Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Multicultural Australia have joined forces to create the MOSAIC Multicultural Choir, bringing together individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to rehearse, learn more about each other’s cultures, and spread joy through song.
The MOSAIC Multicultural Choir was launched at Multicultural Australia’s MOSAIC Festival at Roma Street Parklands on Sunday 18 September. Participants were invited to a choir taster workshop under the tutelage of well-known Brisbane choir master Yani Mills.
Yani has been directing choirs since 1993 and manages to mix a healthy combination of musical learning, fun and a thriving social community in her choirs.
A group of 22 singers, diverse in singing ability, came together for the hour-long workshop, starting with body and voice warm-ups. The group then sang Shosholoza, a Ndebele folk song that originated in Zimbabwe, and gained popularity in South Africa. Sung by Ndebele all-male migrant workers in South Africa’s mines during apartheid, the song is often referred to as South Africa’s second national anthem.
The result was an endorphin and immune boosting experience. One participant, dressed in beautiful Zulu attire, joined the session late after hearing the song in the distance. She was excited to hear a song from her country being performed in a public space in Brisbane.
Christine Castley, CEO of Multicultural Australia, is excited about the line-up of engagement opportunities the choir will take up over the coming year.
“The choir will take up performance opportunities throughout the year at key QPAC and Multicultural Australia events including the Multicultural Australia Christmas Celebration, Songs of Hope and Healing, MOSAIC festival and more,” Christine said.
“We are excited about the opportunity to showcase Brisbane’s multicultural voices and the connection that music brings to communities.”
Rehearsals commence on Thursday 6 October – 6pm arrival for a 6.30pm start – at Multicultural Australia’s Community Centre (28 Dibley Street, Woolloongabba). Rehearsals run for 10 weeks – until and including Thursday 8 December, and no previous experience is required. We ask participants to commit to this ongoing weekly rehearsal time so we can continue to build on a cohesive sound.
Please complete the expression of interest: https://bit.ly/MOSAICChoir2022
