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"I first heard the choir recording songs in one of our studios. I was there for three hours, mesmerised by the joy that each choir member brought to their singing. Every time the Sydney Street Choir sings, it's done with complete conviction and strength, and it also reminds us all that when you have no home and a song is your only possession, music can be a real life-line."

- Geoff Wood of ABC Radio’s The Rhythm Divine and The spirit Of Things

VIDEO 

 click on the picture above
to watch a short video introducing you to the choir 

Members of The Sydney Street Choir are homeless or disadvantaged men and women. An initiative of Founding Director Jonathon Welch, who obtained funding through South Sydney Council in October 2001, the choir has performed on various TV shows, Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Conference Centre, and regularly visit hospitals and charity organisations. Recently they visited the Choir of Hard Knocks to join them on stage at Melbourne Town Hall.

MORE VIDEOS

 The choir  has an important voice lyrically, and a unique, transformational effect on those participating in their engaging performances or open, friendly rehearsals.

Since  November 2003, the choir has been led by Peter Lehner. With no regular ongoing funds source, the choir now relies on money raised from performances, donations and in kind support from small community organisations. 

Choir Director Peter Lehner says music can be a form of therapy by lifting people out of depression and breaking isolation. He says the turnover rate of members is high with many participants being rehabilitated into mainstream society. More than 75% of members leave because they’ve gotten back into the work force, or they’ve gone to study full-time, and can no longer attend daytime rehearsals.

Musical Therapy is an established health care profession that uses musical techniques to assist and motivate people towards non-musical goals, addressing physical, psychological, cognitive and social behavioural patterns.

photo by Annette Willis

ALAN: "I am in recovery from mental & spiritual health problems. The choir has really helped as my only creative outlet. I can now say I can sing well, and my self image and esteem has been lifted. It brings me friendship and joy, and I love spreading that joy."

Having a talent for singing, or an ear for music, is not a prerequisite for joining.

PETER LEHNER: ”We're totally inclusive. We don't tell people to go away because they can't sing. The choir's a place where they can come and learn how to sing, but more importantly it’s a place for community, fun, self-expression and fraternity.”

 The choir recruits new members by rehearsing publically, at day centres and hostels for the homeless in the inner city.

There's a story behind all the voices, many dealing with years of living on the streets with short periods in shelters or community housing.

Choir members like Sandra are usually too proud of their performances to talk about the more difficult periods in their lives, except to say how much the choir is helping them.

SANDRA: “I'm meeting some nice new people, and enjoying their company, and it's really good, it's helping me to cope with some issues I've had to deal with in my life. I'm very grateful that I have some opportunities coming my way.”

PETER: "Because of the abuse in my life I have a social block and don't mix and make friends very easily. Without things like this I'd have to go back to my old habits, like going to the bars to make friends"

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