www.ivoci.org.au

Australia Day Suprise!

2012-02-01T15:27:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our conductor John Christmass who received a medal of the Order of Australia!

Click here to read more!

Concert review: Vienna Pops

2012-02-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

Stunning debut top of the pops

Vienna PopsPerth Concert Hall
An abiding feature of the annual Vienna Pops concerts, which John Christmass has been presenting for almost a quarter of a century, is the showcasing of up-and-coming musical talent. And at this concert, which played in the New Year in fine style, we heard a stunning Pops debut by clarinettist Alex Roberts. I cannot too highly praise the ability of this young musician.Schubert's Shepherd on the Rock is more usually heard in its original form for soprano, clarinet and piano. At the Pops concert, though - and for the first time in Australia, we were told - we heard an orchestral version of the piano part. Soprano Alexandra Bak sang with confidence and excellent projection.And Roberts did wonders on the clarinet, producing a stream of immaculately phrased, faultlessly pitched, limpid tones. It was the high point of the evening.Earlier we heard more Schubert: his delightful Hark, Hark the Lark in Tim Cunniffe's arrangement for choir and orchestra. Here, Christmass' I Voci singers were at their persuasive best - and they were hardly less convincing in Joseph Strauss' Chatterbox.Throughout, conductor Jessica Gethin was an unfailingly considerate accompanist, although one would have hoped for a more lilting quality in some of the waltz-time items. Gethin coaxed a particularly stylish account of one of Brahms' Hungarian Dances from the Perth Pops Orchestra.Three young tenors gave of their best, with Alasdair Kent in particularly fine fettle in ensemble with Bak and I Voci in an excerpt from Johann Strauss' Gypsy Baron. Matthew Reardon also did well, with first-class diction and a sure sense of style in Kalman's Gruss mir, mein Wien.Giant white snowflake cut-outs on a black background with a white stage covering suggested a midwinter's Vienna in festive mode.David Hawkes, a veteran of innumerable Christmass productions, was at his engaging best as compere.

NEVILLE COHN, The West AustralianJanuary 3, 2012

Review :: Sing into Spring 2011

2011-11-10T03:27:00.000-08:00

CONCERT
...............................

Sing into Spring with I Voci
25th September 2011, 3pm
Wesley Church, William Street
Reviewed by Neville Cohn

...............................

Not even the uncomfortably hard seating at Wesley Church could detract from listening pleasure as veteran choral director John Christmass, now well into his eighties but still sparking on all plugs, took his I Voci Singers through their paces in the cool and cloistered calm of this long-established venue. Outside, in William Street, there was bustle and the clink of commerce as fast foods outlets attended to the needs of passers-by. But there was even more satisfying fare – for ears – in church.

Unruffled and urbane as ever, Christmass coaxed splendid responses from his forces in a number of short pieces. I particularly admired the skill with which Vaughan Williams’ Linden Lea was sung; it was a model of its kind. So, too, was Samuel Barber’s Sure on this Shining Night, a first rate introduction to the afternoon’s program. I’m Seventeen Come Sunday was a folksy delight.

A brief, charming instrumental intermezzo – a movement from Vivaldi’s Piccolo Concerto in C – was played by Tresna Stampalia with her customary professionalism.

Main work of the afternoon was Schubert’s too-rarely heard Mass in G with accompaniment at the organ provided by John Beaverstock. Occasionally, though, in quieter choral moments, the organ part sounded rather too dense-textured. How pleasing to hear this lovely work sung with such understanding of style and mood – and with choral lines clothed in such agreeable tone. Alexandra Bak was a fine soprano soloist.

Sing into Spring 2011 :: Photos

2011-10-17T23:14:00.000-07:00

Preview :: Twenty years of Christmass

2011-05-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

From The West Australian - TODAY ARTS
by Neville Cohn
20/05/11

Concert
--------------------
20th Annual Best of British
Perth Concert Hall on Saturday, 21 May 2011
Pre-view: Neville Cohn
--------------------

As evergreen veteran musical director John Christmass celebrates the 20th anniversary of his annual Best of British concert series, he is gratified to see many more young people peppering the audience along with the regular salt-haired devotees of his I Voci Singers.

At 87, Christmass maintains an exhausting pace at an age when many of his contemporaries are spending their time making little sea-shell houses in their retirement homes.

There'll be 130 players on stage, including the 50-strong Perth Pops Orchestra conducted by Jessica Gethin, when Christmass presents the 20th Best of British concert this weekend. These events invariably draw enthusiastic, capacity crowds.

"Many in the audience come on an annual basis and have done so for years," Christmass says. "But some of the older folk have passed away but there has been a marked increase in the number of young people in attendance in recent years.

"The most magical moments are during the finale where the entire cast is on stage and one can look out and see a packed auditorium with everyone standing, singing with enormous gusto and waving Union Jack flags."

There will be choral items from I Voci - and Bruce Thompson offers two euphonium solos. Firm audience favourites include piper David Murray, organist Andrew Gardiner, compere David Hawkes and many of the much loved regulars Best of British regulars. The program will include British folk and pub songs and favourites like Colonel Bogey March and Noel Coward's Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs Worthington.

And traditional fish and chips will be available from the Concert Hall Cafe before the performance.

Christmass' pride and joy is his I Voci choir, which he founded in the 1970s and has toured Germany several times and appeared on Channel 7's Battle of the Choirs.

"It is great to work with young people who, generally speaking, do not smoke, drink very little, and take great pride and joy in their singing," he says. "Recognition of their work through concerts, TV and overseas tours gives me enormous satisfaction. There are sometimes special moments which make all the hard work worthwhile."

Apart from the annual Best of British series, Christmass' other major annual offering is the Vienna Pops New Year's Eve concerts that have run for 24 years, events that have raised $400,000 for charities set by the Rotary Club of Perth.

Best of British is at the Perth Concert Hall on Saturday night.

More info >>

ANZAC DAY 2011

2011-05-02T00:54:00.001-07:00

ANZAC Day is always a special event in I Voci's Annual calendar. Here are some photos of the service and our involvement taken by IZO Photography.

Sammy's Farewell - the photos

2011-03-09T19:27:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Sammy

2011-03-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

The rehearsal starts as usual: People arriving from quarter to seven onwards, getting the rows of chairs sorted, two guys pushing the piano into position. Chatting, laughing, John busily sorting new and old music, big smiles and “Hello’s”. It is the first rehearsal after the Christmas break, the singer’s haven’t seen each other in a while, stories about Christmas are being told, where everyone has been during festive season, stories of awesome trips: around Perth, down south, up north, over east or even over sea, recalls of the fantastic new years eve (Vienna Pops) concert…and Sammy arrives with pushbike and helmet in the room as the 32 speeder is too expensive to keep outside.

However, beside people’s Christmas travel logs filling the School of Music’s walls, Sammy’s journey is just about to begin.

Sammy has been I Voci’s accompanist for two years. Our first rehearsal in 2011 was the last one for him, since he flew out to Germany the following day. Sammy wants to learn German, study, stay with a host family and surely will have a great experience in my home country. On behalf of all I Voci singers I wish him good luck, great success, a wonderful time and many unforgettable memories.

Sammy’s first and final rehearsal in 2011 started as usual, but didn’t end as usual. All choir members were asked to bring some food and drinks along so we could have a little party after a shorter rehearsal and also welcome our new singers in the soprano and alto section. It was a great opportunity to meet the new singers and talk also a bit more to the not so new singers that sit in other sections (lets face it, we usually know the people in our section better than on the other side of the row), to have a last chat with Sammy and to taste all the cake, pies, cheeses and other nibbles on the table. A small speech by John and Reece officially brought to everyone’s mind that we now lost a fantastic accompanist, somebody who would also give suggestions, play and sing along with singers even during the break and somebody who easily understood and implemented John’s instructions.

I never saw a lot of Sammy when he was playing. Sitting second row in the soprano section with the piano in front of me slightly to the right hand side, I just saw his hair-ends behind the instrument. However, he stood up regularly from his chair and then there was the big, smiling face, pounding a single note for a section on the piano key or giving his contribution to an ongoing conversation or discussion which usually ended in a funny statement and general laughter.

Thank you Sammy for the great time, the wonderful playing, the contribution to the choir and the stories you hopefully tell us, once you are back in Perth.

Position Availiable: Accompanist. Enquire Now.

2011-01-19T10:20:00.000-08:00

WANTED : competent accompanist for the leading youth choir I Voci. Weekly rehearsals on Monday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.15pm

Wide ranging repertoire: 16th Century A Cappella, Folk Songs, Spirituals, Classical Jazz, Cantatas and other medium duration choral works, British repertoire, also Viennese repertoire with orchestra. I Voci has appeared on ‘ Battle of the Choirs’ on TV, toured Germany on three occasions and is the chosen choir for Anzac Day. Opportunities to accompany soloists also. A great opportunity to learn a huge repertoire and work with a top quality choir, dedicated to quality music making. Directed by John Christmass, Australia’s most experienced choral conductor.

Great opportunities for public appearance in leading WA Venues such as Perth Concert Hall. Fees by arrangement.

Contact John on 9390 4275 or email to: ivoci@westnet.com.au

For further information visit the I Voci Website.

2011 Concert Season Now Available

2011-01-17T22:52:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

We have just updated in detail our 2011 Concert Season

Check out the concerts page on our website.

Happy 2011!

Back Stage at Vienna Pops

2011-01-04T03:24:00.001-08:00

Review :: A bubbling Vienna Pops

2011-01-02T23:06:00.000-08:00

From The West Australian - TODAY ARTS
by Neville Cohn
03/01/11

Concert
--------------------
23rd Annual Vienna Pops
Perth Concert Hall on Friday, 31 December 2010
Review: Neville Cohn
--------------------

Billed as a "Champagne Concert", this 23rd annual New Year's Eve production of Vienna Pops had all the fizz and sparkle one associates with that famous tipple.
John Christmass, now well into his eighties, again defied the passage of time to present yet another in a concert series that invariably draws large and enthusiastic audiences.

