Hannah Hammoud
The Western Health Singers are celebrating 10 years of joyful music-making in Melbourne’s west, and have no plans of quieting down.
For those living or working in Melbourne’s West, the Singers are extending an open invitation for anyone interested in joining the choir. With no auditions required, the group embraces individuals from all backgrounds, including shower singers and car karaoke enthusiasts.
Jonathon Welch established the Choir of Hard Knocks 17 years ago in Melbourne’s western suburbs in collaboration with Opera Australia and Brimbank council. Originally known as the Voices of Brimbank, the choir later joined forces with Western Health, supported by inclusive community arts group Play It Forward.
The choir’s debut performance at the Myer Music Bowl, accompanied by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Opera Australia, captivated an audience of 10,000 people, leaving a lasting impression on the singers.
“Many of our singers had never been part of a choir before, and the sheer thrill of performing in front of an audience inspired them to continue singing together,” Mr Welch said.
Since then, the choir has been rehearsing at Sunshine Hospital and performing at venues across Melbourne.
Mr Welch said as the group celebrates their 10th anniversary, they have planned an exciting line-up of performances in the upcoming months.
“Our 10th anniversary celebration is going to be a Rock Choir, singing all the greatest hits from Queen, U2, Bon Jovi, Fleetwood Mac, Birds of Tokyo, Bette Midler and more,” he said.
“Through the transformative power of music, we not only enjoy singing together but also forge meaningful friendships. All are welcome, see you at rehearsal.”
Rehearsals occur every Thursday during school terms at Sunshine Hospital, with the next term of singing commencing in mid-July.
To join the Western Health Singers or to find out more, community members can contact Patricia Tissera via email at patricia.tissera@wh.org.au or by phone at (03) 8345 7148.
