The award-winning vocal organisation offers a “multilayered programme for young people with a love of music.”

With a reputation for being one of Australia’s leading youth ensembles, the opportunity to sing with Gondwana Choirs is not one to pass up. The organisation, founded in 1989 by Lyn Williams OAM, recently celebrated winning the prestigious Art Music award for Excellence by an Organisation for its 2014 Artistic Program and its significant contribution to Australian music: the latest addition to the choir’s bulging trophy cabinet. The award-winning vocal group has opened its application period for prospective singers, composers and conductors for its popular annual National Choral School in January, described as “a multi-layered programme for children and young people with a love of music.” 

The annual summer school’s Sing programme offers the ideal training environment for those joining one of the five national choirs run by Gondwana, although there are also exceptional opportunities for those interested in writing for the voice and choral direction. Respected Australian choral composer Katy Abbott is leading the 2016 Compose programme, with director Graeme Morton AM leading the Conducting Academy, and Dr. Brady Allred in residence as guest international artist.

The 2016 program will also see an impressive line-up of additional guests for various presentations, including national treasure and music education icon Richard Gill, composer and popular ABC presenter Andrew Ford and Sydney Conservatorium composition professor Matthew Hindson, as well as Paul Jarman and Sally Whitwell.

Artistic Director Lyn Williams said of the course, “Each January, I’m privileged to watch talented young Australians thrive in the rich musical environment learning from Australia’s best choral educators, connecting with like-minded people and developing their love of choral music.” Gondwana Choirs also offers special bursaries to enable young musicians from remote areas of the country, or those from poorer socio-economic backgrounds, to participate. Each year students from remote and rural parts of the country make up to 50% of participants “It’s a personal joy for me to be able to share this experience with our bursary recipients who are disadvantaged by geographic or financial means,” Williams shares.

Gondwana’s National Choral School runs January 11 to 24, Macquarie University NSW – to apply visit www.gondwana.org.au 

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