Time and Time again, the musicians of the Vienna Pops Orchestra rose to the occasion with Peter Moore on the podium coaxing energetic, rhythmically pulsing accounts of old favourites. To the music of Robert Stolz's New Year's Eve Parade March, members of I Voci choir moved around the stalls handing out roses. It was a delightful touch to usher in the evening.

I cannot recall hearing the VPO to better advantage and this was especially so in the overture to Mozart's The Magic Flute which held the attention throughout, not least for first-rate contributions from the woodwind and brass sections. Trombones were in particularly good form.

Soprano Harriet Marshall, radiating energy, had the attention of all ears as she sang Kalman's Heia, heia. And she seemed positively to relish coming to grips with Johann Strauss' Czardas from DieFledermaus delivered in sizzling bravura style.

Why though, was it necessary to excessively amplify so substantial a voice which, unamplified, would surely have reached the furthest corners of the acoustically perfect Concert Hall? Much the same applied to other vocal offerings from Vienna Pops stalwarts Justin Freind and Alexandra Bak, both whom sang beautifully.

In ensemble with I Voci, baritone Robert Hoffman did well in an aria from Kalman's operetta Countess Maritza. Here, as in many of the operetta gems on offer, the music was in the best sense nostalgia-drenched, not least I Voci's impeccably prepared account of The Blue Danube. We also heard Tales from the Vienna Woods from guitar duo Duncan Gardiner and Claire Bonner.

David Hawkes was, as ever, a congenial compere.

For more than two decades, proceeds of Vienna Pops concerts have been donated to worthy causes. This year, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Passages Project (a halfway house for street kids) will benefit from the event.

Excellent Performance at the Belmont Forum

2010-12-13T06:24:00.000-08:00

Well we did it! We were second, winning $1250 and a cup in the Belmont Forum Battle of the Christmas Choirs. The prize money will go towards running the choir. Here are some pictures of the afternoon. Videos to come.

Some of the other competitors:

The New I Voci Website and branding

2010-11-28T21:55:00.000-08:00

Introducing the brand NEW I Voci Online. A community choir with music variety!

Ching-a-Ring Ching

2010-11-19T23:23:00.000-08:00

Ching-a-Ring Ching performed at the Rhein Donau Club on November 14th, 2010. Enjoy :)

Beati Quorum Via

2010-11-16T05:11:00.000-08:00

a little taste of Germany in the heart of Perth, WA.

2010-11-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

Entering Perth's Rhein Donau Club for some of us, is like returning for a forth time to the country we love in the northern hemisphere: Deutschland (Germany). On Sunday we performed there with one of our best performances this year. The atmosphere was warm and friendly. We sang a small selection of our repertoire, including a few new pieces we are perfecting for next year.

Our performance included:
1. Christmas Lullaby
2. I know where I'm goin'
3. The Lord is my shepherd
4. Shenandoah
5. Lasciatemi Morire
6. Motet -Justorum animae
7. Motet- Beati quorum via
8. Frog went a-courtin'
9. Ching-a-Ring Chaw
10. Fiddler Man
11. The Terrible Tale of Tom Gilligan

Then to top of this great afternoon, the Rhein Donau Club prepared a German Tasting BBQ and open bar for us all! It was a wonderful spread with a lot of selection. Choir member Vanessa, was celebrating her birthday and so her family brought in a chocolate cake. Good food, drink and spirit never stops flowing with the German's. We just love being a part of it!

Thank you to Guenter Best for organising this lovely event.

Male Scholarships Available Now

2010-09-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

Scholarships for male voices now available up to 35 years of age.
Subject to audition. Please contact John Christmass: 9390 4275 or email ivoci@westnet.com.au

A New I Voci Website with Variety

2010-09-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to announce that by the end of this month we will have a brand new website uploaded and ready to go.

Easier access to the I Voci community including event details and purchasing, news and reviews, press and to join our mailing list.

Keep and eye out and we will love some feedback when it's up!

Voice Moves Choir Bash Photos

2010-09-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

In July, we participated in the 2010 Voicemoves Winter Choir Bash on July 4th.
Here are some photos from the afternoon.

I Voci members and friends...

Some of the other participants:
A Capella Go

2nd Avenue

as well as:
Lets Sing
Sweet Thursday Singers
Showtime Chorus

Visit Voice Moves website

Review :: Sunday Session to make the Vicar Smile

2010-09-07T03:31:00.000-07:00

From The West Australian - TODAY ARTS
by Neville Cohn
01/09/10

Concert
--------------------
I Voci at Spring in the Ballroom
Government House Ballroom on 29th August 2010
Review: Neville Cohn
--------------------

Unlike, say, Verdi's setting of the requiem mass for the dead with its operatically, noisy climaxes, Gabriel Faure's version unfolds in the most serenely gentle way.
At the weekend, it was the chief joy of a performance by I Voci, directed by John Christmass.

Robert Hofmann, who stood in for an indisposed Mark Alderson, sang his solos, especially Libera Me, with a very real understanding of Faure's idiosyncratic style.Soprano Alexandra Bak, too, rose to the occasion in vocal terms but her diction might have been clearer.

In the Sanctus and In Paradisum, Christmass coaxed singing of consistent refinement from his choir, accompanied by an 11 -strong instrumental ensemble.

Earlier, Tresna Stampalia (flute) and Bronwyn Wallis ( harp) played Faure's En Priere with most musical phrasing and beguiling tone quality.

As ever, I Voci's programme included many choral miniaturss of which John Rutter's Americal Lyrics yielded the most satisfying listening, not least for polished ensemble singing and finely realised piano accompaniments by Sammy McSweeney.

Aaron Copland's arrangement of Ching-a-Ring Chaw was informed by a jolly, energetic quality that sounded entirely appropriate.

There was, as well, a charming account of Howard Goodall's setting of the 23rd Psalm, the theme music for the Vicar of Dibley TV series.

In Moneverdi's Lascitemi morire, intonation was not always quite secure and there was some tentative singing at the beginning of I Know Where I'm Going.

This was a most civilised way of spending a Sunday afternoon.

PRESS RELEASE: Spring in the Ballroom!

2010-08-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE : ISSUED AUGUST 2010
--------------------
I VOCI PRESENT A VARIETY OF WORKS
IN PERTH’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS BALLROOM
FEATURING THE FAURE REQUIEM >>

The acclaimed New I Voci Singers will present their annual ‘Spring in the Ballroom’ Concert in Government House Ballroom on Sunday 29th August at 3.00pm.

Since returning from their third highly successful tour of Germany in early February,
I Voci’s engagements have included the ‘Anzac Day Memorial Service’ on the
Perth Esplanade, the ‘Best of British’ concert at the Perth Concert Hall and the
‘Voice Moves’ mid winter concert involving seven choirs which raised
funds for the Salvation Army’s Winter Appeal.

The members of I Voci are currently preparing for their ‘Spring in the Ballroom’ Concert. Their programme for this recital will consist of a range of works from 16th Century to items of a contemporary nature, including American based works by John Rutter and arrangements by Aaron Copland in the first half, with the second half devoted to a performance of the well loved Faure Requiem accompanied
by a select orchestra of leading West Australian musicians.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ivoci.org.au.

With a view to fostering a love of choral singing I Voci will host an informal
‘Sing with I Voci’ community work shop for young people in October.
This event will be free of charge.

This busy young choir is committed to performing for community and charity organisations. Its’ final engagement for the year is the Rotary Club of Perth’s New Year’s Eve ‘Vienna Pops’ Concert at Perth Concert Hall. This popular event has raised in the vicinity of $400,000 during its’ 23 year history.

2010-07-31T09:09:00.001-07:00

Click here to purchase tickets for Spring in the Ballroom 2010.

Secure your Seat today: Spring in the Ballroom 2010

2010-07-01T02:50:00.000-07:00

Tickets are now available online for Spring in the Ballroom,
on the Sunday, 29th August 2010 at 3pm.

FEATURING The Faure Requiem

Purchase Tickets for Spring in the Ballroom here.

A Perfect Spring in the Ballroom.

2010-06-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

Would you like a lovely spring Sunday afternoon listening to I VOCI master a selection of short choral works covering a range of musical styles and periods? Including composers such as Monteverdi, Juan Vasquez, Palestrina and Rutter are included with both accompanied and A Cappella work, also featuring the beautiful Requiem by Gabriel Faure, with orchestra.

Well on the 29th August 2010 at 3pm, I VOCI will be performing at the Government House Ballroom.

A magnificent location with beautiful music, the perfect combination.

Tickets will be available from Friday, 2nd July.

For more information contact John Christmass.
ph. 9390 4275
e. ivoci@westnet.com.au
w. www.ivoci.org.au

IVOCI at the Choir Bash

2010-06-23T04:18:00.001-07:00

I VOCI will this year be a participant at the 2010 Voicemoves Winter Choir Bash.

This event involves a variety of Perth choirs. Each choir has the stage for 15 minutes. We have been preparing some of our best pieces which we will feature at our Spring in the Ballroom.

Date: Sunday 4 July 2010
Address: Riverton Baptist Church, 38 Modillian Ave Shelley (near cnr Leach Highway and Vahland Ave)
Time: 2:00pm - 4:30pm (includes afternoon tea)
Cost: $5 (door sales available)

Voicemoves is a organisation supporting choirs and has own very own John Christmass as their patron!.

We look forward to the big sing!
See you there.

Review :: A fabulous journey down memory lane

2010-05-31T00:39:00.000-07:00

From The West Australian - TODAY
by Neville Cohn
19/05/10

CONCERT
----------------------
New I Voci Singers at the Best of British
Perth Concert Hall on 17th May 2010
Review: Neville Cohn
----------------------

I have lost count of the number of Best of British concerts I've attended over the years but this, the 19th in the series, was in a class of its own.

Now into his ninth decade, the tireless John Christmass has done it again. As ever, it's a trip down nostalgia lane modelled on London's celebrated Last Night of the Proms.

With the ebullient David Hawkes as compere, and conductor Jessica Gethin presiding over Perth Pops Orchestra with aplomb, we heard one sentimental favourite after another, including A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and The Lord is my Shepherd.

