The Queensland Government in partnership with Queensland Music Festival (QMF) will host commemorative concert Voices of Remembrance at Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre, starring New Zealand baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes and songstress Katie Noonan. Choristers will have the chance to join the stars on stage for the Voices of Remembrance musical extravaganza, with Music Director Dr Jonathon Welch founder of The Choir of Hard Knocks, putting a call out for community choirs and individuals to audition to perform live at the concert.
QMF is planning for a 200 strong mass choir and a core choir of 30 for the Voices of Remembrance concert. Choristers all over Queensland can be involved in the Voices of Remembrance program by learning the concert repertoire in their own communities. Choirs should showcase their work by performing at pop-up events, community gatherings or formal concerts in the lead up to, or in conjunction with their Remembrance Day services. The repertoire will include First World War-era favourites such as Keep the Home Fires Burning alongside modern pieces by contemporary artists who have written song cycles about the women at home and first-hand experiences at the Western Front.
A community orchestra conducted by Patrick Pickett will help bring to life the musical tribute in Toowoomba. The concert will feature a distinctively localised musical narrative written by Queensland director Dan Evans, highlighting the contribution of the Australian Light Horse who turned the tide of First World War in Beersheba. QMF Artistic Director Katie Noonan said the concert would be a reflection on war and peace. “This concert will help everyone reconnect with moving stories from the First World War and celebrate the peace that came with the signing of the Armistice,” Ms Noonan said.
Readers also enjoyed this story on Handling the Outback Charity Ride.
