Hi everyone! Here are some details for BIG SING for a BIG CAUSE in 2025. (This announcement is set to “PUBLIC”, but you will need to RSVP to the rehearsals in the Schedule, when they’re added, to ensure you receive important updates). Please spread the word to your friends who might be interested.

Our “cause” in 2025 is Mental Health and Wellbeing. We aim to raise $25,000 to benefit charities such as HeadSpace. The theme will inform our music content (see more details below).

There is also a co-design team working on increasing inclusion and access for participants with disabilities (let us know if you want to be added to the team). 

Some great news: Janette Patton will be our pianist for this project. (Hooray!)

We will be joined by the Manado State University Choir (pictured) from the province of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, directed by Professor Andre de Quadros (Boston University). In December 2024, the University of Melbourne bestowed on Andre an honorary doctorate. This prestigious honour recognised and celebrated Professor de Quadros’ outstanding contributions to music and arts education and research, including his work in impoverished locations with victims of torture and trauma, using the power of music and human creativity to build peace and heal communities and individuals.

COST
There is a nominal fee to cover the cost of music:
$25 (full)
$10 (concession)
Please send payment to:

McGuire Music Works
BSB: 313140 (Bank Australia)
Account: 12116465

DATES
Please check these dates against your calendars. It is important that each person RSVPs for EACH rehearsal so we can plan accordingly. 


PERFORMANCES
Fri June 27 (St Patrick’s Cathedral) – afternoon rehearsal, evening concert
Sat June 28 (Preston Market) – 3pm set up/rehearsal; 6pm concert

REHEARSALS

Commitment
There is no strict attendance requirement other than being “performance ready” by the performance week (last week of June). Some pieces will be memorised. Rehearsal tracks will be made available so you can prepare at home, too. The COMBINED and DRESS rehearsals (listed below) are especially important to attend.

Justice Choir
Will be held at Brunswick North West Primary School, Culloden St, Brunswick West. NOTE: The end times of these rehearsals may be 12PM or 12:30PM. 


- Sat 29 March, 10:30am – 12:30pm


- Sat 5 April, 10:30am – 12:30pm
- Sat 12 April, 10:30am – 12:30pm (added)
- Sat 3 May, 10:30am – 12;30pm (NOTE; school is also an polling place)
- Sat 17 May, 10:30am – 12;30pm


- Sat 31 May, 10:30am – 12:30pm

(Other dates could be added if needed)
June: see below for combined rehearsals.

*Optional “intensive” rehearsals at ACU on Monday evenings for those who can’t make it to the Saturdays or if you want some extra rehearsals! After these rehearsal, a light supper will be served e.g., soup & bread.

Location: ACU Staff Hub, Building 421, Level 7, 115B Victoria Pde, Fitzroy. (Turn right when you exit the lift on level 7). Wheelchair accessible.

Intensive 1: Mon 31 March, 5-6:30PM
Intensive 2: Mon 28 April, 5-6:30PM
Intensive 3: Mon 19 May, 5-6:30PM 

ACU Choir
Meets weekly on the Fitzroy campus, Tuesdays, 1-2PM. Details here: 
https://aculife.acu.edu.au/choirmelbourne/bigsing2025/

Combined / Dress Rehearsals
- Sat 14 June 1-4PM at ACU
- (Plus Wed 25/6 or Thu  26/6, evening)
- Fri 27 June, afternoon (St Patrick’s Cathedral)
- Sat 28 June, 3pm- (Preston Market)

MUSIC
- You Are Enough: A Mental Health Suite by Aron Accurso and Rachel Griffin Accurso (Australian premiere) . YouTube sample.
- Legacy Project (selections) by Astrid Jorgensen (founder, Pub Choirs®)
- Music from the hit musical Dear Evan Hansen by Justin Paul and Benj Pasek
- An Indonesian piece with Manado State University Choir 
- A brand new piece by Kathleen McGuire 
- Selections from the Justice Choir Songbook (Volume 1 or 2) 

Music Resources: https://aculife.acu.edu.au/ChoirMelbourne/2025-music/

There will also be some instrumental-only music to feature the orchestra by Autumn Maria Reed (Australian premiere)