Tenor Justin Freind brought assured artistry and faultless diction to that G&S evergreen A Wandering Minstrel. Another Best of British stalwart Mark Alderson, clad in bright shades of green, sang Phil the Fluter's Ball as if it had been written for him - and threw in a few dance steps for good measure.

Here, and frequently through the program Sammy McSweeney brought finesse to his piano accompaniments. And Vaughan Williams' much loved English Folk Song Suite was frequently interrupted by gales of appreciative applause. Earlier, I Voci gave a quite magical account of Rutter's Fiddler Man, with the sort of finesse that makes it the fine ensemble it is.

Lavish laurels in particular to Adrian Bowen, who produced a stream of finely pitched, mellow tone in an exquisitely phrased account of the Romance from Ronald Binge's Saxophone Concerto.

And there was an hilarious interlude when everybody in the capacity audience stood to do the Hokey Pokey, taking their cues from Alderson and Josephine Christmass on stage.

A profusion of fine soloists included Sophie Walker (cello), Pavel Sergeyev (violin) in the Romance from Shostakivich's Gadfly Suite, Alexandra Bak (soprano), piper David Murray (in The Gael) and Adrian Kelly, who got the second half of the program off to a fine start with Jeremiah Clarke's much loved Trumpet Voluntary. As ever, Andrew Gardner was an impeccable presence at the concert hall organ.

John Christmass on 720am Perth

2010-05-10T01:22:00.000-07:00

Listen to John Christmass here,
in an interview on Afternoons with Gillian O'Shaughnessy 720am Perth.

Thank you to ABC Radio 720am Perth for kindly sending us a copy of the podcast!

He talks about the history of the choir, what we are about and the upcoming features of the best of british, this saturday at the Perth concert Hall.

Listen to John Christmass podcast below.

ANZAC DAY SERVICE 25/04/10

2010-04-24T03:37:00.000-07:00

We are participating in the annual ANZAC Day service
tomorrow held on the Perth Esplanade Reserve from 11am.

You can also see us on the ABC1: live coverage from 9am.

For more information, visit the RSL website

ANNOUNCING: Best of British May 15

2010-04-07T18:58:00.001-07:00

Tickets for the 19th Annual Best of British at the Perth Concert Hall are now on sale through BOCS. Hurry, every year seats sell out for this great event quickly!

DOWNLOAD BEST OF BRITISH FLYER: for more details

Look forward to seeing you there!
I Voci

The BEST sounds of the New I Voci Singers

2010-03-01T00:02:00.001-08:00

We have just released our latest album, The Best of the New I Voci Singers. It consists of our best performances (including many that are not on our previous CDs) and for those that have been a part of the choir, many warm memories.

There are over 100 voices participating in this CD.
The list of songs includes:
01) Java Jive
02) Jabula Jesu
03) Stardust
04) Soldier Boy
05) Terrible Tale of Tom Gilligan
06) Puttin’ on the Ritz
07) Sing we and Chant It
08) Since first I saw your face
09) Shepherds all and Shepherdess
10) Now is the Month of Maying
11) Adieu Sweet Amaryllis
12) Come Again Sweet Love
13) Blind Man
14) Steal Away
15) O Magnum Mysterium
16) Adoramus Te
17) Kyrie Eleison
18) Dixit Maria
19) Locus Iste
20) Ave Verum
21) Shenandoah
22) I will give my love an apple
23) Down by the Sally Gardens
24) Silent Worship
25) Wasail
26) The Mermaid
27) Rolling Down to Rio
28) All the Pretty Little Horses
29) Il Est Bel Est Bon
30) Champagne Her
31) Hallejuah
32) Im a Believer

CD's are now available for sale by contacting John Christmas on 9390 4275 or ivoci@westnet.com.au.

Illustration by choir member Vera
Design and Layout by choir member Teresa

Newspaper Articles from Westerwald Region

2010-02-09T01:38:00.000-08:00

These articles were from our final location in Germany. We stayed in a small but beautiful village called Fussigen. This was from Monday 25th to Friday 29th January.

Local Newspaper Article from Aldekerk.

2010-02-09T01:33:00.000-08:00

We were in Aldekerk from Sunday 17th - Friday 22nd January.

Concerts in our final location 26th/27th

2010-01-26T02:00:00.000-08:00

Ok our final two concerts are listed below.

Tuesday 26th January
Where: Dorfgemeinschaftshaus, Waldernbacher Straße, 65620 Waldbraun
Time: 19:00 (7pm)

Wednesday 27th January
Where: Westerburg, ev. Kirche
Time: 19:00 (7pm)

If you're in Germany and would like to see us perform, this is your last chance as we leave for Australia on Friday!

Hope to see you there!

Concert in Hannover 23rd January

2010-01-24T03:10:00.000-08:00

This afternoon we will be singing with the Knaben Chor in Hannover.

Where: Maschstraße, Haus der Jugend, Hannover
Time: 17-00

Concert 19th January 7:30pm

2010-01-19T04:57:00.000-08:00

Tonight we will be having a concert in Wachtendonk.

Begins at 7:30pm (19:30).

Hope to see you there!!!

Concert 1 Details

2010-01-13T01:14:00.000-08:00

For all of our Deutsch fans.

Here are the details for our first concert:

13th January 2010 - Wednesday

Where: Christuskirche in Krefeld-Bockum
Time: 7pm

http://www.christus-kirche.de/index.html

Day 1 - We have Arrived

2010-01-13T00:41:00.000-08:00

Monday - 11th January 2010

We left Perth at 6am, for a 10.5 hour flight to Dubai, then boarded our next flight at 2:55pm for a 6.5 hour flight to dusseldorf. By the time we arrived in Dusseldorf it was 7pm (2am Perth time). Our longest Monday ever!

Well after a very long flight (24 hours- if you time it from the moment we left our homes in Perth to Dusseldorf) we arrived safe and sound in Germany... and very tired.
However, no matter how tired we were, it didn't stop our excitement of seeing the snow covered landscapes... and the relisation that -1 degrees is FREEZING!

For many of us, it is either our first time overseas or our first ever snow!

We were welcomed warmly by our German entourage and after many hugs we were then allocated our host families for our first stop: Neukirchen-Vluyn.

we experienced a lovely dinner and then went to bed.

Germany 2010 Tour

2010-01-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

Heres is our itinery of our germany tour:

Persons travelling:
Rachel Bennett, Vanessa Sharplin, Faith Ransom, Sarah Smith (sopranos)
Johanne Bargmann, Teresa Ingrilli, Veronica Ingrilli, Mary Munro, Marie (altos)
Robin Fletcher, George Munroe, Chris Robinson (tenors)
Michael Fletcher, Reece Harley, Kevan Hendry, Terry Ionnidi (basses)
Sammy McSweeney, Guenter Best; John Christmass

Mon 11th Jan Depart Perth Airport 0600 Terminal 1
Mon 11th Arrive Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) 19.05
Tues 12th Concert in Schaphuesen 1900hrs
Wed 13th Reception in Rathaus at 11.00, mid day meal with host families, to Moers for shopping, 1800 Rehearsal, 1900 Concert in Neukirchen
Thur 14th 10.00 To Koln ( Cologne) to see the Cathedral, sight seeing and visit the
Brauhaus 1800 Rehearsal 1900 Concert in Vluyn
Fri 15th Aachen. 1900 Concert Wesel / Krefeld
Sat 16th Visit to Castle Bloemersheim. ( a reception of some kind)
Sun 17th After breakfast travel to Aldekirk. 1100 Meet guest families. 1500 Meet with Jugenchor ( choir) 1800 Concert in the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Aldekirk
Mon 18th Rathaus reception. 1200 Sight seeing.
Tues 19th 1000 To music school -Aldekirk, 1830 Rehearsal 1900 Concert in Wachtendonk Wed 20th 1100 Day trip to Xanten ( Roman Village), 1800 Rehearsal 1900 Concert in Dom,
then a meal in the Hotel van Bebber
Thurs 21st Farewell party
Fri 22nd Board train in Duisburg for travel to Hannover. Arrive Hannover mid day.
Sat 23rd Music Schule - rehearsal/ concert ?
Sun 24th Concert - Hannover
Mon 25th Depart Hannover by train for Limburg ( via Frankfurt) Small soiree.
Tues 26th Concert in the Hall. Meet Ladies choir - Fussingen, and Youth Choir.
Wed 27th Concert in the Castle Church in Westerburg
Thurs 28th Farewell Concert in the Schloss ( Castle)
Fri 29th Depart to Frankfurt, then leave Frankfurt at 20.15 from Frankfurt Intl (FRA) ,
Terminal 2 .

Sat 30th Arrive Dubai Intl Arpt (DBX) Terminall 3 Depart Dubai10.45 Intl Arpt DBX) Terminal 3,

Sun 31st Arrive 01.15 Perth Airport (PER) Terminal 1.

Preview :: The Joys of Christmass

2010-01-05T00:07:00.000-08:00

From The West Australian - Seven Days Magazine
by Neville Cohn
26/12/09

CONCERT
----------------------
New I Voci Singers at the Vienna Pops
Perth Concert Hall on 31st December 2009
Review: Neville Cohn
----------------------

Age has failed to douse the passion John Christmass has for music, writes Neville Cohn.

He's at an age when most of his contemporaries are either dead or passing the days making seashell houses in retirement homes. Not John Christmass, who turns 86 in March and maintains a work schedule that could well exhaust many half his age.
He is arguably Australia's oldest choral trainer and, after a lifetime's devotion to the art, Christmass is as enthusiastic, committed and hardworking as he has ever been.

Next month, he'll be taking his New I Voci Singers chamber choir on a third concert tour of Germany on invitation from music lovers in that country. There will be 10 concerts and three civic receptions, which will go some way to placing Perth on the music map.

Christmass recalls that at I Voci's very first concert in Germany, "the turnout was so big, it couldn't be accommodated. We were given a standing ovation at the end of our program and again after each of three encores."

