It was a joyful reunion of the Singers' festival last Friday 30th April, where the community came together and celebrated the opening in Soweto style with MAKEPESI, the hottest new South African a cappella group.
The next day on Saturday, May 1st, more than 20 fantastic workshops catering for all skill levels and interests created the joyful atmosphere that was The Boîte Singers' Festival 2021. In beautiful Autumn sunshine, in the Convent Heritage Gardens, local community choirs sang through lunchtime, the choirs invited participants to sing with them in their workshops across the day. Dynamic Ballarat Choir leader Stella Savy offered a taste of Black Gospel, djembe maestro Kofi Kunkpe and Bonnie Smith and Ria Soemardjo all explored rhythms. Iaki Vallejo and Ximena Abarca, tempted singers with songs from Spanish language traditions, and Anthea Sidiropoulos shared the world of Greek songs and rhythms.
Thank you to all our wonderful artists and volunteers who we could not have done this without. It was so wonderful to be able to sing together again!
Featured:
Anthea Sidiropoulos – Avi Misra – Bonnie Smith & Ria Soemardjo – Iaki Vallejo – Kofi Kunkpe – Macedonian Women's Choir – Makepesi – Sello Molefi – Stella Savy – Suzette Herft – Sevdalinka – Vox Chops – Yarra Gospel – Zing! – Ximena Abarca
Here are some wonderful photos of the day, captured by photographers Brad Perkins and Nicole Cashin who generously volunteered their time.