By YASEMIN TALAT
THE Brimbank Multicultural Community Choir has sung their way into their 10th anniversary.
The group of about 20 singers from different backgrounds and cultures have been coming together each week for the past 10 years, singing and socialising in many languages.
The choir’s uniqueness is that they sing in an array of different languages, even though they do not speak them.
Director Veronica Gauci said the choir celebrated diversity by singing in different languages such as Maltese, Italian, Dutch, Vietnamese, African, Filipino, German and much more.
“We are a choir who celebrates diversity through song,” Ms Gauci said.
“We sing in over 20 languages,” she said.
Ms Gauci said she did a lot of research to find songs she liked in different languages and then learnt the songs to teach the group.
“I’m always looking for traditional songs form a county, whichever country it could be,” she said.
“We actually sing in Māori because I found a song on the internet that I really liked and I learnt it.”
Ms Gauci said it was challenging to learn songs in different languages but also rewarding.
“It’s not for everybody, it’s not easy but the group really love it,” she said.
The choir originally came together as part of the ‘Belonging’ musical theatre project held in Brimbank which was about songs of migration in different languages.
The choir performs at official events for Brimbank Council and festivals and events across Melbourne.
Their achievements over the years include being part of ‘Raising the Roof’ at the new Hammer Hall and performing at the 2012 Australia Day concert.
If you would like to be involved or for more information phone 9249 4601 or email info@brimbank.vic.gov.au.
