gill and am grateful to his lasting legacy), or the establishment of a unique musical identity. Many can make a powerful difference when finding their niche and dedicating their life to it.
For Lyn Williams AM, this powerful difference came through the idea to create a world-class children’s choir. From what started as Sydney Children’s Choir in 1989, Gondwana Choirs has also grown to include Gondwana Voices, Gondwana Chorale, Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choirs, and recently established Indigenous women’s choir Marliya.
And after 30 years of launching and developing what are arguably considered to be Australia’s most reputable children’s choirs, Gondwana Choirs will gather together with its choral friends from across Australia – and across the world – at the Gondwana World Choral Festival. From concerts to recitals, workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions, this week-long festival will bring people together through the power and love of choral music.
We chat with Gondwana Choirs founder and artistic director Lyn Williams AM regarding the upcoming Gondwana World Choral Festival ahead of its opening this 15 July.
Hi Lyn, thanks for taking time for an interview today, even though you must be so busy right now! So, what is the Gondwana World Choral Festival?
The Gondwana Choral Festival is a marvellous opportunity for Australian audiences to hear some of the best choral singing being produced across Australia and the world. It is also a chance for choristers from many parts of the globe to sing and celebrate together.
What inspired you to launch a festival like this?
The idea was born out of a desire to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gondwana Choirs with the best possible choral music and maximum joy!
The participating choirs are our choral friends and colleagues. They have been generous enough to host in their homes and share concerts with us across the decades. We felt it was time to give them a great reason to come to Australia.
This festival will have choirs from Canada, France, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, China, and the United States. But, who are the choirs representing our own country? Can you tell us a bit about them?
The festival will feature a range of performances by Australian choristers. The host choirs include Sydney Children’s Choir, which is this year celebrating its 30th anniversary; Gondwana Indigenous Choir, and its big sisters, Marliya from Cairns; and Gondwana Latitude 34.
Other performing Australian choirs include Hunter Singers (NSW), Luminescence Children’s Choir (ACT), Resonance of Birralee (QLD), Valla Voices (NSW), and Young Adelaide Voices (SA).
Give us a hint of what kind of music will be sung at the festival – without spoiling too much, of course!
The Sounds of Australia Opening Gala concert includes the world premiere of two new works: one by Australian composer Paul Stanhope, and another by leading American classical composer Nico Muhly, who will be attending the performance.
In addition, we will have music that showcases the great choral music of Australia and the region, including the spectacular Ratoh Duek dances from Aceh in collaboration with Suara Indonesia Dance, Songs from Mer Island with the Gerib Sik Torres Strait Islanders Corporation, and a wealth of other wonderful Australian works.
What are you most looking forward to at this week-long festival?
I am really looking forward to hearing all of these wonderful choirs performing at such a high level. With a tremendous youthful energy, I am sure they will bring great variety, artistry, and joy to their performances. I feel sure that everyone will be moved see and hear them all performing together.
Finally, what do you hope the participants will get out of this festival?
The singers will make lifelong friends with young people who share a common interest and talent in music and choral singing. The world can certainly do with a new network of international friendships forged between these future leaders.
See the Gondwana World Choral Festival from 15-21 July.
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