Calling everyone who has missed singing with their community choir because of the COVID-19 shutdowns, or who loves Christmas carols, or who simply wants to join in a big, festive singalong.

At the end of a long, challenging year when the coronavirus pandemic has kept many families and loved ones apart, ABC Classic has just launched a project called the Classic Choir to bring Australians together through song, and celebrate Christmas.

In-demand composer, Yorta Yorta woman Deborah Cheetham has written a new carol called Christmas With You, which captures a festive mood of hope, comfort and joy, while Wadawurrung artist Deanne Gilson has painted a new artwork, Nyirram turt-barram (The Morning Star Story), to illustrate the themes Cheetham has addressed.

Nyirram turt-barram (The Morning Star Story) by Deanne Gilson

The carol will be rehearsed during several live online sessions during November, under conductor Ben Northey, and participants must then submit a recording by 27 November. Hopefully thousands of Australians will raise their voices and take part. Christmas With You will then be released to the world on 15 December.

In an interview for the ABC, Cheetham said she received a phone call from ABC Classic Manager...