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 2020 CANCELLED due to COVID19
Big Sing in the Desert 2021: 22-25 April 2021
Big Sing in the Desert 2020 has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID19 emergency. Our 10th Anniversary event will now be held on 22-25 April 2021. Places for 2021 will prioritise 2020 participants who have transferred their bookings.
Donations
A huge THANK YOU to all our donors who helped us almost reach our sponsorship target for 2020. Sponsor an Indigenous Singer donations received for 2020 will be rolled over to Big Sing in the Desert 2021. Donors who would prefer to have their donation refunded, please email jodie@rachelhore.com.
We thank everyone for their continuing support.
BIG SING in the Desert 2021
Sharing culture and song
Thursday 22nd April to Sunday 25th April
It’s our 10th birthday and we are planning a big celebration!
Places for 2021 will prioritise 2020 participants who have transferred their bookings.
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. 2021 will be the 10th Anniversary 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.
To be notified about Big Sing events join the Mailing List.
SPONSOR AN INDIGENOUS SINGER to Big Sing 2021.
Programme details below …
Our goal:
$25,000
Help us bring singers from the Central Desert communities to BIG SING 2021.
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 2021 begins from 4pm on Thursday 22nd April, and finishes on Sunday 25th April at 3pm. We can transport you to Ross River from the airport and Alice Springs at various times from midday onward on Thursday 22nd April. 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 3 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 26th April or later.
Transport
We can provide transport from Alice Springs to Ross River Resort and return. Cost of transport is $35* per person each way (*2020 price – 2021 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
2020 prices – 2021 prices to be advised
(per person, 3 nights, all meals)
| Cabin | $1,120 |
| Bunkhouse | $870 |
| Camping | $840 |
Self-catered breakfast and lunch
2020 prices – 2021 prices to be advised
(per person, 3 nights, self-catered breakfast and lunch, includes dinner)
| Cabin | $970 |
| Bunkhouse | $710 |
| Camping | $680 |
Your Booking Details
FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS
If you have a confirmed Big Sing in the Desert 2021 booking you can advise us of your flight details, pick-up and drop-off location here.
CHANGES TO BOOKING DETAILS
Changes to your booking details can be advised here.
BALANCE PAYMENTS
Please notify us when you have paid your booking balance owing here.
CANCELLATIONS
Please notify us AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you cannot attend the Big Sing in the Desert 2021. Deposits are non-refundable. Cancellation between 15 February and 31 March 2021 incurs a cancellation fee of 25% of booking amount. Cancellation on or after 1 April 2021 incurs a cancellation fee of 50% of booking amount. No refunds for no-shows.
To notify us of your cancellation please use this form or email Jodie at jodie@rachelhore.com.
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.
