Australia's National Children's Choir - Gondwana Voices
The Voices
Critics speak
“Today these choirs are among the freshest and exciting musical organisations in Australia… Williams’ philosophy has always been to aim for quality. All the rest – their notorious precision with pitch, their purity of sound, their professionalism and their joyous energy – flows from this.”
Peter McCallum, Sydney Morning Herald, July 2010
"While hovering above it all as a tangible symbol of innocence are the cleansed melodies of the children’s choir, sung here seraphically by Lyn Williams’s superb Gondwana Voices."
Peter McCallum, Sydney Morning Herald, February 2007
“…conductor Lyn Williams, the mega-force behind the choir, together with associate conductor Mark O’Leary, lead the choir to exceptional musical and interpretative heights.”
Xenia Hanusiak, Herald Sun, January 2006
"The sound of 100 young voices in perfect ensemble singing 'Gaudete, gaudete, Christus est natus' overwhelmed a full auditorium with joy. All credit for this glorious music making must go to the Sydney Children's Choir and Gondwana Voices, directed by Lyn Williams, who also conducted... it was the perfect intonation, the total discipline and obvious musicality of the choristers which made this performance so impressive."
Harriet Cunningham, The Sydney Morning Herald, December 2005
"The focus of interest in this WASO concert was always going to be the world premiere of Gordon Kerry's For Those in Peril on the Sea, which includes a role for the Gondwana Voices choir. One cannot too highly praise the Gondwana choristers, all of whom had committed their lines to memory and whose response to [conductor Matthias] Bamert's direction was alert and disciplined."
Neville Cohn, The West Australian, October 2005
"The Voices are beautiful and strong, as agile as gymnasts, as comfortable in a murmurs in an explosion of joy. A marriage of spontaneity and virtuosity."
Ouest France Newspaper, October 2004
"Even a steel-hearted spectator would have been moved not only by the brilliance and precision of their performance - they're the finest children's choir in this country, and one of the best in the world - but also by their exuberance and by the palpable sense of joy they radiated."
Leo Schofield, Sunday Telegraph, January 2003
"Gondwana Voices can safely be nominated as a national treasure. The performances were full of disciplined vitality and, for such young singers, an identification with musicianship that would give most older choirs a run for their money. Gondwana Voices are a source of national pride."
Fred Blanks, North Shore Times, January 2003
"The fresh beauty and power of Gondwana Voices will be a cherished memory of yesterday's celebrations, and a tremendous vindication of your decision to create this group. They are an inspiration to young Australians everywhere."
Bob Carr - Former Premier of NSW, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Citizenship.
(From a letter following Gondwana Voices' performance in the Centenary of Federation Ceremony, 1 January 2001)
"Although I've known about Gondwana's abilities for sometime and heard live performances on several occasions, I was absolutely bowled over by the perfection, professionalism and spirit of the choir that made this undoubtedly one of the most positive musical experiences I've had for ages." Brett Dean, Composer
Gondwana Voices speak
"There are so many wonderful people involved with the choir, and everyone comes away with some really strong friendships and a tonne of incredible memories. Gondwana usually only comes together two or three time a year, and because we come from all around Australia, for many of us these are the only times we get to see each other. This, and of course the quality of the experiences we are having, means that we try not to take a minute of it for granted. All of these things contribute to the great atmosphere that goes with Gondwana, but I think that what is most important is that we are all there for the same reason: music. Gondwana has given me more opportunities than many people would have in their entire life!"
Kathryn, ACT
"The great thing about Gondwana is that we have the opportunity to sing a diverse range of music - from Australian compositions to foreign masterpieces. Many choristers are unable to experience opportunities such as these, as a lot of us are from small towns where there are no choirs. Perhaps the best thing I have ever done in my life was to decide to audition for Gondwana Voices. There have been so many 'once in a lifetime' experiences with Gondwana, and I have made so many valuable friends for life - most of whom I keep in regular contact and have done so throughout my 'Gondwana Years'".
Hayley, WA
"I think Gondwana Voices is a valuable part of our culture. It contributes beauty, excellence and a pathway of opportunity in music for children, especially regional kids."
Gabby, Qld
"The best thing about being a Gondie is getting to meet new people who are just like you. They understand that it's fun to sing all day!"
Corrina, ACT
"The best thing about being in Gondwana Voices is singing amazing pieces of music, making strong life-long friendships and having the opportunity to have professional guidance when working towards my musical dreams."
Erin, Qld
"There are so many wonderful people involved with the choir, and everyone comes away with some really strong friendships and a tonne of incredible memories. Gondwana usually only comes together two or three time a year, and because we come from all around Australia, for many of us these are the only times we get to see each other. This, and of course the quality of the experiences we are having, means that we try not to take a minute of it for granted. All of these things contribute to the great atmosphere that goes with Gondwana, but I think that what is most important is that we are all there for the same reason: music. Gondwana has given me more opportunities than many people would have in their entire life!"
Kathryn, ACT
"The great thing about Gondwana is that we have the opportunity to sing a diverse range of music - from Australian compositions to foreign masterpieces. Many choristers are unable to experience opportunities such as these, as a lot of us are from small towns where there are no choirs. Perhaps the best thing I have ever done in my life was to decide to audition for Gondwana Voices. There have been so many 'once in a lifetime' experiences with Gondwana, and I have made so many valuable friends for life - most of whom I keep in regular contact and have done so throughout my 'Gondwana Years'".
Hayley, WA
"I think Gondwana Voices is a valuable part of our culture. It contributes beauty, excellence and a pathway of opportunity in music for children, especially regional kids."
Gabby, Qld
"The best thing about being a Gondie is getting to meet new people who are just like you. They understand that it's fun to sing all day!"
Corrina, ACT
"The best thing about being in Gondwana Voices is singing amazing pieces of music, making strong life-long friendships and having the opportunity to have professional guidance when working towards my musical dreams."
Erin, Qld
