Electrifying First Concert from MCCHOIR

All Photography Antonio Ramos

I call myself privileged to head up such an amazing group of talented and wonderful people. Our first performance entitled “Together” proudly supporting beyondblue was a sell out event and people were waiting on the door for standing room passes.

The night started off with a beautiful arrangement by Jay Althouse of “Pure Imagination” from the classic film and recent hit musical ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’. The choir sang with a black curtain backdrop and a single piano. The audience was captured at the very first note. Soaring soprano notes and beautifully blended harmonies invited the audience on a journey ‘want to change the world, there’s nothing to it’

Our MC for the night, Karim Ghattas then cued our house band Patrick Loyal Tuariki (Drums), Jeremy Varguhese (Guitar), Miki Ushio (Bass) and the MCCHOIR accompanist (Ezekiel Fenn) who were hidden behind the curtain – the audience were stunned to see the band revealed from behind the curtains amidst stage lighting and theatre haze all adding to the atmosphere. The choir kicked up the pace a bit with a piece arranged specifically for the choir - Mary J Blige’s “Doubt” from her latest London Sessions Album.

Guest artist Mareshah Lawton from the Melbourne Gospel Choir, who you may have seen performing at Carols by Candelight at the Sidney Myer Music bowl or backing up the Madden brothers, Delta Goodrem or Guy Sebatian. In fact she delivered a beautiful rendition of Guy’s song, Taller, Stronger, Better. Her song choices and vocals were superlative - singing two other songs by Melissa Polinar.

Our second guest artist was none other than one of Melbournes emerging Hip Hop Artist, T!NO who blew the audience away with an original (love song) "Serenade" – which I think his beautiful wife may have been the inspiration for. Later he brought the powerful track "Exodus". T!NO shared the story behind the inspiration for this song and really connected with the audience in a meaningful way

The choir returned with a cleverly interpreted version of the King of Pops “Man in the Mirror” before Karim (MC) had the audience waving mobile phone flash lights to an inspirational song – “You Will Never Walk Alone” originally performed by Point of Grace in the 80’s.

The choir’s Creative Director Jason wowed the audience with a Shawn Mendez song “A little too much” about a girl, who despite seeming to have it all together on the outside, found it all little too much at times. 

The intermission was spent mingling and enjoying gourmet cupcakes from Cake Bytes and a wonderfull lolly bar provided by Easy Breezy Parties all raising money for beyondblue. Jason welcomed us back with a David Phelps arrangement of “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.

A highlight of the night (and you should listen to the recording on the website and soundcloud ) was Kirk Franklin’s “I Smile” which had everyone tapping there feet and I think the audience couldn’t help but break out into a smile!

The choir was truly the “Life of the Party” and they sang this Shawn Mendes song – the live recording sounds mint if you want to check it out. This was the first song the group learnt and we really captured the heart of the song ‘we don’t have to be ordinary’.

The Finale featured MCCHOIR together with guest artist T!NO and amidst exploding confetti cannons and inflated translucent ballons filled with the signature black and white MCCHOIR colours bouncing around the crowd. One audience member Catherine wrote “Fabulously fun and talented choir! Absolutely loved tonight's performance which enthralled 1 year olds up! Keep up your wonderful singing. I think those MC'ers sure have found their voice!”

Jason Simmonds
Creative Director
​Melbourne Contemporary Choir