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Check out the performance area to find out what's coming up! |
Who are Sisongke?The Sisongke Community Choir is a group numbering about 30, who gather once a week at the Friends Meeting House in North Hobart to practice, then perform at functions, events and gatherings around greater Hobart.We Sing A Capella (no accompaniment), in 4 parts. We sing a lot of African Music, various other world music, as well as some 'western' material. All through our repertoire there is a recurring theme of social justice, freedom and people's rights. Who can join the choir?It is a community choir, so anyone who lives in a community can join!! There is NO need to be able to read music, there are NO auditions.We just ask that people can make a commitment to be at the performances, and make it to as many rehearsals as they can. However, if you just want to come for a sing every now and again, you can join as a casual member!! We are as flexible as possible, as we understand people are busy! **If you pay a term membership, the cost to come each Thursday works out less than $5** Now that's Great Value!! A Bit of HistorySisongke started in 1994, when a group about about 120 people formed to sing along with Siphiwo Lubambo (from Africa), made up partly of trade union members and other people from around the state. The whole theme was around spreading the Social Justice Movement, and the choir continued with much of that sentiment. There is no religious or racial affiliation, we welcome anyone, and try to support those who are oppressed or in need. The choir has sung in benefit concerts, and has 'busked' to raise money for the Bali victims and drought stricken farmers. We also try to donate to funds to support children in Africa, indigenous Australians, and similar programs.There have been 5 directors: Micheal McCarthy, Isobel Ferrier, Adele Philips, Greg Koleber and Adrian Reader (presently the Musical Director). Adrian has been with the choir for over 5 years, having started in October 2002. The choir recently had a huge reunion to honour former member Victoria, one of the driving forces from the choir's early days. Some of the recording will be available in the 'members' section soon! Our DirectorAdrian Reader, our present musical director, started his choral, and musical career with the Tasmanian Song Company in 1991, aged 12. He sang 'Consider Yourself' (from Oliver) as the Artful Dodger in a state tour by the group. He then went on to the Rosny Children's Choir, where he studied voice (and piano on the side) with Jenny Filby for the best part of a decade. His musical education then continued through college to the Conservatorium, where he graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Music. He studied conducting with Michael McCarthy at the Con, and also attended classes with Carl Crossin (Adelaide Singers) and other choral conductors. He has accompanied 6 choirs as pianist, and also composes and arranges music. He worked for 6 years at McCann's Music centre (retail) in Hobart, before making a career move to AAMI insurance. He is currently in his 6th year of directing the choir, and loves every minute of it! His other current ventures are a number of classical trumpet students, some compositions and being part of worship at his church, with Celia his wife amd their 3 children. Adrian pictured here with his 2-year-old daughter.
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