But before that, there's work to be done organising and rehearsing for I Voci's 22nd annual Vienna Pops concert that, as ever, sees in the New Year with a performance at the Perth Concert Hall followed by dancing on the terrace.

"Over the years, this venture has raised over $350,000 for charities supported by the Rotary Foundation," says Christmass, a former WA Citizen of the Year and Senior Australian of the Year for WA. Taking some moments from his hectic schedule, Christmass lists some of the young musicians who have been offered spots in the programs when still relatively unknown.
"There's soprano Racheal Durkin, who has gone on to triumphs at New York's Metropolitian Opera, soprano Lisa Harper-Brown who is currently based in Berlin, Justin Friend, one of Perth's busiest tenors - and violinist Pavel Sergeyev."

Perth Concert Hall is invariably packed to the rafters at Vienna Pops and Best of British concerts - and Christmass' appearance on the podium to take his I Voci singers through their paces invariably prompts huge applause.

"It is an astonishing fact that John Christmass, in the 20 years and more over which I have been closely associated with him, has lost none of his drive, enthusiasm and commitment to qualify - and I emphasise quality most emphatically," says long-time collaborator and compere David Hawkes. "Over the years, he has contributed to the city's music life in innumerable ways, whether conducting Carols by Candlelight, at Cancer Council and Anzac Day performances or any of a multitude of other events," Hawkes says.

Christmass, who jokes that the tuxedo he wore at his wedding many decades ago still fits him perfectly, lists coaching young musicians not as work but as recreation. Music may be his prime passion but he and wife Sally delight in gardening and spending whatever time is available tending their gardenflowers and shrubs.

Idle is a word that doesn't appear in Christmass' dictionary. He also somehow finds time to chair the Kelmscott District Residents' Group - and regularly meets with friends on Wednesday mornings for coffee - a self -styled "grumpy old men's group".

Vienna Pops was at the Perth Concert Hall on December 31 2009.

Germany Here We Come PART TWO

2010-01-04T23:53:00.000-08:00

Well this time next week, a good portion of the New I Voci Singers will be beginning our tour in Germany.

Keep an eye open on this space, we will be updating our blog for our family, friends and fans!

And don't forget to write to us!
It's EASY!

Simply click on comment (at the bottom of the post) and then type your message.
If you done have an account with blogspot, then you can use the anonymous setting.
Your comment may take up to 24 hours to appear though!

We look forward to hearing from you when we're over in Germany!

Bon Voyage!

Rehearsal Mixed Media Drawing 9/2009

2009-12-19T21:53:00.000-08:00

Ahoy there.

Here's a segment of the drawing I'm currently working on for the choir. Please let me know what things come to mind when you see it.

Hugs for you all.

Vera.W.Zahra

"I am the acidic rebirth of your kind.
I am the stare in your eyes,
The smile in your heart,
The chill in your touch,
The benevolence in your soul.
My words are those you miss sub-consciously,
Those of a thousand evils and a million beauties."

Rehearsal Photographs 2009

2009-12-15T19:20:00.002-08:00

Good day to you all.

To the choir I'm known as Faith (The girl who gives out hugs) but to just about everyone else, I'm known as Vera.W.Z. (Vera Zahra)
Presently I have been a member of this choir for about a year and a half. Other than music, I enjoy researching visual art, physics/chemistry/biology, and literature. In relation to visual arts, earlier on:
- I was studying Fine Arts at Curtin University (It's a fabulous course, however I craved to have more scientific influence in my life. I've given it a break for a bit.)
- I created a window display for the bag company, Crumpler
- I attended the Amplifer (an arts business training program of workshops and forums for young artists and artsworkers in Perth) which was hosted by Propel Youth Arts WA
- I have volunteered for the AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things this year

As far as visual arts and the New I Voci Singers are concerned, I have taken photographs of the choir during rehearsal, in order to work on some drawings for them.
Aim: I wish to illustrate the sound that the choir creates as a group. The sound waves below are an attempt to depict this while masking the identity of the individual singers.
Diagram:
Method: Currently processing one of the images below to effectively do this.

If you are interested in seeing all the photographs I've taken, please contact me.

Love to you all.

Vera.W.Z

"I am the acidic rebirth of your kind.
I am the stare in your eyes,
The smile in your heart,
The chill in your touch,
The benevolence in your soul.
My words are those you miss sub-consciously,
Those of a thousand evils and a million beauties."

Spring in the Ballroom... delightful afterall!

2009-10-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

Our Spring in the Ballroom concert was a wonderful success. Where we performed pieces from the 16th Century right up to now.

Here are a few photos of our afternoon.
Photographs by: Ignacio and Francisca Garcia

Review :: Alto on a high note

2009-10-29T05:14:00.000-07:00

From The Community Newspapers
06/10/09

PUBLICATION REVIEW
----------------
Review: From Community Newspapers
Link: inmycommunity
----------------

THE New I Voci Singers choir has been hitting the high notes for three decades and continues to attract young members, including Hamilton Hill singer Teresa Ingrilli.

The choir performed at retirement villages and at its own events in the early years of inception but has gained national recognition as a professional group over the years.

Its annual spring concert, titled Spring in the Ballroom, will run at Government House Ballroom on Sunday from 3pm.

The concert funds will go towards the group’s trip to Germany in January, as well as future publications and CDs.

Ingrilli, who sings in the alto section of the group, said the audience could expect to hear music ranging from 16th-century madrigals to modern jazz pieces.

The 24-year-old joined the choir in 2005 and said she loved singing in a group.

“I love that the people are all my age and that it is a small group so everyone has an important part to play,” she said.

Her love of singing was kindled when she was eight and was chosen to be in her primary school choir.

She sang in choirs until Year 12 and started singing lessons when she was 16.

Ingrilli will sing solo during the Fremantle Festival at Kulcha on November 15.

Best of British Photos 2009

2009-09-14T08:17:00.001-07:00

SUPER SAMMY!!!

2009-09-02T03:27:00.000-07:00

I Voci

Sammy!

I voci has nabbed itself (ourselves?) an incredible new accompanist and we are so excited! Sammy McSweeney is our first accompanist since Alex that has really managed to work exceptionally well with our needs and the needs of John. He played for us during our recent appearance at a Spring concert for the Australian Choral Society, and of course did a fabulous job in helping us to bring 'ethereal mildness' to our audience.

Currently, Sammy is set to join us for our German tour. YAY! Though he currently remains somewhat of an enigma, we look forward to getting to know him better over the next few weeks and months.

Welcome, Sammy! We are so happy to have you!

Choral Workshop – Taiwan Style!

2009-08-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

On Tues 25th August, we had the privilege of participating in a choral workshop led by Dr Yu-Wen Pan. Pan (this is how she introduced herself, I am not taking liberties), is an Assistant Professor at the National Taiwan Normal University. She teaches future music teachers. It was a full on night for us, but lucky John got to relax all evening!

We started off with a warm up. This reminded me of my university studies in theatre, as it encompassed our whole body. We did some breathing, but then moved on to “shaking out” and massaging our body, to release the tension of the day and enable us to focus on our voices. It progressed to rhythmic pattern mimicry, which started our diaphragms working in the correct way and our ears to work harder. The warm up also included what my singing teacher used to call “sirens.” The exercise of singing “oo” (kind of like an ambulance siren” from your low to high register and back down again, really opens up the throat.

We sang “Benedicum Domine” for Pan and then workshopped through it as she suggested how we could improve it. Pan asked us to try singing our parts without words, to the sound “ah.” Then, when we put the words back in, to keep our mouths in the same “ah” shape, so that the vowels didn’t get squashed. I found this technique really helpful, and it definitely improved my tone for this song.

Pan tried to explain to us the concept of “kendo”, which they use in Taiwan. I am not sure that I entirely got it. I wish I did, because it sounded cool, but I was so tired that my brain didn’t take everything in!!

I googled it, to see if that would help. All I could find is that it means “Way of the Sword” and it is a Japanese modern martial art form of sword-fighting, with a traditional basis.

Pan placed a lot of emphasis on involving the whole body while singing. Keeping the knees loose, as opposed to locked and allowing the body to move naturally. She also demonstrated using our hands to “shape” our voices and create the sound that we want. This was a new experience for me, and I guess for most of the others. I was concentrating very hard, trying to learn all I could, and therefore probably un-doing the relaxing warm up!

The part of the evening that I enjoyed the most was when we were singing an excerpt (to the text of “dah”) from “Carmen” by Bizet. As a side note: If you’re a “you-tuber”, look up Sesame Street Carmen. We found it by accident. Back to the main story: Firstly, we had to make sure we were all singing the same rhythm. I think there were some stray acciaccaturas! Then came the tricky bits... We went through it a few more times once singing only the first note of each bar, and another time singing only the third note of each bar. This was quite tricky, as it meant we really had to keep focussed and “singing” in our heads to get the right note.

Pan finished the evening teaching us a little Taiwanese tune, a phrase at a time. Then at the end asking us to take the phrases in our own time, holding any note as long as we wanted, then when everybody had finished each phrase, we would move on to the next one. It was very cool!
Thanks to Pan for her time and to the Choral Music Association of Australia for bringing her out to Perth and arranging our workshop.

Here's a photo of us all at the end of the night

Spring in the Ballroom... a delightful afternoon!

2009-08-31T03:17:00.000-07:00

We've all been working hard to memorise and perfect our work in preparation for our major concert - it is sure going to be a good one this year! We're planning on providing a lovely spring afternoon of song in the Government House Ballroom - one of the most beautiful venues in Perth. Come and join us!

Come and join the New I Voci Singers for a Delightful afternoon of song in the Government House Ballroom.

Price:
Adult: $30.00, Concession $25.00

Date:
Sunday, October 11, 2009

Time:
3:00pm - 4:50pm

Location:
Government House Ballroom
St George's Terrace
Perth

Phone:
0893904275

Email:
ivoci@westnet.com.au

Review :: Choir Celebrates

2009-07-19T00:34:00.000-07:00

From The Community Newspapers
05/05/09

PUBLICATION REVIEW
----------------
Review: From Community Newspapers
Link: inmycommunity
----------------

AFICIONADOS of choir singing can take a stroll down memory lane with one of Perth’s most popular choirs, the Kelmscott-based New I Voci Singers, after the publication of a book celebrating its 30-year history.

