The Choir of Hard Knocks
Jonathon says, “the formation of the Choir of Hard Knocks has given me the opportunity to use the musical gifts I have been blessed with and wonderful experiences I have had as a professional singer and conductor, to bring pleasure and a sense of belonging and self esteem to those who've joined this exciting new project”.
“As many of the participants come from marginalised and often financially difficult backgrounds, it is my hope that the joy and euphoria that music making in a group dynamic will give a sense of purpose, structure and respect to their lives and help them look forward to belonging to a 'family' - albeit a musical one!“
“Choir of Hard Knocks also gives the audience and public at large an opportunity to see the other side of those who are disadvantaged and discover the powerful and moving stories of those who will be given a voice, in more ways than one. To be recognised, appreciated and applauded for what we do in life has to be the essence of any human being's sense of self respect and self worth.”
The Choir of Hard Knocks has played to sold out multiple shows in Melbourne and at the Sydney Opera House. For many of the choir members being invited to perform at the Sydney Opera House was the first time they had travelled. The Choir have also produced a top selling album, The Choir of Hard Knocks. The album has out sold their patron Jimmy Barnes’ current album, The Best of Cold Chisel.
Jonathon Welch now shares this story in his keynotes & workshops. The keynote and workshop will inspire and motivate – anyone can achieve and a group, a team, can achieve even more. Be inspired by those who we would otherwise see as the down and out in society, people we would cross the street to avoid!
Let Jonathon take you on his journey how he not only won the hearts of 50 people who were seen as “invisible” or a burden on our society, as well as the whole nation with the “Choir of Hard Knocks” story that inspired and moved the country.
Members from the Choir of Hard Knocks can also participate in the Keynote and workshop with Jonathon.
Performance Formats
Keynote – ¨ Accentuate the Positives - Eliminate the Negative
Creating a Choir with homeless and disadvantaged people – where in the heck do I start! If you think building a team is hard, how would you feel working with a group of people that have a mental or physical illness, intellectual disability or are drug addicts and alcoholics? Jonathon Welch, Founding Music Director and creator of the amazing success story behind the “Choir of Hard Knocks” shares his story and insight into how he went about building confidence, self-esteem, pride and team spirit with a group of people who were traditionally seen as disenfranchised and had no “voice” in our Community ” leading them to sing at the Sydney Opera House and produce a Top Ten ARIA CD.
¨ Put a Little Love in Your Heart
“People need to care about people more - sometimes we all just need a hug and the chance to have a chat”!
When creating the phenomenon that is now the amazing success story behind the “Choir of Hard Knocks” Jonathon Welch opened his heart as well as his talent to help a group of 50 homeless and disadvantaged people realize that people did care about them and want to give them a chance to shine in life!
“People deal with people, they don’t deal with a name or a business” says Jonathon, “and it’s not always about the bottom line”!
Integrated Workshops
Workshop – in two hours turn your team into a Choir.
“The Rhythm of Life”. Workshop - Fusing together the elements of movement, music and discovering your voice, Jonathon’s years of experience as one of Australia’s best Choral conductors and music educators will have you singing in no time. Discover why the Choir of Hard Knocks loved singing so much, as well as built confidence, self esteem and a team spirit that helped them transcend all the odds and reconnect with the “Rhythm of Life”.
Considered one of the finest singers, conductors, vocal teachers and music educators in Australia today – Jonathon will have you up singing and moving in no time!
“Music and singing is really the same as what we do in business” says Jonathon. Within the structure and rhythmic formality of music, like that of running a business, you still have to find your own way to “dance” and work as a team.
Make sure you wear comfortable clothes, because Jonathon will have you stretching, jumping, clapping, singing and helping you to find your own rhythm, before you can say “Choir of Hard Knocks”! You never know, you might even find a “voice” that you never knew you had before, and a way of expressing yourself you didn’t think possible!
WARNING: All shower singers may find themselves addicted to karaoke after the workshop!
JOHNATHON WELCH
With a diverse career spanning 30 years in the music industry, there are not many areas of music that Jonathon Welch hasn't been involved with, and doesn't love!
Considered one of the finest tenors of his generation, Jonathon's credits include some 70 roles with most State Opera Companies and Opera Australia. He has performed with some of the world's most highly regarded singers, directors and conductors including Dame Joan Sutherland, k.d.lang, Baz Luhrman, Graeme Murphy, Richard Bonynge, Anne Murray and Jimmy Somerville.
Born and educated in Melbourne, Jonathon began his singing career with Victoria State Opera joining their first Australian tour of 'Pirates of Penzance' in 1984 with Jon English, June Bronhill and Marina Prior.
Jonathon completed a Post Graduate Degree in Music at Queensland Conservatorium of Music studying with Donald Smith. The following years led him to win some of Australia's most coveted performing scholarships, including the Young Artists Program with Opera of Queensland. After studying in Germany and London, Jonathon then joined Opera Australia's Young Artist Program in 1988 where he made his debut with Dame Joan Sutherland in 'The Merry Widow'.
Today Jonathon integrates a busy singing career with performances throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia with Tenor Australis. He is also in great demand speaking, teaching and conducting in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA with many of his students going on to work professionally in the music theatre, television and recording industry around the globe. With a deep commitment to the community and youth music education, Jonathon has directed some of Australia's finest community choirs, also creating the Australian Pop Choir, Pop Kidz and the Sydney Street Choir prior to his return to his "hometown" of Melbourne where he has created the Choir of Hard Knocks.
|
Enquire about
Rhythm of Life
for your next event |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
