Launceston choir Vox Harmony received a visit from choral royalty on Sunday as Choir of Hard Knocks director Jonathon Welch paid a visit to Newstead College.
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Welch made the trip from Melbourne to lead the choir in a day-long rehearsal ahead of their performance at the Door of Hope of next month, where they will perform a 50-minute epic titled Street Requiem to raise money for Launceston City Mission.
The Door of Hope concert will be mark Street Requiem’s Tasmanian premiere and only the 20th time the work has been performed.
Welch, who composed the piece with Kathleen McGuire and Andy Payne in honour of those who have died on the streets, said he was looking forward to conducting Vox Harmony at the concert.
“It's really wonderful to not only see people sing the work, but also to put a spotlight on the plight of the homeless and those people who have died innocent on the streets too, and give them an opportunity to be honoured,” Welch said.
“It’s a real privilege to work with (Vox Harmony director) Denise Sam and the choir but also to have the opportunity to support City Mission who do fantastic work here in Launceston.”
Sam said the concert would also feature performances from Launceston’s own Choir of High Hopes and a 75-strong vocal ensemble from Melbourne called The Choir.
“There’ll be about 150 singers on stage and a small chamber orchestra as well,” Ms Sam said.
“In the first part of the concert the Choir of High Hopes, which is modelled on the Choir of Hard Knocks, they’re going to sing a couple of songs on their own and then they’re going to join with Vox Harmony and The Choir.”
The concert will be held on April 22 and will also feature Tasmanian-based soloists Liane Keegan and Christopher Bryg.
Doors open at 7pm, with all funds raised from ticket sales to go to City Mission Launceston.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children under 12 and concession, and are available from the Princess Theatre Booking Office or at theatrenorth.com.au