Griffith is giving young singers a chance to join the a cappella revolution.
Next month, the university’s Gold Coast campus will host Voices in Paradise, an all-day workshop and concert celebrating the power of song.
Now in its fifth year, the popular event attracts hundreds of participants and is open to all singers between the ages of 15 and 30.
During the workshop, singers will get the opportunity to work with a cappella superstars like Blindside and Drums of War, using a range of popular arrangements by Pitch Perfect producer Deke Sharon.
Participants develop their skills in four-part a cappella harmony, technical vocal production and choreography, covering hits by contemporary artists like Bruno Mars, Imagine Dragons and Walk the Moon.
The results will be showcased in a concert at Griffith’s Gold Coast campus, where singers will share the stage with their mentors and the southern hemisphere’s largest male a cappella chorus, The Blenders.
Voices In Paradise Musical Director Jonathan Albertini said the event was intended to encourage more young singers to get involved in a cappella singing and join a choir.
“The human voice is the ultimate instrument, and people really respond to it,” he said.
“Singing together a cappella is an amazing experience — it’s exhilarating.”
Jonathan, who is currently studying a Masters in Music Studies at the Queensland Conservatorium, said a capella had enjoyed a resurgence over the past decade.
“TV series like Glee and movies like Pitch Perfect helped make a capella cool again,” he said.
“Social media has also played a role — there are a capella covers of popular songs by groups like the Pentatonix that have had hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.
“A cappella is huge in the US and our event has helped create a real buzz around the genre in Australia.”
Voices in Paradise is hosted by The Blenders Chorus and sponsored by Griffith University.
Registrations close on April 30, and can be made via the Voices in Paradise website www.voicesinparadise.com.au. For more information, contact Jonathan Albertini.
Event details
- Open to singers aged 15 -30 years
- Registrations close 30 April
- Workshop / concert Saturday27th May
- Cost: Workshop – $60 pp / Concert – $15-$20
- Concert: 7pm, G40 auditorium, Griffith Gold Coast campus (free parking on campus)