After nearly 21 years, The Boite’s Millennium Chorus will soon celebrate the end of a fantastic musical era, one of inclusivity and nondiscrimination that has set an example of acceptance in Victoria using music.
With a very special production, So Far, So Close, to mark the occasion, the event’s artistic director Sophia Exiner shares what’s in store. “We’re taking the audience all around the world,” she says. “It’s fundamentally a celebration of singing and the human voice. We’ve put together a beautifully diverse program including songs from South Africa, the Pacific, Georgia, contemporary pop songs from Norway and the US, and closer to home, a song by Tom Lewis, a Murrungun man, as well as a Midnight Oil song.”
With over 100 voices singing on the day, this is certainly a large-scale production and will see the chorus joined by some friends to help go out with a bang. Coming together to complement The Boite Millennium Chorus are the Melbourne Georgian Choir, Voices Unbound and Melbourne Indie Voices.
“Roger King and Therese Virtue from The Boite have been such important figures in Melbourne’s choir scene, mentoring and encouraging choirs over the last 30 years as well as running the annual Singers Festival,” says Exiner. “Having these diverse choirs perform highlights the positive influence The Boite has had on Melbourne’s music scene.”
The Boite’s purpose has been, historically, to support artists from a number of the newly settled peoples in Victoria. Waves of migrants have brought new forms and styles of music to Victoria and often these people have received support from The Boite while they become established in their new communities.
Talented musicians have been able to share their music and their lives with the chorus and the audience. In 40 years, The Boite has assisted in the establishment of many newcomers and since 1999, the choir has been integral in this.
For those who have never witnessed the sheer power and beauty of a live choir, there are several elements Exiner hopes the audience, and choir, will take from the So Far, So Close performance. “It is such a joyful, uplifting experience to witness people singing together in harmony. You can’t help but be moved by it.
“The voice is the original musical instrument, we’re all born with one. We’ve chosen songs with strong community and social justice themes. I hope people come out of the concert feeling hopeful and empowered to make change.”
Singing in the top section of the chorus since its inception in 1999, Alannah Sheridan says So Far, So Close looks to be a huge draw for the audience. “There’ll be other things in the future, but this is the end of one particular journey,” she says. “The use of a different venue is exciting as is working with other Boite project choirs.
Collectively, these choirs will capture several essential elements of the company’s 21-year history in So Far, So Close. “The final Millennium Chorus performance will bring the project full circle,” she says. “From the opening song in 1999 to the closing one in 2019, the chorus has travelled the world of music broaching a number of the enormous challenges and issues facing humankind whilst also celebrating diversity and culture.
“So Far, So Close introduces new and original works and also revisits a number of the most engaging pieces from across the years, building on the past and working to the future.”
Though Sheridan remarks that Millennium Chorus’ legacy will be remembered as exciting, educative, community building and challenging, to name a few key characteristics, she also adds, “A legacy suggests an end, a past event… This ending will give space for something new to be evolved. You won’t stop us singing.”
“Bringing singers together from all over Victoria for epic concerts and music making for over 20 years is an incredible legacy,” adds Exiner. “I’m inspired by their vision and energy and would love to create something with the lasting and continuing impact of their projects. Seeing what Roger and Therese have created through The Boite and the Millennium Chorus is inspiring.”
So Far, So Close: The Boite Millennium Chorus Finale comes to the Meat Market on Sunday September 1 from 2.30pm. Grab your tickets and find out more about The Boite via boite.com.au.
