Songbirds flock to perform at festival

Banuru Songs, the City of Joondalup’s community choral project, has brought singers of all ages and abilities together for an exciting experience.

The city commissioned writer Vivienne Grace to pen four poems about the area around Lake Joondalup and composer Alberto Caruso to set them to music for a choir and orchestra.

Rehearsals started this month, with the choir practising twice a week at Prendiville Catholic College’s performing arts centre.

Renowned conductor Chris van Tuinen has led the rehearsals and says it has been an enjoyable process. ‘The great thing about a project like this is people have come with no experience or very little experience in singing, but they can still take part in a big community event,’ he said.

‘The mix of varying abilities is a challenge, but bringing it all together is actually one of the joys of the project. Everyone has been able to have a sing and meet new people, and I’m sure they can’t wait to do |it in front of their family and friends at the festival opening.’

Van Tuinen will also work with the orchestra, made up of students from Lake Joondalup Baptist College, over the next week before bringing them together with the choir just before the festival. Rome-based Caruso is scheduled to arrive in Joondalup this weekend.

The city advertised for people to volunteer for the choir and attend this month’s rehearsals for the March 23 performance at the two-day festival.