The Vocal Identification Program (VIP) operates in partnership with the NSW Department of Education. VIP aims to seek out young Aboriginal singers from the local South West Sydney area. This program provides them with unique opportunities to develop their performance skills.
It has already been a busy year for the students participating in VIP with the group performing at two major events for Australia Day in NSW. On Friday 20th January the students took to the stage at the Corporate Club Australia 2017 Australia Day Lunch at the brand new International Convention Centre, Sydney.
Performing to a room filled with over 800 corporates, politicians and special guests, the students delivered a beautiful rendition of Raining on the Rock. The event closed with the group singing a very special version of the Australian National Anthem. It was performed in both Dharawal Language and in English, accompanied by singer-songwriter Guy Sebastian.
The group then spent the following week rehearsing for the Australia Day celebrations on 26th January, including the WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo.
It was here that the group were able to showcase their culture, singing the Australian National Anthem in Dharawal Language and in English.
They also participated in the highly anticipated ‘Australia Day 2017 – Live at Sydney Opera House’ performing Djapana – a live televised concert on the Opera House forecourt. The concert was broadcast live on Channel TEN and WIN Network.
Directed by the highly-awarded John Foreman, the students performed alongside a collection of Australia’s best talent, including:
- Tina Arena
- Guy Sebastian
- Human Nature
- Dami Im
- Nat Conway
- James Morrison
- Tony Dee
- The Wiggles
- Russell Morris
The concert was hosted by Grant Denyer and Kerri-Anne Kennerley.
A huge congratulations to all involved in the program. A great deal of hard work and preparation went into these performances. The team at KARI are immensely proud to see these young people representing not only the organisation, but their communities and their culture.
A special mention to program coordinators Blake Ralph, Sarah Bertram and Wendy Tierney for their dedication and commitment to the program.
There are many exciting projects on the horizon for the KARI Vocal Identification Program for 2017. We look forward to sharing more of these successes with you throughout the year.
