Choir of Hard Knocks takes off with Virgin Blue
Virgin Blue sasy that its team members at Melbourne Airport will today wave a friendly farewell to Melbourne’s very own, critically acclaimed, Choir of Hard Knocks (www.choirofhardknocks.com.au) as they take off to Sydney in preparation for sell-out performances at Sydney Opera House.
The Choir of Hard Knocks is an eclectic group of around 50 disadvantaged and homeless people who have come together to create an unlikely musical phenomenon under the leadership and guidance of Founding Choir Director, Jonathon Welch, former Opera Australia Principal.
Following a TV documentary on the formation of the Choir, which culminated in the release of their first CD “From the Heart – A Christmas Wish”, and a hugely successful performance in front of 1600 people at Melbourne Town Hall, the Choir of Hard Knocks was invited by Sydney Opera House to sing at the world famous venue.
Initially, the Choir of Hard Knocks was to perform just one concert on Tuesday 17 July, however interest in the event has encouraged Sydney Opera House to host another two performances on Sunday 15 July to cope with ticket demand.
“We are delighted to lend our support by flying the choir to Sydney,” said Heather Jeffery, Virgin Blue Airlines General Manager Public Affairs.
“Many of our own team were keen to see Virgin Blue help out. The Choir of Hard Knocks is an amazing example of what people can achieve, against the odds, through a combination of hope and perseverance,” she said.
The Choir will sing on the very same stages where Dame Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti, KD Lang, Olivia Newton John, Harry Connick Jr and John Farnham have also performed.
Over sixty choir members, volunteers and musicians will fly with Virgin Blue this afternoon. The flight will be the first for many in the group.
For more information on the Choir of Hard Knocks performance at the Sydney Opera House please visit www.choirofhardknocks.com.au and for Virgin Blue please visit www.virginblue.com.au
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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