As part of SpringOut 2024, Canberra Qwire presented The Sound of Us, which was not only the celebration of local LGBTIAQ+ chorists, but a joining of harmony with voices from Yass and Goulburn.
The performance, held on Sunday 24 November, was met with a large and enthusiastic Llewellyn Hall audience who were ready to soar with the sopranos and then dive into the basses.
Aunty Violet’s Welcome to Country was not only warm and joyful, it was magnified by her dress which sparkled the Aboriginal flag, a sign we were all welcome on Ngunnawal country.
During the first half of the concert, Qwire delivered 7 songs with members sharing personal stories on what the lyrics meant to them.
Erin Pynor spoke about how Florence and the Machine’s Dog Days Are Over, reflected how many of us had spent decades in various closets but those times were well behind us, as days are now filled with happiness. That feeling was certainly on display by the Gay and Lesbian Ukulele Club, who accompanied Qwire during this poignant moment.
Find Your People, Still, Earth Song, You Will Be Found, and Don’t Rain On My Parade were also delivered powerfully by the LGBTIAQ+ choir. However, the crowd all had felt a bit of ‘Freddie’, as Grace Kelly made its way across each corner of Llewellyn Hall and was indeed the most popular of Qwire’s set.
During the second half of the concert, Qwire were joined by Good Vibes Choir Yass, along with Goulburn’s Vocal Local and VoiceWorx. The bringing together of these choirs was part of the Out and About project where Qwire travelled to Yass and Goulburn for joint workshops.
Qwire noted that by partnering with these choirs, they were working to create welcoming space for queer residents to join or return to choral singing, as choirs are shown to tackle social isolation, provide a sense of belonging and build a sense of community.
Vocal Local echoed the sentiment of the afternoon, thorough their rendition of I’ll Be There. Ben Scott turned to his fellow chorists and declared they were now his brothers and sisters.
The combined performance of Love is in Air marked the end of the concert. Through the Sound of Us, Canberra once again showed it truly had Pride.
Reviewed by Ali Khan
