A Point Lonsdale choir that does things a little differently is going from strength to strength.
The New Swell Choir, organised and run by opera singer and educator Tess Duddy and singer-songwriter-composer Ben Talbot-Dunn, has grown steadily and significantly since its launch in early 2023.
The choir now has more than 120 members spread across two ensembles – the original group in Point Lonsdale and a recently established branch in Torquay.
The point of difference that has drawn so much interest is the lack of formal trappings – sheet music, hymns, a baton-tapping conductor – often associated with choirs.
But the sense of community and inclusion is what keeps people coming back.
“One of the guys in the choir came up to me on Monday night and said the music wasn’t necessarily his cup of tea, but that he loved getting to know the community he was in,” Duddy said.
“There’s a big age range; many of the older people say they love being with the younger people, and the young people like being with the elders in the community as well. You don’t find many instances like that.
“And it’s the biggest generalisation, but people who join community choirs are just so nice…they like wholesome activities, drinking tea and eating bickies, so it’s the sort of atmosphere where you can make new friends pretty easily.”
New Swell Choir will welcome the broader community when they hold their third annual concert on 13 December at Queenscliff Town Hall.
In addition to delivering specially arranged versions of songs from Laura Jean, Chappell Roan, Gillian Welch and Crane Like the Bird, the choir will be joined by Melbourne singer-songwriter Merpire and local artist Ella Joan.
Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/events for tickets and more information.
