Main photo: Sharing culture and song. Photo taken at Big Sing in the Desert 2018. Photo by Amy Jean Harding. Small photos taken by Liz Phillips and Prue Adams.
Big Sing in the Desert 2022
Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th May 2022
BOOKINGS OPEN NOVEMBER 2021
Big Sing in the Desert 2021 was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID19 emergency. Our 10th Birthday event will now be held in 2022 – COVID restrictions permitting. Places for 2022 will prioritise 2021 registrants.
Donations
A huge THANK YOU to all of our donors.
The Big Sing community is very much looking forward to coming together to safely sing in 2022! Until then Big Sing Inc, the not-for-profit organisation which runs Big Sing in the Desert, is working on other ways to keep connecting Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through singing.
As well as planning and preparing for Big Sing in the Desert 2022, we are beginning collaborations with more Aboriginal communities to develop new events (for when it is safe to meet again) in new locations, and also to deliver alternative COVID-safe ways of coming together in the meantime.
Your donation will enable Big Sing Inc to continue this work. We thank everyone for their continuing support.
BIG SING in the Desert 2022
Sharing culture and song
Presented by Big Sing Incorporated
12-15 May 2022
It’s our 10th Birthday and we are planning a big celebration!
BOOKINGS OPEN NOVEMBER 2021
Places for 2022 will prioritise those who were registered for the cancelled 2021 event.
The Big Sing in the Desert is a four-day singing camp that welcomes singers from across Australia at Ross River Resort, an original homestead near Alice Springs. The Big Sing is a unique workshop that provides an opportunity for musical and cultural sharing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous singers. 2022 will be the 10th Birthday of this incredible event.
More than 130 singers attend from every state in Australia including up to 50 singers from Central Desert Aboriginal communities. Beginners and experienced singers are all welcome.
Your tutors, Rachel Hore and Morris Stuart, are passionate about valuing and preserving the unique sound and style of Central Desert choral singing. Part of the workshop will be to encourage leaders from Central Desert choirs who may wish to share songs, culture and language with us.
Big Sing in the Desert is an activity of Big Sing Incorporated. To be notified about Big Sing events join the Mailing List.
SPONSOR AN INDIGENOUS SINGER to Big Sing 2021.
Programme details below …
The Programme
We will be learning beautiful songs in 3-part or 4-part harmony led by Rachel and Morris, as well as hymns and songs in Aboriginal languages helped by members of local Aboriginal choirs.
There will be time for exploring the red gorges around Ross River, informal singing and a concert.
BIG SING IN THE DESERT begins from 4pm Thursday and finishes at 3pm Sunday – 2022 dates to be advised. We can transport you to Ross River from the airport and Alice Springs at various times from midday onward on Thursday. We can also transport you back to Alice Springs or the airport after Big Sing finishes.
The Accommodation
Ross River Homestead is located in the East MacDonnell Ranges, one hour’s drive from Alice Springs. There are three types of accommodation to choose from, depending on your budget.
Cabins: 1-2 beds for 2-3 people (one double, two singles, or one double plus one single) with air conditioning, fridge and ensuite. No single cabins available.
Bunkhouse: 2 to a room, 10 minutes walk across the creek from the homestead. Shared amenities block.
Camping: 10 minutes walk across the creek from the homestead. BYO camping gear. Shared amenities block.
Flights
You will need to book your own flights to and from Alice Springs. Because Big Sing finishes late Sunday afternoon, we recommend that return flights be booked for Monday.
Transport
We can provide transport from Alice Springs to Ross River Resort and return. Cost of transport is $35* per person each way (*indicative 2020 price – 2022 price to be advised).
Food
Food is served buffet style – with a mix of hot and cold options. Vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free diets can be catered for.
A self-catering option is available for self-sufficient campers and those with particular needs. Due to limited food prep and storage facilities we recommend the all-meal option for those staying in the cabins or bunkhouse.
If you are unsure, contact Jodie at jodie@rachelhore.com or 0415 885 335.
The Cost
All meals
Indicative 2020 prices – 2022 prices to be advised
(per person, 3 nights, all meals)
| Cabin | $1,120 |
| Bunkhouse | $870 |
| Camping | $840 |
Self-catered breakfast and lunch
Indicative 2020 prices – 2022 prices to be advised
(per person, 3 nights, self-catered breakfast and lunch, includes dinner)
| Cabin | $970 |
| Bunkhouse | $710 |
| Camping | $680 |
Further Information
Jodie Lee
Email: jodie@rachelhore.com
Mob: 0415 885 335
To be notified about Big Sing events join the Mailing List.
About Morris Stuart
Founder and musical director of the Alice Springs choir “Asante Sana”, Morris also directs the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir whose stories are beautifully told in the film, The Song Keepers.
Many of the women singers who attend Big Sing in the Desert are also members of this choir.
Morris is creative director of the annual Desert Song Festival in Alice Springs.
The scholarship supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people from around Australia to attend Big Sing events.
