Country Pub Chorus – St Helens

The Australian Voices with St Matthew's Singers: Following the release of their latest CD, renowned national choir The Australian Voices is visiting regional Tasmania with their "Painted in Dirt" Tasmanian tour. Championing compositions by Australian musicians, including those of Artistic Director John Rotar, they will give you a taste of contemporary Australian choral music – including choir and audience favourite "Painted in Dirt", featuring a myriad of bush noises! The Australian Voices will be joined for this concert by New Norfolk choir St Matthew's Singers, conducted by Susan Reppion-Brooke. St Matthew's Anglican Church are celebrating its 200th Anniversary in 2025, and we are excited to share this concert as part of their anniversary celebrations. Join us for an absorbing evening of choral delights!

A comedic musical show about life, loss and living fully! What if the people you love kept dying? What if you found out you might be next? And what if a bear was afraid of hibernation? Fresh from a sold out off-Broadway debut, comedy darling Michelle Brasier (Thank God You're Here, Aunty Donna, Shaun Micallef's Mad As Hell) finally brings her award-winning show Average Bear to Festival of Voices, Hobart. A show that shines a light in the dark and turns grief to joy, Average Bear has sold out seasons across the world and been turned into a smash hit book, My Brothers Ashes Are In A Sandwich Bag. See this very special show, while you still can. A heartbreaking & hilarious hour of musical comedy by one of the best voices in comedy, accompanied by Tim Lancaster on Guitar, Average Bear is a generous and joyful call to arms. A rallying cry to live every day as if it was our last because it very well may be. If you found out you had less time than the average bear, how would you spend it?

Singing is for everyone! If you have never attended a choral concert – now is the time! This exciting and entertaining afternoon of choral music is presented by extraordinarily talented visiting young adult choristers sharing the stage with contemporary professional ensembles ….and special guests from Catalonia. Festival of Voices is proud to promote the next generation of Australian choristers. You can expect to hear a variety of entertaining songs – some with themes of unity and togetherness, some with textural variations and movement, some toe-tappers that you are sure to know, and something that may be new and exciting to your ears. Featured choirs will include: - Harambee A Cappella (Melbourne, VIC) - Hillcrest Christian College Choir (Gold Coast, QLD) - The Australian Voices - Veus – Cor Infantil Amics de la Unió (Catalonia) Combined voices of: - Canterbury Cantabile Choir (Logan, QLD) - Kenmore State High School Chorale (Brisbane, QLD) - Korowa Vocal Ensemble (Melbourne, VIC) - TYO Tasmanian Youth Chorale (Hobart, TAS) This family-friendly concert will be a treat for all ages. Join us for enjoyable afternoon of contrasting vocal music which will leave you with a thirst for more!

A learning day with Mark O'Leary OAM, Annie Kwok, and Joshua Clifford Calling all choir leaders! Join us for an exciting professional development opportunity as you work with three outstanding Australian conductors and music educators – Mark O'Leary OAM (VIC), Annie Kwok (SA) and Joshua Clifford (QLD). This interactive and informative day will include sessions with a range of topics relevant to conductors and leaders of any experience level and choirs of all ages. Please wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to sing! Mark your calendars and don't miss this opportunity to expand your skills at this event supported by the Australian National Choral Association. A light morning tea will be provided, courtesy of the Tasmanian Orff Schulwerk Association. Participants should bring their own lunch or purchase from nearby shops or cafes. Professional development certificates will be provided for all participants.

Mongolian tradition meets modern world music in an Australian debut Experience the breathtaking sounds of HAYA Band as they make their Australian debut at Festival of Voices this July. Led by the extraordinary voice of Daiqing Tana, this award-winning ensemble blends traditional Mongolian music with contemporary influences, creating a mesmerising soundscape that transcends borders and generations. HAYA's music is deeply rooted in Mongolian traditions, featuring the morin khuur (horse-head fiddle), tanbur, khoomei (throat singing), shaman drums, and ancient chants. These time-honoured sounds are reimagined through a modern lens, resulting in a unique fusion that has captivated audiences worldwide. Their critically acclaimed album Silent Skies is Taiwan's best-selling soul/world music album, and they've received numerous accolades, including the Best World Music Performance at the China Music Awards and the Taiwan Golden Melody Award for Best Crossover Music. With a signature "ceremonial" quality, HAYA creates an atmosphere of deep reflection and wonder, transporting audiences through evocative melodies and hypnotic rhythms. Renowned for bridging cultures through music, HAYA has performed on prestigious stages worldwide. Their compositions evoke vast grasslands and nomadic heritage while exploring universal themes of love, longing, and belonging. Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness HAYA Band's spellbinding artistry live for the first time in Australia, only at Festival of Voices.

