THE AGE OF WISDOM

This is the 81st year the Australian Boys Choir has been educating outstanding young men through the fine tradition of choral music. While 2020 has been challenging, the ABCI team have rapidly adapted to a method of online delivery; the program proposed by our Artistic Director, Nick Dinopoulos, and General Manager, Katie Whitecross, being approved by the Board without hesitation.

I have heard many reports that, during lockdown, boys found their various rehearsals, sing-a-longs, and tutorials to be highlight of their week. While it was disappointing to have to forgo public performances this year, the ABCI has weathered the storm owing to the resilience, ingenuity, and agility of our organisation.

Being “digital natives”, our singers have adjusted quickly to online learning. This has meant that numbers at each level of the training program have remained steady, which is also testament to the value our parents place on the musical education we provide.

Since the start of the crisis, the ABCI Board have been concerned for the health and safety of our community, as well as the ongoing viability of our organisation. Deciding to offer significant reductions on tuition fees during remote delivery, we anticipated a significant financial loss for 2020. We hoped to continue working with as many singers as possible and remained committed to keeping all staff, who have exceeded the call of duty. Together with Katie, our Administration Assistant Julia Gilchrist, Honorary Treasurer, Yuen Fong, and several other key volunteers have worked assiduously to ensure we made the most of every available funding opportunity. As a result, we anticipate being in a better position than we could ever have imagined.

The generosity of our donors has also been of tremendous consequence in this challenging year. While many arts organisations will struggle to survive, the ABCI remains in a strong position thanks to your considered work and ongoing support.

While we don’t yet fully know what 2021 will bring, we remain committed to maintaining the Australian Boys Choir as the country’s finest choir for boys and young men. I have no doubt the ‘best of times’ will be with us again soon.

Stephen Duffy, ABCI Board Chair