Choir of Hard Knocks to inspire a new generation

Published by: CarolineK | 18-Jul-2016
Sydneysiders, don't miss your opportunity to see and hear the ARIA, Logie and Helpmann award winning Choir of Hard Knocks. The choir are returning to the Sydney Opera House this Sunday 24 July at 3pm!!! Ten years on from the award winning television series that captured the hearts of a nation, the Choir of Hard Knocks is once again set to take centre stage in the Australian psyche as the inspiration for a new generation of community choirs. Guest performers at the Sydney Opera House will include Mark Holden, Danielle Matthews, original Choir of Hard Knocks favourite, Belinda Foxwell along with the School of Hard Knocks 'Absolutely Everybody' massed choir. These guests will be joined in Melbourne, on August 14th, by soprano, Deborah Cheetham AO and tenor, David Hobson.
Venue: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Date: Sunday 24 July 2016
Time: 3pm - 4.45pm
Ticket: Prices range, starting at $32 for group bookings. Booking fee applies per transaction.
Buy / Ticket: http://www.hopeandinspirationtour.com/events
Web: http://www.hopeandinspirationtour.com/events
: https://www.facebook.com/ChoirofHopeandInspiration/
EMail: matthew.jones@schoolofhardknocks.org.au
Founding artistic director, Dr Jonathon Welch AM, says this is a fantastic step for the Choir, and is looking forward to showcasing the profound effect the Choir has had on its members at the Sydney Opera House and Hamer Hall Melbourne gala performances over the next few weeks.

"It is well documented through scientific research that music brings about extraordinary physical and psychological changes in our body and brain, not to mention the spiritual, social and emotional benefits that are experienced with participation in group arts and cultural activities.

"The Choir is about this, and so much more," says Welch. "Over the last ten years we have rehearsed and performed week in, week out, with all our members drawing so much hope and inspiration from their involvement, and many finding the choir the catalyst they needed to begin the process of rebuilding their lives. Our plan, in many ways, is to spread the love."

The Choir of Hard Knocks has inspired an international movement of hundreds of street choirs along with formal research that is inspiring people to return to looking at singing and music making as a way of building positive physical and mental wellbeing and promoting supportive inclusive communities.

"Having been the original springboard for so many street choirs around the world, the Choir of Hard Knocks will be helping to bring together, work with and mentor a number of community choirs for marginalised and disadvantaged people from all around the country," says Welch.

"This really is a special way to celebrate our tenth anniversary. The Choir of Hard Knocks has achieved so much, both in the limelight and away from it since 2006, and this is our way of giving back. Whenever the Choir takes to the stage, you can literally feel the love, and it is such a powerful force. If we can use that force to develop other choirs, to provide a continuing source of hope and inspiration for homeless and marginalised Australians, it could well be our crowning achievement."

Plans are also underway for a Choir of Hard Knocks community choir spectacular event to be held in early 2017. This event will see the community choirs developed with the support of the Choir of Hard Knocks performing on a national stage for the first time.

The Choir can be found online at www.hopeandinspirationtour.com

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