MOTHER & SON: DUSHANI & KELLEN
2 October 2025
FATHER & SON: SID & SUYASH
2 October 2025MOTHER / SON INTERVIEW: PARENT SUBA & KELLY GANG SINGER JEEVANTHA
Photo by Pat Charles
Suba and her Kelly Gang son Jeevantha 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/whats-on for more about the ABCI.
Jeevantha, when did you join the ABCI?
I was thrilled to be chosen to join when I was eight years old. This was in 2016.
What do you enjoy most about coming to Choir?
I feel relaxed, happy and at home at the choir, having grown up around my ABCI peers over almost a decade now. All the teachers and tutors are very hard working, and provide wonderful support and inspiration for our learning.
What have been some favourite pieces you have performed with the ABCI?
It’s very difficult to choose from among the wide range of choral music that I am exposed to at the ABCI, but Johann Sebastian Bach’s St Matthew Passion & Mass in A Major, as well as David Hamilton’s beautiful Kia Hora Te Marino, meaning ‘May Peace be Widespread’ would be my personal favourites.
Can you tell us a bit about your hobbies and activities outside singing?
I enjoy many sports including athletics, rowing, skiing and tennis, as well as hanging out with my friends and family.
What are the older boys like outside rehearsals?
The older boys at the choir help maintain respect during rehearsals, but are also relaxed and great to be around. We have a great time.
Lastly, what advice do you have for boys hoping to make it to the rank of Senior Singer?
My advice would be to consistently practice your skills, treat everyone with respect, form positive relationships with the teachers, and connect and form meaningful friendships with other choir members as well.
Suba, how did your family come to be part of the ABCI?
We learnt about the choir from our school newsletter, and Jeevantha's school music teacher also encouraged him to join the ABCI to further develop his skills.
How have you found Choir to be different from school?
We are fortunate to have Jeevantha attend a school which offers him a wide array of academic and extra curricular choices and opportunities. The choir has complemented and enriched his musical education, as well as exposing him to others with many shared common talents and interests.
Does your family have a musical background?
Both my husband and I enjoy music. As children we both played the piano, and sang at church and in our school choirs. Navin is a violinist and was the leader of his school orchestra in Year 12. Jeevantha also recently inspired his father to incorporate a weekly singing lesson into his schedule alongside his work as a cancer surgeon.
What have been the most beneficial aspects of persuing an ABCI education in your view?
The choir equips its singers with important life insights and skills at an early age. These include the joys, challenges and gratification of group music-making, growing independence, and maintaining confidence when away from family whilst on tour. The important development of self-care is also a lasting hallmark.
What’s been the most memorable Institute concert you have experienced so far and why?
Concerts in St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne are always special with the afternoon sun streaming through the gorgeous stained glass windows adding ethereal splendour to the singing. I also invite friends and family each year to join us for the ABCI Christmas Concert in early December, and this is always a welcome time to reflect and reconnect. These have consistently been the most memorable Institute concerts for me.
What advice would you give to new families, or those looking to join the Choir?
The choir is a great community to be part of. I would highly recommend families join the ABCI, and get involved in volunteering in whatever capacity they would like to or feel they can best contribute. Over the years, I have had great fun volunteering as a carer on many concerts, weekend workshops and summer camps. I then went on to serve as the Institute's Child Safety Officer. It’s a lovely way of celebrating childhood as a paediatrician and parent.
Click below to watch an excerpt from 'The First Powered Flight' by Bob Chilcott. Recorded live in performance on Sunday 13 October 2025 at St John's Camberwell Junction as part of our Aotearoa New Zealand tour homecoming concert. The Australian Boys Choir & The Kelly Gang are accompanied by pianist Timothy Mallis and conducted by ABCI artistic director Nicholas Dinopoulos. Footage courtesy of Australian Digital Concert Hall.