Choir sings on: 10 years of Hard Knocks

The award-winning and critically acclaimed Choir of Hard Knocks will perform for Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s Musical Mornings audiences next month.

Now in its 10th anniversary year, the Choir of Hard Knocks has performed in Australia’s most prestigious venues under the inspired direction of Founding Artistic Director, Dr Jonathon Welch AM.

The Choir of Hard Knocks began rehearsing on September 13, 2006. Created initially as a television construct by Jason Stephens and Fremantle Media, Choir of Hard Knocks was the subject of the international award-winning ABC TV series.

Jonathon’s original inspiration came while in Canada in 2000 when reading an article in the Canadian Reader’s Digest about the Montreal Homeless Men’s Choir.

He then returned to Australia and created Sydney Street Choir in 2001, the first choir of its kind in Australia specifically created for people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

The Choir of Hard Knocks has performed alongside the cream of Australian musical talent, and is still one of the most sought-after and celebrated acts in Australia today.

Many of the original choir members from the award-winning documentary are continuing on the journey.

The story of the choir is one of humanity, connection and celebration in the face of diversity.

The multi award-winning choir members come from special backgrounds and circumstances.

There will be two performances of The Choir of Hard Knocks at 10.30am on November 8 and 9.

Tickets are available for $20 each through the GPAC website at gpac.org.au or by phoning the box office on 5225 1200.

Musical Mornings concerts are sponsored by Tuckers Funeral and Bereavement Services and include free morning tea before the show.