The idea for the book came from choir member Teresa Ingrilli, who also gathered information and designed it.

About 300 young people have belonged to the choir since it started under the directorship of John Christmass in 1978.

It originally performed mainly at retirement villages and other local venues.

“Today the choir stands as a respected group with a fine record of achievement and is arguably the busiest choir in Australia, consisting of youthful amateurs but with a professional level of performance,” Mr Christmass said.

“In just over one year we have given more than 15 public performances, including a special Christmas concert at the Perth Concert Hall.”

Mr Christmass said the common bond all choir members shared over the years had been their joy of making choral music together and the friendships they had established.

Its signature events performed each year include Anzac Day services, the Best of British concerts and the New Year’s Eve Vienna Pops concerts.

“Two concert tours to Germany have been highlights and a third invitation has been received, with a promise of concerts in Germany and Paris,” he said.

The 30-voice choir is preparing for its 18th annual Best of British concert at the Perth Concert Hall on May 23.

It will feature a mix of old favourites such as Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem, and some arrangements specially commissioned for the show.

This year’s concert will also feature the 50-piece Perth Pops Orchestra and soloists, including soprano Alexandra Bak, tenor Justin Freind, baritone Mark Alderson and alto Josephine Christmass.

For a copy, $12.50 each, call Mr Christmass on 9390 4275.
For more information about the group and the concert, visit www.ivoci.org.au.

Celebrating 30 Years Publication

2009-07-19T00:19:00.000-07:00

ON SALE NOW!!

Celebrating 30 years of the New I Voci Singers!

From the beginning to the present and beyond.
This 30+ page booklet is a visually appealing and interesting read or a great gift for a friend.

For a copy, only $12.50 each, contact John Christmass on (08) 9390 4275.

smeh

2009-07-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

I thought i should mention something about myself, not only to formally introduce myself properly (yes, i know im not that new!), but to see if i can actually use this blog thing (damn kids and their new fangled gadgets and whizzimijigs!) for future reference

anyways, im kim (or kimi, if you please) and im a second sop, and we're fairly awesome (not biased much), and im currently studying at curtin uni. I wont specify what course i am doing at the moment, mostly because i am currently in the process of switching, but i can say im doing a course in science and engineering, and am hopefully going to be accepted into the engineering degree, if all goes to plan.

i have many favourite composers, and not all of them are classical. i kinda like to think of metorphorically as the crazy cat lady of music, meaning that i have an ecclectic taste.

anyways, at the moment, some of my favourites include schumann, mendelssohn, holst, most of the songs by crowded house, einstein on the beach, chopin, stuff by voltaire (most recent obsession http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC6UtsPa13o love the violin stuff and the kooky rhythms/subject matter).

well then, might be time to wrap it up. i get too easily distracted and such.
much loves xx

Cool Britannia

2009-05-27T02:20:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, 23 May, The New I Voci Singers once again donned the black ties and tulle for this year’s Best of British at Perth Concert Hall.

Taking the form of a ‘Last Night of the Proms Down Under’, this event has proved to be a favourite on the calendar of Perth Proms audiences, and included the gorgeous sound of Perth Proms Orchestra and a bunch of our favourite soloists.

David Hawkes once again took control of the microphone and guided us through two acts of all that we’ve come to expect of a last night of the proms, some costuming, a bit of humour (sometimes of dubious quality) lots of music and a big finish, complete with a drunken sailor, an explosion full of glitter confetti, streamers from the upper circle and balloons from the ceiling.

The excitement in the auditorium was mirrored absolutely by the energy backstage. From obsessing over hair styles and dresses, to the traditional cards tournament between tenors and basses; every member of the choir has their own method of preparing for the moment of truth.

Of course, the performance cannot be possible without a great deal of preparation, which for us included our usual Monday night rehearsals, as well as special rehearsals on the Friday evening beforehand, as well as during the day on Saturday. Not to mention the times outside of formal rehearsal that we all drive our friends, family and workmates mad with snippets of song, muttered under the breath because we simply can’t get them out of our minds.

In the end, the show went off without a hitch (at least without any hitch that you would have seen from the audience) and, with some toora-looras, a few hey nonnys and a whole swag of pomp and circumstance, The Best of British wrapped up for another year.

But, of course, there’s no rest for the wicked. We’ve started preparations already for our September performance at Government House Ballroom, with plans brewing for a possible extra show later in the year.

Relay for Life 2009

2009-04-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

I Voci were invited to perform at the Relay for Life on Saturday, 28th March 2009. It was a real honour to donate our time at this event. We arrived at Perry Lakes Stadium when it was still light and the participants were going strong around the track, dressed in all sorts of colourful outfits, celebrating the joy of life. There was a strong wind blowing already which kept up for the rest of the night. We were able to hear a few of the performers on before us and really get a feel for what the Relay was all about. We sang our first bracket just before the Candlelight Ceremony, when all the participants stopped their laps and surrounded the stage. Unfortunately, the wind was too strong for them to be able to do the whole ceremony, so we all missed what would have been that little bit extra special: a hundred candles glowing "HOPE" on the stadium bleachers. As it was, the Candlelight Ceremony was very moving, incorporating three different generations of cancer sufferers lighting commemorative candles and a time for reflection of those who had lost their battle with cancer. After the Ceremony, the participants resumed and we continued, finishing our performance with "Sunny Side of the Street", which really seemed to epitomise the focus on hope and life. Despite the unusual & unpredictable conditions, I feel it was one of the best events to be involved in. Thank you to the Cancer Council for their invitation and to John for liaising with them.

REVIEW :: New Year's Viennese Serves Perennial Favourites

2009-01-16T23:33:00.000-08:00

From The West Australian
by Neville Cohn
Friday 02/01/09

CONCERT
----------------
Vienna Pops
Perth Concert Hall
Review: Neville Cohn
----------------

For 21 years, John Christmass has mined the seemingly limitless repertoire of light classical music associated with Austria's capital to draw capacity audiences to the Vienna Pops concerts. These, with lots of laughter and nostalgia-drenched offerings, have routinely drawn capacity audiences to the Concert Hall.
New Year's Eve was no exception to the rule.

With the indefatigable, genial David Hawkes as compere and the New I Voci Singers on best form, this was vintage Vienna Pops. I particularly admired choral singing in the Alleluia from Mozart's Exultate Jubilate as well as Tim Cunniffe's charming arrangement of Shubert's An die Musik for choir and strings. It was a beautifully considered in Interpretation.

For years, tenor Justin Freind has been a stalwart of the Vienna Pops and he was in particularly good form in Strauss' Gondola Song with diction of exceptional clarity. But in The Drinking Song from The Student Prince, electronic amplification of this fine voice bordered on the excessive.

Another Charm-laden delight was provided by Renee Martin, Josephine Christmass and Kellie Orchard in the Evening Prayer from Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel.

Some fleeting lapses in intonation aside, Pavel Sergeyev's account of the finale from Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto was a clear crowd-pleaser, prompting an avalanche of applause that resulted in the movement being encored. I admired the silvery tone that Sergeyev drew from his violin.

Adrian Kelly was trumpet soloist in a villainously difficult arrangement of themes from Die Fledermaus.

Strauss' perennially popular Radetsky March brought the house down, with conductor Peter Moore as adept in conducting orchestra and singers as coaxing spot-on rhythmic responses from enthusiastically applauding audience. Von Suppe's Poet and Peasant Oveture was given an admirably energetic reading but an account of The Blue Danube would have benefited from a rather more Viennese lilt.

Over the years, the Vienna Pops concerts have raised almost $300,000 for worthy causes.

Would you like to sing with us?

2008-09-15T00:25:00.000-07:00

Due to a substantial increase in both Soprano and Alto positions, there are limited vacancies for Tenors and Bases.

For more details visit our membership page and contact John Christmass: 9390 4275

Our Next major event: Vienna Pops, New Years Eve.

REVIEW :: Age No Problem to music's masters

2008-09-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

From The West Australian
by Neville Cohn
Tuesday 09/09/08

CONCERT
----------------------
New I Voci Singers
Government House Ballroom
Review: Neville Cohn
----------------------

As I drove to Government House Ballroom on Sunday, I listened on the car radio to a broadcast by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by the 83-year-old Pierre Boulez - and I marvelled at the intensity and vitality he brought to his task.

At the ballroom, I marvelled yet again at the focused energy of John Christmass, that other seemingly tireless octogenarian who has devoted a long life to training choirs. The enthusiastic audience included people who had been in Christmass' first choral classes 40 years ago, their attendance a measure of the affection and respect show this grand old man of music.

Some of the most satisfying offerings of the afternoon lay in the keeping of a bracket o madrigals stretching back as far as the early 17h century. Much of the unaccompanied singing here was informed by a most pleasing refinement of style as in Thomas Morley's Now is the Month of Maying was no less pleasingly essayed.

Very little attention has been paid in Perth to marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Ralph Vaughan Williams so it was good to listen to his arrangement of English folk melodies, especially the delightful Wassail Song, its inherent joviality most effectively evoked in a fitting tribute to a great composer.

Duncan Gardiner (guitar) and Heather Bex (clarinet) provided a gentle instrumental interlude.
An account of Brahm's Gypsy Songs, opus 103, was less uniformly satisfying. Perhaps the choir had not taken the full measure of the venue's acoustics, singing these often-extrovert and passionate lieder rather too softly, an effect paralleled by the accompaniment played, beautifully, by Alex Roberts on a grand paino with its lid closed resulting in muffled tone.

Later, the choir gave an amusingly choreographed account of Anderson and Ulvaeus' Take a Chance on Me as well as Tim Cunniffe's arrangement of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah which brought the house down.

This concert marked the 30th anniversary of the founding of I Voci. May there be many more happy birthdays.

