After a magnificent opening gala in March, this year’s ABCI concert season is now in full swing. With twists, turns and special guest artists around every corner, it’s been a swashbuckling start to the year and the Institute’s next public outing, titled Songs of the Sea, promises to enchant with two May performances in both Ballarat and Melbourne.
Over the years, the Australian Boys Choral Institute has always sought to give its members something to aspire to. From the Institute’s exceptional music education to the opportunities provided to perform and travel, the Australian Boys Choir sees young singers supported to develop their skills and maturity over time.
The ABCI’s non-auditioned Early Learners program launched in the Choir’s 80th anniversary year, and has since seen steady growth. The start of 2023 has been particularly significant, marking the start of a modest expansion into the western suburbs of Melbourne with our Early Learners classes now being offered in Truganina, as well as Hawthorn.
They say a change is as good as a holiday, which might explain why some choir parents give up a week (or a few days) of their summer holidays to volunteer as Carers for the ABCI’s annual Summer School camp. Read more below.
The Australian Boys Choir takes the best aspects of music, artistic endeavour, talent, inspiration, and education to create a unique programme of musical training for boys and young men. Through 84 years of musical excellence, we have strived to achieve our mission.
The recent Kelly Gang and The Vocal Consort tour to Brisbane to attend the Pemulwuy Festival was a great success. It provided all those who went with a valuable musical experience and an enormous amount of fun along the way.
Southern Cross Station on Saturday 19th August 2023 was the beginning of the journey. The Choir, as well as some TVC members, boarded the 10:10am train to Bendigo en route to the Sacred Heart Cathedral to perform Sing Joyfully, the third concert of the Australian Boys Choral Institute 2023 season.
After a four-year hiatus, the Australian Boys Choir was excited to be touring again in September, this time in western Victoria. The five-day tour included performances in Hamilton, Portland, Warrnambool, Colac and Ballarat.
Volunteering is critical in ensuring the ABCI can present a series of performances each year, giving the singers an amazing opportunity to put their musical training into action. Three volunteers, past and present, detail their positive experiences in helping to support the Institute.