Gondwana National Indigenous Choir

Choral School Bursaries for Gondwana National Indigenous Children's Choir (GNICC)

The Nelson Meers Foundation supported bursaries for 6 members of the Gondwana National Indigenous Children’s Choir to attend the 2011 and 2012 Gondwana National Choral School in Sydney this January. Led by Gondwana Choirs’ Artistic Director & Founder Lyn Williams OAM, Gondwana National Choral School is an annual two-week residential camp of inspiring musical and educational opportunities for Australia’s most talented young singers.

The 4 Indigenous bursary recipients travelled from the Torres Strait Islands, Cairns and Shepparton to join with 280 other young people aged 10 - 25 from across Australia who share the same passion and talent for singing. They worked with Australia’s finest choral conductors and music educators, dynamic pianists and a range of professional musicians and artists in rehearsals, workshops and performances. As well as receiving specialist vocal training in an intensive learning environment, the choristers also participated in visual arts and Torres Strait Island dance workshops during National Choral School and had the opportunity to explore the sights of Sydney.

Why did we fund this project? Access to cultural opportunities is an important tenet of our philosophy.  We are particularly concerned to ensure that young people have access to the arts and the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.  We were also delighted to be able to assist in bringing indigenous voices to this iconic choir.