Battle of the Choirs

2008-07-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

Well someone suggested that we post some thoughts on our experience at BOTC, so I thought I'd have a go (and also have a go at this blog thing!).
Day 1 - 5 June 2008
For me the day started before 4am, and about 10mins earlier than I wanted as I had to get bonfire smell out of my hair. Mum picked me up to take me to the airport at 4:15. The day before she had said something along the lines of 'I hope you'll be bright and chatty on the way to the airport'. Surely she was joking! I said 'will you settle for awake and quiet as opposed to grumpy?' Amazingly enough I was more actually relatively cheery (mornings are not my strong point). We were supposed to be at the airport by 5am for the 6am flight, and arrived in good time at 4:45. Heaps of people were there already, with cases and suitbags galore (had to have somewhere to stash our snazzy duds). At long last John & Jo arrived with the new choir costumes that had been finished the day before, and the sashes for another outfit. We all hustled through the check-in and up to the departure lounge. Coffee seemed the next order of business for most people and did have the desired effect of warmth and life. There was a bit of bustle about who was in what seat. Eventually our flight was called and we trundled along with our hand luggage and suitbags (just in case!!).
I ended up next to Robin & Michael, thanks boys, you were good row buddies. We enjoyed some Umbilical Brothers on the TV for 15mins, before we had to pay. Between the three of us we managed to complete the In Flight crossword puzzle and other brain teaser items (I was the back up, the boys did most of it). I read some Agatha Christie, the boys shut their eyes and attempted to fit their long legs in the space provided.
At some time in the future we began the descent into Sydney. It was overcast. We landed. It was raining. Urgh. When the captain had mentioned descending, several of the ladies of the party buzzed around finding make up bags and further beautifying themselves. It paid off, the Channel 7 (Granada) little film crew were indeed waiting at the Gate for us (camera on). Cindy & I escaped into the Ladies before they saw us to do a final check. Then there was some very exciting 'yay, we're here' filming in the Virgin arrivals lounge. Sorry, tongue in cheek there. We hustled off to get our bags and then on to the 'BOTC tourbus' for a quick trip over to the QANTAS arrivals. Apparently, Virgin were a bit reluctant to allow freedom of filming. So we went up and down escalators ad nauseum, and then pretended to hail a taxi, but really all ended up at the bus.
Some singing ensued as the producer wanted to get some audio footage, for an idea of our sound for the studio. Interesting: bus...studio...bus - not seeing the similarity here!
At very long, long last we arrived at the hotel and got our little induction to the hotel, then were able to go upstairs and dump our stuff. I am a little fuzzy on the exact events that came next, but I'm fairly certain we headed over to Westfield Parramatta...you can feel what's coming, I know. Food. Yes, food, glorious food! Bearing in mind, I ate breakfast about 4am Perth time, lunch time was at 3:30 Sydney time. We were all extreeeeemely hungry. I feel it would be rude to say starving as we don't live in a third world country and we had eaten that day. Bit of shopping for minor food items (we weren't going to get every meal at the studio) and then back to the hotel for a rehearsal. This turned out to be a bit later than planned, possibly due to the infernally slow Green Man traffic signal.
Rehearsal of current pieces and of the opening theme tune. Break, change into snazzy new costumes (actually, it was seeing if they fit!), then back downstairs for some further rehearsal. Most of the dresses fit well, but a few had some interesting gapage. A bit more rehearsal and then we were allowed out for dinner. Matt, Kristy, Svenja (hmm checking spelling before I hit publish - gold I got it right!! You do have a way cool name) and I went to Lone Star, for dinner at about 9ish.
By then I was on sleep mode, so it was more than definitely time for bed when we had finished.
There is probably some more detail that I could put, but my fingers are pretty chilly, due to this frosty Perth weather, so signing off for now. Hopefully this will actually work and someone else will add their five cents soon.

Please Sign our Guestbook

2008-06-25T04:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our guest book. Please share your thoughts about our performances and recordings. As we strive to uphold quality choral music, your opinion is of unmeasurable value.

To leave a comment:

- click on the 'Post a comment' button at the bottom of this page

- type your comment

- choose and Identity (choose here your 'blogpost ID' or simply 'anonymous')

- click on the 'publish comment' button

Please note that your comments may not upload instantly.

Thank you in advance for your feedback!

The New I Voci Singers

Germany 2008 Sponsors

2008-06-25T04:09:00.001-07:00

The members of the New I Voci Singers would like to thank all of our generous sponsors who supported us in the Germany 2008 Tour. Please support these businesses, as they all played a part in sending our choir members to Germany.

The Young Voices

The Big Picture Factory

The Perth Theature Company

Bunnings Wearhouse, Whitfords

Perth Town Hall

Black Swan Theature Company

Luna Palace Theature Company

Turner Hairdressing

The University Club of Western Australia

The West Australian

Scoop Publishing

Scarvaci's IGA Hamilton Hill

Jewlery & Gift Warehouse

C Lo Presti & Son Food Store, East Fremantle

La Zuli Blue

Crescendo Music

Facebook

2008-06-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

We have just created a facebook fanpage so that we can send out event information to all of our fans.

so if you're on facebook - Check it out and join up:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-New-I-Voci-Singers/16431397218

You can also leave any comments on our upcoming (or past) performances there!!!

Battle of the Choirs

2008-06-11T00:42:00.000-07:00

The New I Voci Singers is one of the 16 choirs around Australia that are starring in the new show on Channel Seven: Battle of the Choirs.

In this competition the winning choir will be awarded $100,000 and a recording deal with Universal Music. Our choir is proud to be the only choir of Western Australia selected for Battle of the Choirs.
The Battle of the Choirs is broadcasted on Channel Seven every Sunday night at 7.30pm from 15 June onwards.
We look forward to hear what you think about our performance at the Battle of the Choirs and wish us good luck!!!
Leave your comments on this webpage.

Extra Weekly Rehersals

2008-05-26T00:18:00.000-07:00

With many new and exciting up coming events for the I Voci Singers, we have decided to schedule some extra rehearsals on a weekly basis.

These extra rehearsal have allowed us to practice separately as well as in our parts, and introduce new warm up exercises, harmonising techniques and methods.

They have proved to be very productive so far, with much positive feedback and comments recieved from different choir members.

The Final Week in Germany

2008-04-16T03:27:00.000-07:00

Here is an update on our final days in Germany.

After leaving Neukirchen-Vlyun we arrived in Magdeburg by train and were greeted by members of Young Voices. We stayed with them in Egeln for two nights and performed two concerts, both with the Young Voices.

We had the privilege to sing Locus Iste and Morning Tide with them. It was an awesome experience to sing with another choir as we had been so used to our own sound by that stage. On our last night in Egeln the Young Voice prepared a party for us, in the Water Fortress dungeon.

After Egeln, it was time for us to relax and enjoy Germany as a vacation. We stayed one night in Magdeburg, two nights in Nuremberg and our last night in Rothenburg. We travelled to each location by train, which was an adventure in itself. The countryside in Germany was just wonderful - so luscious and green.

It was a shame that we never got to see and snow whilst we were there.... but we will hopefully have more luck on our return to Germany in a few years time.

Thankyou to everyone for your hospitality and support in Germany
Thankyou to our Families for sending us over there (especially through the fund-raising days).
Thankyou to John for all of your organisation and devotion for allowing us young singers to have an experience of a lifetime
We appreciate it.

Thankyou, on behalf of the New I Voci Singers

Our final night in Neukirchen/Vluyn

2008-01-20T03:15:00.000-08:00

17.01.08

Thursday night was our final performance in Neukirchen/Vluyn. The church was full almost 20minutes before we even began. One thing that has amazed us all is that the audience arrives almost an hour before the event even begins.

So we begin and fill the church with the sounds of the New IVoci Singers... :)
It is an amzing experience to be able to sing to a full house and still hear a pin drop on the floor.

Alex (the piano magician) continued to awe the audience. In fact he has signed a few autographs during our tour. They love him and John, we I've never seen him smile so much... he is very proud of us and it makes us all want to try harder.

The concert was a success, we received many standing ovations and just kept on singing... Puttin On the Ritz was definitely a favourite.

They all gave us a bunch of flowers that we the colours of Germany (red, yellow and black), we only wish we could bring them home.

After our concert, we meet at the Local Pub. This so far has been the best night of our trip... we end up spending the time eating, drinking and singing at the top of our voices the music to the Vienna Pops. we had an AWESOME time... and none of us wanted the night to end.

Teresa

Day Six - Thursday

2008-01-18T01:57:00.001-08:00

We yet again begin another day in Paradise! (this also happens to be the brand of the bedding we sleep in). Our usual gluttons breakfast awaits us, except today we exchange the relaxed atomosphere or previous breakfast for an excited hurried air. Today is the day we go to another country, be as it may that it is only 20km from here. An unheard of experience for most of us. Again we meet at the Kulturehaus and bundle into cars, hehe still not believing that we are about to drive in a few minutes into another country. Unbelievable...

The countryside is astounding, so so flat. Considering that where i live in the south of WA it is really quite hilly this was quite an interesting view. The farms are so compact but they really know how to use every last piece of land that they own! 15km down the road we pass the Netherlands sign, quite a small and insignificant sign considering that we have just passed into another country. The sign into Boyup Brook is bigger and more prominant! Obviously the landscape doesnt change but the architecture does. Beautiful thatched roofs and cottage style gardens.

We eventually enter the town of Venlo (pronounced as Fenlo), took us half an hour from Neukirchen/Vluyn. We spent the next 2 1/2 hrs shopping, down beautiful cobblestone streets. After that we drove home to prepare for the biggest concert of the tour! That we shall cover later....

Bye for now

Dallis

An Amazing and Holy Experience

2008-01-17T15:34:00.001-08:00

Singing in one of the biggest Cathedrals in the world is something you can only dream about.... but guess what... we fulfilled that dream with "Locus Iste".

We attracted a crowd and received a plesant applause.

Day Five - Wednesday

2008-01-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

The middle of the week in deutschland....

Im sure that you are all aware of our morning ritual (for breakfast that is) now so we dont have describe that amazing experience anymore.

