VOCAL CONSORT SINGER JONATHAN

Jonathan Ball is an alumnus of the Australian Boys Choir and is currently a member of The Vocal Consort. Jon will perform with Consort in the next exciting instalment of the 2023 ABCI Concert Season ‘Sing Joyfully’ on August 19 & 20 in both Bendigo and Melbourne.

Jon, when did you join the ABCI?
I joined the Probationers back in 2005, after representatives from the Choir came to my Primary School.

What are you most looking forward to about this next concert 'Sing Joyfully’?
I’m really looking forward to singing Bach. Singing his music in Leipzig during the 2018 European tour was a highlight, and it’s nice to revisit his works.

What can the audience expect from this performance?
Beautiful music, simple as that.

What are the key things you learned when you joined the ABCI?
Music is the obvious answer, but I'd also say strong discipline and good resilience.

Why did you choose to join The Vocal Consort and why do you continue to sing with them?
Joining TVC was a no brainer. Growing up in the Choir, they’ve always been role models both musically and how they conduct themselves. There are too many reasons why I keep singing with The Vocal Consort to list, but I mostly love how well we get along as a group, the music we make, and being a role model for the boys in the Training Choirs.

What’s rewarding about singing choral music?
Singing in a choir makes me feel like I’m part of something, and with TVC it’s something truly awesome. Listening to the other parts, blending our voices, and working as a team to produce a beautiful sound is so satisfying.

What have been your favourite concerts or pieces to perform?
My favourite concerts weren’t concerts in the typical sense. The relaxed setting of a soirée gives a greater sense of connection with the audience; I feel like I’m performing for someone, not just singing on a stage. As far as specific music goes, Rubber Ducky is the first that comes to mind for sure!

What are The Vocal Consort like behind-the-scenes? Fun to be around or very serious?
I like to think we’re just a regular group of friends. Going out for the occasional dinner after rehearsal and catching up outside choir. We’ve all made lifelong friendships throughout our training with the ABCI and continue to do so with the Consort.

What do you do when you’re not singing?
I work as an Engineering Surveyor. Besides work, I enjoy archery, taking my motorcycle out through winding roads for a day trip, and boring people with my enthusiasm for Excel spreadsheets.

Finally, what advice would you give to boys in the Choir now – and those hoping to join?
Perfect timing for this upcoming concert - sing joyfully! Enjoy what music brings us, as well as the many skills we learn throughout our training in the Choir. What we learn in the Choir can be applied to everyday life. Looking back, the ABCI has taught me invaluable life skills, and I doubt I’d be anywhere close to the person I am today if it wasn’t partly for the Choir. Oh, and if you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re late!

Click below to watch members of The Vocal Consort in an excerpt from R.W. Atkinson's 'The Mulligan Musketeers' from the first concert of the ABCI's 2023 Concert Season.