The Big Sing

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.

Gather your mates, bring the family, and get ready for a big, bold, and boisterous singalong in a classic Tassie pub setting! This year, Country Pub Chorus is returning with award-winning Australian country music singer-songwriter, Beccy Cole! Beccy is known for her engaging stage presence and genuine connection with audiences. Described by fans as a "complete package" and "the best entertainer" her live shows take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions—from roaring laughter to heartfelt moments—leaving everyone feeling uplifted and connected. Fellow artist Adam Harvey has even called her "the best entertainer in Australia, if not the world." Her performances blend humour, heartfelt storytelling, and top-tier musicianship, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. It doesn't matter if you sing in tune or just sing with enthusiasm—at Country Pub Chorus, it's all about the feel-good vibes! The afternoon promises to be fun, funny, and full of heart. Beccy's mix of music and storytelling makes for an unforgettable experience, and the best part is that it's a no-judgment singalong—no one cares how you sound, they're too busy having fun! Whether you're a seasoned singer or a first-timer, everyone is welcome to join in and create some great memories. It's the perfect way to experience a true Tassie winter in one of the state's most iconic regional pubs, surrounded by good people and great vibes.

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

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!

Newly refurbished Salamanca Suites is ideally located on the eastern end of Salamanca Place, home to the famous Salamanca Market (Saturdays) and a fabulous selection of Hobart’s restaurants, bars, and galleries. Located in historic Sullivan’s Cove, very easy walking distance to the waterfront, MONA ferry terminal, historic Battery Point and CBD. Salamanca Suites offers 18 spacious apartments each with its own balcony or courtyard. Salamanca Suites offers complimentary parking, complimentary Wi-Fi and Foxtel. All rooms are non-smoking, one and two Bedroom Apartments offer fully equipped kitchens. Studios offer a kitchenette with cooktop. All have king-split bedding, air-conditioning and full laundry facilities. Salamanca Suites is a perfect location from which to explore the adjacent Salamanca and historic Battery Point precincts, and only a short walk to ferry terminal (MONA Ferry) and numerous local bars, pubs, restaurants and galleries. Salamanca Suites is operated by Lenna of Hobart, located directly across the road and guest check in is via Lenna of Hobart’s 24 hour reception. Breakfast is available at Lenna of Hobart.

Salamanca Galleria is in the heart of Salamanca Place on the Hobart waterfront. It is located on the 5th level of the Galleria building, overlooking Salamanca Place and the Salamanca Markets. Salamanca Galleria offers the perfect location to explore the Hobart waterfront, Salamanca, and its surrounds Salamanca Galleria has 9 all-suite accommodation rooms that offer views of the Hobart Waterfront and Salamanca Place. Stay in the heart of Salamanca at one of the best locations in Hobart with cafés, restaurants, bars, galleries, and the historic Hobart waterfront right on your front door.

Lenna of Hobart is not just a place to rest your head. It’s an experience. Open the door to this 1874-built sandstone mansion and connect with Hobart Town’s story. This landmark hotel puts you right on the historic doorstep of Hobart’s vibrant waterfront. Salamanca Place, home to Australia’s largest outdoor market and fine eateries are a few hundred metres away and a short walk leads to the CBD, Mona ferry terminal and waterfront precinct. About 100 years after the mansion was built, a new accommodation wing opened. With it came a new level of luxury for Lenna of Hobart. Today, rooms with harbour, mountain and park views blend with the same elegance and level of service the hotel is regarded for. In any room Nespresso coffee machines, complimentary wifi and modern comforts come standard. Want to really treat yourself? Stay in a penthouse with 360-degree sweeping rooftop views. The restored mansion is listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register as a superb example of early colonial architecture. The delicate restoration preserves Lenna of Hobart’s past while affording generous luxuries of today.