(8/1/2019) Freo's streets to be alive with the sound of music

Fremantle’s streets will be alive with the sound of music this April when the Australian National Choral Association brings Choralfest 2019 to the port city.

Choralfest will bring together some of the world’s finest choirs and choral specialists, with over 70 performances in locations around Fremantle during the four-day event.

WA Chapter President of the Australian National Choral Association Nicholas Bannan said Choralfest was a great way to bring choral music to the masses.

“Singing is intrinsic in our day-to-day lives. Whether you sing in the car or on a stage, singing is all around us,” Mr Bannan said.

“Choralfest celebrates this and brings leaders from around the world in the field of education, conducting, vocal development and more into one place.

“Choralfest is also privileged to be presenting a series of concerts featuring some of the best choirs from around the world.”

Featured choirs include Kapiti College Chorus from New Zealand, Beulah Mass Choir from Botswana and SAS World Voices from Singapore, with many more choirs from around Australia.

Keynote presenters include Robert Hollingworth of iFagiolini, Mark O’Leary from Young Voices of Melbourne and Jennifer Tham from the SYC Ensemble Singers.

Members of the public can also take part by registering for one of three special choirs – Children, Youth or Community - being formed for the occasion.

Mayor Brad Pettitt said Choralfest would be unlike anything ever seen, or heard, in Fremantle.

“There will be about 2500 singers in around 40 choirs performing in 17 venues around the city, so Freo really will be alive with music,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“Choralfest will have something for everyone, from pub choirs to more formal concerts.

“And the week after Choralfest we have the Fremantle International Street Arts Festival, so April is shaping up to be a huge month in Freo.” 

Venues hosting concerts during the festival range from the Fremantle Town Hall to the WA Maritime Museum and Clancy’s Fish Pub, with varying styles including pop-up concerts, barbershop, an indigenous choir and contemporary performances.

Choralfest will be held in Fremantle from 13-16 April.

For more information visit the Choralfest website.