40 YEARS OF THE VOCAL CONSORT

It is hard to imagine the Australian Boys Choir without The Vocal Consort. The rich, resonant voices of this incredibly talented group of singers have been supporting the Australian Boys Choir soar to new heights of performance since the ensemble’s inception in 1984.

However, The Vocal Consort (TVC) is far from being merely a ‘support act’. Establishing a distinct musical life of its own as arguably the country’s finest all-male vocal ensemble, TVC actively seeks out new challenges in repertoire ranging from plainchant and sacred polyphony through to various contemporary styles.

Setting a standard rarely achieved by other Australian groups, it makes regular concert, soirée and festival appearances both alongside the Australian Boys Choir and independently, and continues to earn superlatives from critics and audiences alike. Indeed, the New York Times described a TVC performance as “a rich, seamless blend” and “impressively polished”!

The Vocal Consort tours nationally and internationally, including multiple tours across Europe, Asia and North America, and regularly performs throughout regional Australia. Along with producing three CDs independently, TVC features on another three CDs with the Australian Boys Choir.

Yet these impressive musical achievements don’t complete the picture. Watching the group perform, it is impossible to miss the camaraderie. Most members of the Consort gained their early training through the Australian Boys Choir and have known each other a large portion of their lives – they’ve spent their summers together on Choir camps; they’ve supported each other during overseas tours; and most remain close friends into adulthood despite differing professional interests. Their mateship through a mutual love of music is evident in the way they sing.

But above all, they are tremendously inspiring role models for the boys, who look up to their ‘big brothers’ with awe andgreat admiration. It is a rare choir boy who does not aspire to join the hallowed ranks of the Consort in the future.

Chris Powney, familiar to many Choir families and audiences as TVC’s longest serving member, shares his reflections on 30 years with TVC (and 39 years with the ABCI!)…

"I have seen many changes - in the style of music, the size of the groups, and have literally seen two generations of singers pass through the ranks. But why am I still involved with the Consort after so many years? It’s knowing that I’m a part of a community; a group of individuals who share a common bond - an enjoyment of performing choral music to a high standard. It has literally changed me as a person, and given me opportunities I could never have dreamt of when I started as a 9-year-old back in 1985. The chance to perform to large audiences; the opportunity to tour the world and share joy with audiences worldwide. I have grown as an individual, gained confidence to lead and believe in myself. I have found a place of comfort, support and solace within our community during rougher periods in my life. I believe that the role of the TVC within the ABCI is to provide leadership, to inspire and provide a role-model to current and future generations of choir members, to encourage them to take their own journey of discovery and hopefully enjoy the same lifelong benefits of being part of something so special."

What makes TVC unique?

Chris requires little time pondering this question: “We have a group of singers - most of whom have gone through the same rigorous training program, and in most cases have performed together over a large period of time. This has helped us maintain a high standard of performance and a unique sound which has largely been maintained over the history of the group.”

We look forward to celebrating many more milestones with The Vocal Consort!