Holistic vocal health workshop As singers, we are always caring for and nurturing our voices to keep them healthy and in prime condition to share our passion and talents with the world. This session will dive into the world of vocal health with voice expert Joshua Clifford and offer practical tips and resources for voices of all types and ages – perfect for singers & conductors! From steaming and straw singing to caring for our voices as they age, these insights and tools are informed by research and are invaluable for conductors and singers alike! "It's a passion of mine to increase awareness of vocal health, dispel myths, and provide a holistic approach to the voice – I'm so looking forward to presenting and sharing this session!" – Joshua Clifford, January 2025

From its humble beginnings as a 'round-the-fire singalong in 2005, The Big Sing has grown into the Festival of Voices' flagship event. In 2025, as we celebrate 20 years of Tasmania's premier winter festival and Australia's most renowned singing celebration, we invite you to join us for this unforgettable milestone. Kick off the Festival on Friday, 27 June 2025, with an evening of community, music, and connection. Set against the vibrant atmosphere of Tasmania in winter, The Big Sing welcomes everyone to come together for our largest annual singalong. From seasoned performers to first-time singers, this is a night where all voices unite. This free, family-friendly event begins at 5.00 pm, inviting you to rug up, grab a bite from our food vendors, enjoy a drink, and prepare to join the chorus. With an exciting mix of songs and a line-up of incredible local and interstate artists leading the way, there's something for everyone to enjoy. No tickets or registrations are required—just bring your enthusiasm, your loved ones, and your voice. The Big Sing is more than just a performance; it's a joyful celebration of community spirit. Whether you're singing alongside thousands of voices, reconnecting with friends, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, you'll experience the transformative power of music, bringing us all together.

A vocal journey from solo voice to massed choir. Join long-time Festival friend Mark O'Leary OAM as he guides you on a musical journey not only through the 20 years of Festival of Voices, but also the power of vocal music as it grows from the single voice of Jenny M. Thomas to the visual and aural impact of many combined voices. This opening gala concert of the 20th Festival of Voices brings performers from previous Festivals together with new participants, intertwined with anecdotes and memory highlights. We're excited to welcome back Festival favourites Allison Farrow and Andrew Short, Cocktail Hour Quartet, Harambee A Cappella, The Australian Voices and Paul Jarman to share this journey with you. Audiences will also be treated to performances by the FoV Chamber Choir, conducted by the USA's Christopher Kiver, and the combined forces of several Hobart community choirs, accompanied by outstanding instrumentalists from Hobart Wind Symphony and the Hillcrest Christian College John Williams Wind Orchestra.

Delve into the wonderful world of songwriting with your mentor, nationally respected composer and musical storyteller Paul Jarman. In this intimate and creative workshop, you will be encouraged to create and share stories and songs with new friends. This workshop will include an open dialogue about how we write songs. Those who have not attended this workshop in previous years are encouraged to join Paul for an optional introductory session, where he will begin to look at the elements in the songwriters' toolbox, including the nuts and bolts of composing, melodic nuances, finding inspiration and mindset, and integrity in storytelling. In a collaborative and supportive environment, Paul and participants will work individually and together to craft music, drawing from personal experiences and stories. Whether or not you read music or have much experience, if you're interested in learning more about writing your own songs, you're encouraged to attend. Previous attendees have described the experience as uniquely special for what they've taken away from the two days and friends they made along the way. Participants are also welcome to bring along instruments to this workshop. The workshop schedule also includes a preliminary meet-and-greet session in the Singers' Lounge with Paul and your fellow songwriters. Workshop numbers are strictly capped at 18 participants, so be sure to register early to avoid disappointment!

Calypso is a unique midcentury modern beach house that has been lovingly styled to evoke a nostalgic sense of the 1960s. The house retains many of its modernist features and has been furnished with mid-century pieces, original artworks and quality linen—a nostalgic retreat where nature, design and comfort combine. Calypso is perfectly located overlooking Georges Bay in St Helens. It is a 2 minute walk to the water’s edge, a 15 minute stroll into town and a 20 minute drive to the iconic Bay of Fires which was named the best beach in Australia in 2025. Calypso is set up for one or two couples. It has two bedrooms, two living areas, fully equipped character kitchen, 2 bathrooms and a large laundry. A large back deck with Weber BBQ overlooks the native gardens and is perfect for alfresco dining. The front balcony has views through the trees to Georges Bay and catches the morning sun. The wood heater keeps the house cosy in winter and the air conditioner keeps things cool in summer. The 75" smart TV will satisfy the most avid movie fan and the record player brings in those retro vibes. There is also a storage shed for bikes, boards and rods. Everything is here for a relaxing holiday. There is nothing more to do except pack your bags and check-in!

St Helen's Bayside Inn provides motel-style accommodation at St Helen's on Tasmania's East Coast. The Bayside Inn offers a range of rooms from upstairs town view, Bayview and family to budget poolside rooms on the lower level. All upstairs rooms have been refurbished with new bathrooms. These rooms are only accessible via stairs. No lift. Take a walk around George's Bay, a haven for yachts and fishing boats. Enjoy a delicious seafood meal at the Bay Bar and Bistro. Drive the short distance to St Columba Falls, the highest falls in Tasmania, set in the leafy wilderness. St Helens is an ideal base to explore the East Coast and is also a short drive north to the Bay of Fires. Here you will find fishing lagoons, beaches for swimming and colourful wildflowers. Approximately a two-hour drive east of Launceston (166 km) St Helen's enjoys sweeping coastal views over George's Bay.

St Helens Luxury Suite Accommodation - The Bay of Fires Apartments is a great central location and base for exploring the East Coast of Tasmania - 10 minutes drive from the beautiful Binalong Bay and scenic red rocks, and world-class mountain bike trails, and beautiful hiking and walking trails. Many of our guests enjoy heading out on day trips exploring the beautiful region, coastline, boutique wineries and providers and then coming home to our luxury guest suites located in the main street of St Helens. Each suite has a super-king sized bed, beautiful linen, a private ensuite. St Helens is one of the largest towns on the East Coast with a brand new Hospital, large supermarket, and many restaurants catering to all cuisines. We look forward to welcoming you to The Bay of Fires Apartments.