Choir of Hope and Inspiration » transforming lives – newsletter of the choir of hope and inspiration

transforming lives – newsletter of the choir of hope and inspiration – welcome

Dear Friends

Welcome to the first edition of “transforming lives” the newsletter of the Choir of Hope and Inspiration(formerly the Choir of Hard Knocks). I hope that you enjoy reading about what has been happening with the choir and where you can see the choir perform.

And thankyou for your continued support of the Choir.

I have the privilege of chairing the Board of Melbourne Street Choir Inc, which, since early 2009, has been the entity that auspices and manages the activities of the Choir of Hope and Inspiration Choirs, our staff and the many wonderful volunteers who give so generously of their time to support Choir members in so many ways.

It is extraordinary that the Choir will shortly be celebrating its fourth birthday (in September 2010). So much has happened in just under four years! Musically and artistically the two Choirs (Hope and Inspiration, and Pride and Joy) have grown and blossomed under Jonathon’s leadership, but I would also like to focus on the incredible importance of the decision that was made in 2009 to establish a totally independent entity, Melbourne Street Choir Inc. Each choir member is a member of the new incorporated entity, with voting rights, and an opportunity to influence decisions and the way the Choirs are run. So whilst the Choirs are very much a family, they are also very much a democracy!

I would also like to highlight the wonderful partnership we have developed with Federation Square and BMW Edge. We were delighted when, in late 2009, Jane Sydenham-Clarke, the Head of Marketing and Communications at Federation Square suggested to us that the Choir might rehearse in the beautiful BMW Edge Theatrette over the summer. We were overwhelmed when Jane suggested we make it our new home! BMW Edge is a world class performance venue, in a world class facility, in the centre of one of the greatest arts and culture precincts in the world. Our heartfelt thanks to Jane, and to Kate Brennan, the inspirational CEO of Federation Square, and to all the Fed Square staff and contractors who have so passionately supported the Choir as it has ‘found a new voice’ in this great facility. For Jonathon and the Choir, this has been all about ‘raising the bar’ – and aspiring for new standards of excellence. BMW Edge, with its sensational architecture and views over the river has inspired all the Choir members, and we encourage you all to come in and visit the now open rehearsals which are held in BMW Edge almost every Wednesday.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank Jonathon. Without his passion and vision, the Choir would not exist. He has taken the Choir on a fantastic musical journey, but even more significantly he has transformed the lives of the Choir members. Each member, as you are aware, has their own story to tell and personal journey to reflect on. In so many cases these journeys have been fraught with difficulty and disadvantage. Jonathon has created a safe and nurturing environment where each individual feels well looked after but encouraged and inspired to achieve at the very peak of their abilities. And there is more great music yet to come!

Under its new brand, The Choir of Hope and Inspiration has a range of engagements over the next few months, and plans to go back into the recording studio. There are also some other exciting, longer term initiatives in the planning stage, which we will keep you abreast of over the coming months. In the interim, thankyou again for your support, and we look forward to staying in touch through www.choirofhopenandinspiration.com.au.