The vocal ensemble has been touring the world for over 20 years and are just getting started.
The Australian Voices' new show, 'Boombox', takes their well renowned choral singing and pits it up against the machine in an experimental new show that combines “contemporary choral, rap, political speeches and experimental” in a new and exciting way.
{youtube}2IAu9FvnLNE{/youtube}
After debuting at the Melbourne International Singers Festival and a performance at Hobart's Festival of Voices, the collective are taking 'Boombox' to New York before returning to Brisbane for two shows only. Martin Cadell has been with the group for 6 years, touring both at home and internationally.
What can audiences expect from your new show 'Boombox'?
Boombox is unlike any show that The Australian Voices have ever done before. Audiences will not only hear serene harmony and music making but strange sounds, words that may have never been sung before and even deep secrets from each of the singers.
It incorporates a range of different musical styles, is that a new experience for the group?
Definitely not. Our ensemble prides ourselves on taking on any musical challenge and encourage young composers to try ideas that seem outlandish or impossible.
{youtube}jVn67MF9dc4{/youtube}
You're a vocal ensemble, how does the writing process work for that? Is it all done by the composer or is there collaboration?
Our music is written by a range of different composers. Gordon, the artistic director of TAV composes the most music for us but we constantly have works coming from both established composers and people who are writing their first piece. There are some collaborative works between Gordon and famous Australian artists such as William Barton and Robert Davidson.
What drew you towards choral singing?
I've been singing since before I could walk, so choral singing has always been a part of my life. The strong music programme at my high school, Mansfield High, gave me many amazing opportunities including a workshop from TAV which inspired me to join the group. I haven't looked back since!
Martin CadellYou've been with the group for six years, how often does the line-up change in an ensemble like this?
The line-up changes go through variations, the group can stay almost exactly the same for a year and then somehow cycle through 20 singers in 6 months. We somehow always attract incredibly intelligent, funny and interesting people. I've probably sung with about 100 people since joining TAV and loved every one of them. I think it's part of what makes us such an exciting ensemble, the sound is always evolving as new members learn the 'TAV way'... I swear we're not a cult!
How many members are there at the moment? Can it be a bit of a logistical nightmare?
There are about 25 singers at the moment. Tours can definitely be a hectic time. I certainly don't envy the people who organise everything. We somehow all end up in the right place at the right time so I think we've got it somewhat together by now.
{youtube}WY46y56xREU{/youtube}
What countries have you toured? Any stand-out locations?
I've been to so many different countries with TAV. Germany, Czech, Austria, UK & Ireland, China, USA, New Caledonia and all over Australia. Germany has basically become my second home with my favourite city being Munich. I've been very blessed to have this type of opportunity to see so much of the world and meet such incredible musicians from all over the world.
What do you do outside your work in The Australian Voices?
I'm a personal trainer in my spare time away from TAV. I love everything about health and fitness and I honestly think it's the best job in the world. You get to work outdoors all day with your hands, it's never boring!
{youtube}TU93jZhmPxw{/youtube}
What's next for The Australian Voices after this run of shows?
We always have things planned. Next year we already have a tour planned for Germany as well as lots more works with QSO (Queensland Symphony Orchestra) which are guaranteed to be as creative and fun as our other recent collaborations including Ghosts in the Orchestra and The Trillion Souls. I can't wait to find out everything else that will present itself!