Today we caught a mini bus to Koln (Cologne), a major city about 1 hours drive south of Neukirchen/Vluyn. It is (so far) the biggest German City we've seen.... and it is landmarked by the biggest Cathedral most of us have seen.

Construction on the Colonge Cathedral began around 1265 AD. Many Many Many years before Australia was even put on the map. It is a GIAGANTIC Gothic style church that is still being fixed today.

We had a guided tour inside the church, and we all learnt plenty about the history of Koln and how the Church impacted the cities exsistence in the world.

Surprisingly the Church survived WW2, when everything around it was completely destroyed - infact the architeture surrounding the church mostly dates in the fifties/sixties.

After our tour we paid 1 euro each to climb to the top of the Cathedral tower. It is 1008 steps up and down, and very very very high. You could see for miles and had a perfect view of the Rhein River. It was a painful journey and some of us are paying for it the nest day. However, the view and experience was worth it.

We then had a chance to do some shopping. It was very busy and there was plenty of shops. It was probably the first time we could spend some serious cash.

Later we had lunch at Fruh - a pub in Koln the was deep underground. They served plenty of beer... kegs of beer infact... We started a competition with the group next door shouting "Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi" - We won of course.

Finally we travelled back home... and finished the rest of the day off with our host families.

Concert Highlights!!!

2008-01-17T00:59:00.000-08:00

No words can possible describe the excitement of the concert on Tuesday night! When we first arrived we were in our usual state of pre-concert excitement, and as the people filtered in over the next hour our anxiety and excitement grew, its like we knew that this was going to be an important and wonderful concert. After our first embarrassing walk out (half hour to early) we finally walked out to a full house/church on time and started with much enthusiasm with Java Jive!! The atmosphere grew more electric the further we progressed into our concert! As we neared the end of the programme we received our first standing ovation for Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves i think it was mostly for Alex's brilliant accompaniment but it was still a rush for all of us! Then after every song we received another standing ovation!!! Our first encore was Over The Rainbow the we were called back on stage for yet another encore - Putting on the Ritz - and another standing ovation!!! When we sang this it was with so much energy and joy that you could see the audience responding. We were each presented with a beautiful red rose, and still the applause continued, i think this is the highlight of the tour for all of us so far. We signed autographes afterwards and then continued to a 2 Michelin Star Restaraunt (the best restaraunt in Germany). Where we were wined & dined by the Reverend of the church we just sang in. He then took us on a tour of the church, and a few of us climbed up into the tower. It was a most spectacular view. I think it will be hard to top this night :)

Dallis

Day Four - Tuesday

2008-01-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

Well another beautiful day on the other side of the Earth... Although not so beautiful if you count the slow and constant drizzle that has started.

Today we started off with a good breakfast to fill our 'empty' tummy's and opened the local newspaper to discover there were TWO write up's on our performance on Sunday night at the packed out Church. You can read the writing if you click on the image above... but understanding it is a different matter. It basically says how wonderful we were and that it was a full-house etc - Thats all you need to know.

We met up with the choir members and drove to Moers (another city 15 minutes drive away), where we saw the markets and plenty of wonderful shops. We visited the local museum and saw how the locals lived in the pre-1900's. Then we had lunch at an Irish Pub... Some of us enjoyed a Baileys hot chocolate, while others scoffed down some cookie dough icecream.

We were then let loose to wander the shopping malls of Moers, and they were incredible... however not long after it began to drizzle... and it still hasnt ceased up.

Tonight we have our second major concert... where we will once again (hopefully) WOW the crowd.... I'll guess we'll have to wait and see....

But for now... its time for an afternoon siesta.

Day Three - Monday

2008-01-15T01:14:00.000-08:00

Well we have now been here for three full days (plus Saturday night), however it feels like we've been here for much longer.

Our host families are just so kind and welcoming that we're all going to find it hard to leave on friday.

Yesterday we sang for the Mayor of Neukirchen/Vluyn in the foyer of the Rathaus - which bascially translates to council house. The acoustics were amazing and we sang A Capella perfectly. After our singing we were invited into a large meeting room where we learnt abit about the town and its history, to a glass of champaign.

Then we were driven to a chinese restaurant. It was pretty good... strange to have chinese in Germany :) but we laughed and joked a lot anyway.

After our lunch, we went for a walk through some of the "leaveless" trees, down a long winding road to visit a local castle where the Baron and his family have lived, for 600 years. It was beautiful and simply amazing.

That afternoon we performed for an old peoples home. We sang to them and they sang to us - a song about love and a beautiful farewell song as we left. We were also treated to (more) coffee and cake.

Our day didn't end there. We then had a chance to shop around town. It was very different and the language barrier made it very interesting, but we survived. Some local kids were fascinated that we were Australian and they asked if they could take us to school for "show and tell" during their English lesson. We laughed a lot about that.

That evening we met up with the rest of the members of the UniVoice choir (some of which we are billeting with). We had a good old laugh and some more drink (of course) to wash down the food.

Then it was home time and although most of us were ready for bed... there was still one more course. We asked for a small meal but there is no such thing in Neukirchen/Vluyn...

Anyone can comment.

2008-01-15T01:11:00.000-08:00

A note to all of our family and friends at home.

You are able to leave messages by clicking on the comment link at the bottom of each post.

Type your message, Select Annonymous and then post comment. It may take a while to appear but it will eventually.

An absolutley amazing time so far...

2008-01-14T21:24:00.000-08:00

www.reecestravels.blogspot.com

Reece :)

We're Here!!!

2008-01-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

Well we have made it....

We arrived safe and well at 7pm Dusseldorf time yesterday - which was 3am Perth time and we were exhausted. As soon as we arrived we were greeted by our various host families (who are wonderful people).

We were driven to Neuirkichen/Vluyn (on the right hand side of the road at up to 160km/hr ARGH. Neuirkechen/Vluyn is a small (not really that small) town 30 minutes out of Dusseldorf, and we are only 20km east from the Netherlands WOW.

It is 5 degrees and although at first it felt fine, after a while outside it is absolutely freezing!

Today we all woke up ready and fresh to start a new day. For Dallis, Marli, Paul, Reece, Alex and myself we had a FOUR HOUR LONG breakfast (brunch) which started at 10am. It consisted of a massive variety of cold meats, cheese, eggs and the BEST BREAD WE HAVE EVER TASTED.

After we digested our first course, an aroma filled the air and we were treated to "Wedding soup". It was a taste that none of us even knew we could get.

At 12:30pm, we had a choir rehersal, at the Vluyn museum then at 2pm they celebrated the Annual Vluyn Karnival, which we sang at. It was an interesting experience as we were applauded onto the stage received a few medals of honour and then applauded off stage, with Salutes to the local city and to Perth.

After that we went home, believe it or not to finish breakfast. Our third course was AMAZING homemade Waffles, with hot plum sauce and vanilla icecream with Walnuts (and thats all we can remember).

They sure do love to drink and drink and drink... and eat and eat and eat - but we're not complaining :)

Finally breakfast finished and we prepared for our second concert. At 7pm, we were driven to a church just outside of Vluyn, were we sang our whole repertoire. The church was full and we received a standing ovation and two encores. It was an amazing experience and the audience were completely enthralled in our music.

Now we have just finished our dinner and we are VERY READY for bed.... our body clocks are still a little off, while writing this it is only 10:18pm, but it sure doesnt feel like that.

Goodnight and farewell for now.
Hopefully the other choir members will comment on their own experiences with their host families..

Teresa, Dallis, Marli, Paul, Reece and Alex.

Germany Tour

2008-01-07T23:54:00.001-08:00

I would just like to wish everyone leaving this Friday all the very best. :)
Bon Voyage! xx

Its that time of year again

2007-12-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

from the New I Voci Singers xoxo

Kulcha Club Gig

2007-12-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

Last Friday's performance at the Kulcha Club was so enjoyable for all involved.
The solos were fantastic and everyboby did such a wonderful job. :)

Can't wait to see how the photos turned out!

Big thankyou to Teresa who was the organising force behind this event, I'm sure that all the stressfull moments beforehand were all worth it.

Hope you all had a nice weekend.
Bronwyn

Germany We Are Coming!!!!

2007-12-12T21:10:00.000-08:00

Well our One and Only choir members performance is on friday night!!!

We're hoping for a big turnout as all profits in this concert will go towards the choir members funds for Germany. This is fantastic, especially since most of us a struggling students :)

This is probably our last chance to make a big impact to our fundraising.

ohhh exciting stuff!!!

After the Germany Here we Come Variety Night we have one other concert and that is the Vienna Pops (on New Years Eve). Then its off to Germany - - -

Germany Here We Come!!!

Germany Here We Come Variety Night

2007-11-25T02:58:00.000-08:00

Well... this is OF COURSE the event of the YEAR!!!!

Friday 14 December, 8pm @ the Kulcha Club in Fremantle

Even though we are called I Voci... which means one voice... we have decided to break the rules and literally sing with one voice... or maybe two... or three :)

In this event... choir members will be participating in a Variety Night!!! A Mixture of Solos, duets and definitely some of our tradtional choir pieces in celebration of being invited to Germany.

It will be a cultural delight for all you senses, as we will be selling a sausage sizzle and many sweet desserts. The Bar will be open... so what more could you want.

It wont end there... we will have some surprises in stall...

Tickets are $14 at door or $12 presale and they can be bought from any BOCS ticketing outlet (9484 1133) or online from Kulcha

Look forward to seeing you there.

Fremantle Festival

2007-11-25T02:19:00.000-08:00

WOW. I dont think the choir has ever been involved in something so multicultural before.

It was quite a treat to witness all of the different cultures around the world congregating in one room to perform.

We sang three songs, "Il el bel el bon" in french, "Chorale" by Bach in German and "The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves" in Italian... which Alex played fantastically on the grand piano and the acoustics sounded so beautiful in the Fremantle Town Hall.

A couple of us members sold sausages afterwards amongst the Freo crowd which was both an entertaining and at times stressful experience... We had fun.

Thankyou to Lena Trajkovska and Kulcha who invited us to be a part of this performance, and also kindly let us sell all of the goodies to help fundraise for our own trip to Germany this coming January.

