The Festival of Voices, Australia’s newest annual choral event – island-wide in Tasmania

More than 700 beautiful voices in some of Tassie’s most historic locations delighted visitors and locals in the first Festival of Voices over the week of July 4-10. Choirs from around the island and interstate took part in free and ticketed singing and cultural events, workshops and concerts. Specialist teachers and performers, such as Dr Horace Boyer, a world authority on Afro-American Gospel music, led choral workshops in Gospel, Classical, Sacred Music and A’capella.

Tasmanian Regional Arts and community groups were active in Devonport, Launceston, Ulverstone, Burnie, Stanley, Cygnet, Nubeena, Midway Point, Swansea and Deloraine.

Tourism Tasmania says the event exceeded expectations with around 800 participants which they expect to reach 1000 in the third year with the festival injecting more than $2 million into the Tasmanian economy.

Highlights of the festival included:

1) LIFT THE ROOF – a concert featuring the National Youth Choir, Young Voices of Melbourne and the Tasmanian Chorale.

2)THE VOICE IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD – a light-hearted debate of the idea that the power of song might play a part in creating a better world in these turbulent times. A panel of experts included Dr Horace Boyer.

3)THE IDEA OF NORTH – This Australian vocal ensemble which has recently won two A’capella Recording Awards (CARA USA)for Best Jazz Album and Best Jazz Song ran three workshops.

4)CLASSICAL MEETS GOSPEL – a concert performed by members of classical and gospel workshops.

5)VOICES ON FIRE – the finale event in Salamanca Place,an evening of bonfire, mulled wine and a final procession.