FATHER & SON: REHAN & ANTHONIO
1 October 2024
MOTHER & SON: SAM & SEB
1 October 2024MOTHER / SON INTERVIEW: PARENT GALIT & SENIOR SINGER ELY
Photo by Pat Charles
Galit and her Senior Singer son Ely are members of the Australian Boys Choir community. In this interview, they share some perspectives on their time so far with the Australian Boys Choral Institute and talk a little but about the Choir journey. Please see www.australianboyschoir.com.au/join-us to sign up for your son's audition today.
Ely, when did you join the ABCI?
I joined the ABCI when I was in year 3 after my music teacher recommended it. I was about 8 at the time.
What do you enjoy most about coming to Choir?
I enjoy how friendly and willing to help out everyone is.
What have been some favourite pieces you have performed with the ABCI?
I have enjoyed the César Franck Gloria and Sanctus from our recent French concerts, and the arrangement of We Three Kings that we’ve done a few times now in December.
Can you tell us a bit about your hobbies and activities outside singing?
I enjoy playing hockey, practicing guitar and karate (which I have been doing a long time).
What are the older boys like outside rehearsals?
They are fun to be around, and we always have a great time to balance the seriousness of rehearsals.
Lastly, what advice do you have for boys hoping to make it to the Performing Squad?
You have to be dedicated to practicing among other things, and ready for the complicated music.
Galit, how did your family come to be part of the ABCI?
Our school music teacher recommended Ely to audition. Never in my wildest dreams did I think based on my singing ability, that my child would have this talent!
How have you found Choir to be different from school?
Choir is more well run than school! It’s an amazing structure from leadership to tutors, teachers and parent volunteers. Everyone is aligned for the same purpose.
Does your family have a musical background?
Yes, I since found out that Ely’s grandmother was in a choir. I played piano as a child finishing grade 8 and my dad played lots of pianola so the house was always filled with Beethoven Mozart, Chopin and more of his great loves of music.
What have been the most beneficial aspects of pursuing an ABCI education in your view?
Its not just a musical education, but an incredible opportunity to learn all life skills. Skills of independence and also of how to have success in a diverse community with an aligned purpose based on good values and behaviours. These are important lifelong skills to be a successful and happy person and a valuable contributing member of society,
What’s been the most memorable Institute concert you have experienced so far and why?
Nothing beats the Melbourne Recital Centre…the acoustics!!
What advice would you give to new families, or those looking to join the Choir?
The commitment, practice and volunteering might seem like a big task when you are juggling all the other extra-curricular activities, but the benefits, joy, connection and community satisfaction is a return beyond measure. It’s an incredible journey that ripens and gets more flavoursome as you progress with your child through the learnings and opportunities.
Click below to watch an excerpt from our 2025 'French Classics' concert featuring an ensemble of organ, harp, cello and double bass. Our singers were joined by soloists Jacqueline Porter, Henry Choo and Kiran Rajasingam. Conducted by ABCI artistic director Nicholas Dinopoulos, with footage courtesy of Australian Digital Concert Hall.