Canberra Qwire celebrated its 30th anniversary last year with a special concert under the direction of musical director Lachlan Snow. Photo: Peter Hislop.
When the Canberra Qwire was formed more than 30 years ago, the plan, according to musical director Lachlan Snow, was for people to come together as a family, people who might not have felt such a connection in their lives to feel included – and sing about it.
It started with about a dozen people sitting in someone’s backyard, talking about a love of music, singing and community.
There was also talk, at the time, that it spread out from Canberra, to welcome people from more regional areas, to join and feel part of the family.
Today, the Qwire, with more than 160 members from the LGBTQIA+ community, is still all about family, about support and increasingly, more about connecting – which is why it’s heading bush.
Qwire spokesperson Simon Baker said one of the choir’s themes this year was also about “belonging”.
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“That’s why we’re going out to regions like Goulburn and Yass to come together with those communities and invite interested people to join us in a concert later this year,” Simon said.
Canberra Qwire’s latest production is OUT and About Workshops: Fostering Community and Connection through Song. Proudly LGBTQIA+, the workshops will be in collaboration with Vocal Local and Voiceworks in Goulburn, and Goodvibes Choir in Yass.
“The aim is to bring together diverse voices from regional communities to celebrate the themes of community, identity, love, and belonging through the power of music,” Simon said.
Supported by Hands Across Canberra, Simon said the workshops were designed to foster a sense of community and connection among participants.
“Attendees will engage in enriching musical experiences, learning and performing a diverse repertoire that reflects the inclusive spirit of Canberra Qwire,” he said.
“As an added highlight, workshop participants will be invited to join Canberra Qwire on stage at our end-of-year concert in November, providing a unique opportunity to showcase their talents and celebrate the unity and harmony we have created together.”
He said the regional workshops were not limited to people who lived in Goulburn and Yass. Rather, “they’re only limited in how far they can drive to get there”.
Simon said the Canberra Qwire had proved to be a “safe” space for many of its members, people who had otherwise struggled to find their place in the community.
“We’re quite a diverse choir, these days,” he said. “We’ve had an increase in transgender, non-binary members; people who see the choir as their safe place, like a family.”
He said the Goulburn workshop, hosted by Vocal Local and Voiceworks, would be held on Saturday, 10 August, from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Hume Conservatorium.
People interested in becoming involved can register at [email protected]
The Yass workshop will be held on Saturday 24 August from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm at Mt Carmel School, hosted by the Good Vibes Choir. To register, email [email protected]
People involved in the workshops will be invited to join Canberra Qwire on stage at its end of year concert in November, providing a unique opportunity to showcase their talents and celebrate the unity and harmony they created together.
More information about the Canberra Qwire is available on the website.
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