In 2004, a young chorister stood in uniform on stage and received a badge in front of family, friends, and the entire ABCI community. It would be some time before he fully realised the distinction conferred when the badge was pinned to his lapel.
Uģis Praulinš wouldn’t be the first former choir boy who turned to rock music. As a child, Prauliņš sang in the boys’ choir of Riga’s impressive medieval cathedral. He returned to his choral roots in 2002 after decades of playing in Latvian rock bands, writing the the spine- tingling Missa Rigensis for his alma mater.
This year marks 20 years since the ABCI last attended AmericaFest, a 10-day festival that brought together choirs from around the world. The invitation-only, bi-annual event was held from 1994 until 2002. In 1998, 2000, and 2002, the Australian Boys Choir and The Vocal Consort represented the country with distinction, both musically and in their conduct.
“We make a life by what we give.”
This has been a great year for the Australian Boys Choral Institute. Having emerged from the fog of two years of COVID-19-induced lockdowns, separation from friends and family, and lack of live music, the Choir has had a full programme of outstanding concerts in 2022.
What does the Australian Boys Choir have in store for Season 2023? In another superbly themed season of choral music, the ABCI promises 'more singers and more songs' in what is set to be its most exciting series of concerts to date. Tickets on sale early 2023. Click below to find out and save the date for each event!
In August, audiences in Ballarat and Camberwell were treated to a diverse selection of music from Australia and our trans-Tasman neighbours. The idea for this concert was seeded by Artistic Director and conductor, Nicholas Dinopoulos in 2021, when the only possible travel destination for Australians was across the ditch.
Recruitment of new boys to the ABCI is a core function of the Australian Boys Choir. Twice a year, the Institute conducts auditions from which it aims to draw young boys from a deep pool. The goal is then to train those selected boys in various skills so that they may ultimately don the silver badge and join the Performing Squad.
Second Tenor Clyde Saniga, a member of The Vocal Consort for the past year, says he would never want to lose the joy that singing with Consort brings him. Since joining the ABCI as a Grade Two student in 2011, the Choir’s supportive environment has been the platform for a joyful, community based musical journey.
While the COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering social and financial effects have not yet ebbed, the Australian Boys Choir is back in full swing with an outstanding year of concerts planned. The first performance of the 2023 concert season, Songs for the Open Road, headlined by The Vocal Consort, with guest appearances by the Australian Boys Choir and the ABCI Training Groups was a great success.