What a Night!

2007-11-24T06:04:00.000-08:00

Well...

on behalf of everyone, I would like to congratulate... EVERYONE on all the effort put in on the Quiz Night. It was a great success and a very fun night.

Table 7 were the smartest... and table 4... not so smart.

Thankyou to all our sponsors who gave us many services and prizes to make the evening possible.

We ESPECIALLY thank the Perth Town Hall for donating the venue to us. It was absolutely beautiful and I'd say we will all recommend it to our peers in the years to come.

Thanks Everyone.
On behalf of the choir.

So you think you're smart hey?

2007-11-10T23:57:00.000-08:00

Well another of our major fundraising event is now upon us. The QUIZ NIGHT!

The Quiz Night is this coming Sunday, 18th November. It will consist of plenty of prizes, games and entertainment.

The night will also features guest MC: David Hawkes, who you will recognise from our annual performances: Best of British and Vienna Pops.

All you need to do is round up a table of 6 - 8 people and then get your thinking caps on as we will surely be testing them.

Food, Drink and Alcohol are available for purchase, plus BYO.

Please Pre-book as tables might run out!!!
Tickets $10/person

Contact Mathew: 0417934932 or mbresstn@tpg.com
A flier is available to download, click on "Quiz Night" Under the Upcoming events headline to the right.

A Sunny Sunday Afternoon: 25 November

2007-10-29T01:56:00.000-07:00

As a part of our campaign to fundraise for our trip to Germany, a group of choir members have decided to perform in this years Fremantle Festival, celebrating multi-culturalism, which we have plenty of in our own choir.

We will be performing a couple of songs as a part of the Golden Koala Concert at the Fremantly Town Hall at 1pm on Sunday the 25th November.

We are performing along with a variety of cultural dancing groups and soloists.

Also a huge part of our fundraising in this concert will result from the sausage sizzle, which the organiser of the event has kindly donated us the space to do so. Hopefully this will also attract the sunday freo crowd. Our Sausage Sizzle will commence earlier that morning.

So please come down to see us and spend a nice Sunny afternoon in Fremantle, there is plenty of things to do and see.

Tickets are $8 for Adults and $5 for Children.
Please email Teresa: tezza_7@hotmail.com with your contact details to request tickets.

Look forward to seeing you there!

More Sponsors!

2007-10-25T22:51:00.001-07:00

A big THANK YOU to the following groups for their support:

Turner Hairdressing is located right opposite the Perth Mint in East Perth, 317 Hay Street. Call Liane Turner on 9421 1023 for an appointment. (She's cut the Prime Minister's hair on his last visit to Perth!)

The University Club of WA not only provides a stylish retreat for staff and graduates from the University, they also provide a range of catering and events services. Visit: their website for more information and follow the link to "Conference and Events".

The West has provided us with advertising and prises for the Quiz Night. Visit their website to find out more about subscription and today's breaking news.

A Perfect Opportunity

2007-10-12T00:28:00.001-07:00

Do you know of a business that needs exposure??

Well we have the perfect opportunity for any business sponsor us and to expose themselves to a mature audience with a variety of backgrounds.

We have a number of upcoming events, including the Quiz Night and The Kulcha Concert where we will gladly show your support through the use of promotion and/or the product/services that are provided.

We will also garantee you a spot on our website - under sponsors and a post, here on the blog.

We appreciate any assistance in the lead up to our Germany Tour in 2008!!!!

So spread the word fellow I-Vocians ;)

Theatrical Thanks!

2007-09-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

The Black Swan Theatre Company donated a double pass to 'Honour' towards the Quiz Night. The production runs from the 20th of October to the 4th of November 2007 in the Playhouse Theatre, Perth. For more information visit their website.

The Perth Theatre Company donated a double pass to 'Baby Boomer Blues' that will be on Downstairs at the Maj from the 27th of October to the 17th of November 2007. For more information visit: their website.

Thank you so much to these sponsors for their support and enthusiasm towards the choir!

Happy Days!

Scooped

2007-09-17T00:26:00.000-07:00

Thankyou to Scoop publishing for donating some subscription vouchers for our upcoming Quiz Night. The people there are soooo nice and friendly and we cant wait to send them photos of the evening.

http://www.scoop.com.au

A huge Thank You to Luna Palace Cinemas!

2007-09-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I just though i'd remind you that last week we were donated 10 double passes to a movie from Luna Palace Cinemas in Leederville for our up-coming quiz night.

Thanks to Marli for writing to them seeking support.

http://www.luna.com.au/

SIZZLE : The saga continues....

2007-09-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

Well the results are in and its good... total turnover for the 2 weeks sausage sizzles including $22 in donations was a total of 45 drinks (1 week only) and 298 hotdogs.

This translates into

Turnover - $945.50
Costs - $277.50
Profit - $668.00

This is an awesome result and drink sales will only go up as it gets warmer.

We had a lot of fun again... we missed having Rachel but it was great to have Shaunna as a new face.

It would be great to have everyone involved in this because with steady
sales over the 16 weekends between now and when we leave thats a an

extra $5500.00 on top of what we have already raised.

Obviously if we can get some people to run a weekday one we are looking
at even better results..maybe over $8000.00 total just from sausage
sizzles

Goes to show what can be achieved if everyone pitches in ....

Penguin Suits

2007-09-16T02:53:00.000-07:00

This is us competing in the ABC's Choir of the Year competition 2007.

Reece

SAUSAGE SIZLE A SUCCESS

2007-09-09T01:10:00.000-07:00

Congratulations all around, It worked

We had Leah, Reece, Rachel, Kristy and myself turn up for an exciting day, Thanks goes out to Kristy's Dad who was a great help getting set up.

It was good fun, we got a chance to talk with the customers and handed out quite a number of fliers to the september concert. Teresa's Posters looked great too.

We missed a few sales in the morning by not being set up till 11am and it is obvious that cans of drink will sell and shelter is needed but this will all be redtified next week.

We sold 130 Sausages and got $10 donated (thanks for the box Leah)

Total turnover $400
Costs were $182.42
Profit was $217.60

We can only improve from here so come on guys be enthusiastic and come on down,
Volunteers are appreciated for the upcoming weeks...sales are sure to go up with summer coming and the footy over....

Introducing....

2007-09-07T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hi

My name is Robin and I am a tenor (actually a baritone) in the choir and am one of the members going to Germany.

I am curently a full time student at Curtin University studying physiotherapy.

My favourite composer is Handel although if Beethoven had written more opera I might be swayed.

So there you have me in a nutshell (a really really large nutshell).

Photo of the month: September

2007-08-31T04:19:00.000-07:00

The photo for September is "Waterwheel"

This photo was taken by Paul van der Merwe at the beautiful Waterwheel Gallery in Bedfordale last year. Its quite appropriate for this to be photo of the month considering we will soon have our annual Waterwheel concert on the 23rd September.

If you have any photos you would like to submit to be the photo for October. Send them to Teresa or Marli.

Come on Guys, dont be shy!

2007-08-31T02:52:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,
We're all enthusiastic and participating lets get to know each other...
*drum roll please*
its INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE BLOG TIME!!!! YAY!
*massive grin*
The blog needs life and colour and everyone posting so I'll go first
I'm Kristy, 19 ...i sing in the alto section...
I joined the choir at the begining of this year...
My favourite composer would have to be either Mozart or Brahms (traditionalist)
Currently working in administration ... boring - and im intending to go back to uni next year (psychology major).
I now pass the stage to everyone else here to do the same...

Up Up and Away

2007-08-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

Its official!!!! The new look website has finally been uploaded!!!
Check it out at www.ivoci.org.au.

On a more personal note: I just want to thank everyone for the good constructive advice and help received on the website.

I especially want to mention Marli as she has been an enormous help and I couldn't have got it up without you.

Now I know this sounds like a speech... - imagining a stage with lots of lights and a huge audience cheering :) - but I had to let everyone know!!!

Enjoy, Work hard and Viva I Voci!

Fund Raising

2007-08-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

Our fund raising meeting went really well last night and everyone seem very excited about getting straight onto those sponsorship letters!

Thanks to Matt for locking in the venue for our Quiz Night; Teresa for working endlessly on the new-look website; Kristy for talking to "the guy" about our sausage sizzle needs; Paul for putting his hand up to help wherever (and all the nice drawings); Reece for the facilities and pizza; Robyn for being on time and then waiting 20minutes fro the rest of us; and finally with the most sincere apologies: Rachel, for showing up at the "sausage sizzle" last Thursday...to find that she's the only one there!!To everyone that couldn't make it - the minutes will be available soon.

One reoccurring agenda topic was the issue of communicating well, so Matt is setting up a "Correspondence Chart" that we'll use as a reference in regards to all sponsorship communication. He'll send out an email with the chart, specific instructions and uses to all Ivoci members going to Germany.

Have a great week-end everyone; remember to take a look at your music at least once before Monday's practise!

I'm so excited!

2007-07-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

Just to let the world know that I am so excited about the enthusiasm of our choir! We have a team of wonderful volunteers that's willing to spend some extra hours promoting the New I Voci Singers. That's absolutely fantastic.

Be thrilled about the new look of the website, believe me, it's a treat! Teresa has been working overtime to make it look super-cool and professional. Thanks so much Teresa.

How's the chocolate sales going? I guess we'll soon begin to see who has been eating their chocolates and who has been selling them. If the church pews start creaking loudly at rehearsal we'll know...

Well, have fun! And DO make time to have a look at your music over the weekend. I'll try my best to squeeze it in!

Germany Here We Come

2007-07-04T01:39:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Germany Here we come!!!

A Blog where we discuss all things about I VOCI and the events leading up our tour of Germany.

The New I Voci Singers cater to young musicians of ability, providing training, a wide range of opportunities and access to a comprehensive and diverse repertoire.

Visit our website for photos, reviews and more @ www.ivoci.org.au

All our upcoming events are listed on this blog and the website. Click on the event to find out more information, including venue, cost and where you can buy tickets.

There are heaps of events coming up so keep on checking this page to see whats new

Thanks and see you soon