Picture shows PopUp Choir at the High Court, Canberra 2019 .
What people said
I host singing events all over Austraila and the world. Here’s a taste of what some people have said …
Singing with Rachel
"I abseiled off the Sheraton in Brisbane a few years ago, for a charity fundraiser, & I have to say that performing in Rachel's massed Fire Choir at Woodford was JUST AS BIG A BUZZ!“
Therese Tindall, Brisbane
"I would sing with you anywhere, anytime. It was the best choral experience I’ve had in my life (and that spans from age eleven to seventy-one)."
Dierdre Stubbe, Bathurst Multicultural choir 2010
“Rachel has a gift that few others share – she can inspire people to do things they never thought possible. She had the 180 young people who attended You’re the Voice singing in three part harmony in concert after less than two hours rehearsal and it is an experience they still talk about. She embodies what music should be all about without the ego and is one of the most inspirational workshop leaders I have encountered- and what a voice!”
Marie van Genn, Coordinator,
You’re the Voice Festival, Port Macquarie
“I enjoy singing with a choir here in Canberra, but singing with you in the National Folk festival Choir last weekend was a magical and joyful experience that transcended any choral experience I have ever done before”
Rod Tier, Canberra
Big Sing in the Desert
"Palayalingku...
this was a fantastic weekend. Do more!"
"One of the best,
fun, and most inspirational weekends I have ever had"
"Such a privilege
to meet and sing with the ladies from some remote communities. Loved learning songs translated into local indigenous languages"
“My experience of Big Sing in the Desert, 2010 2012, 2013 has been rich, respectful, peaceful, loving, gentle and positive.
Our sharing through music promotes conversation, building of trust and relationships, and sharing of culture between Indigenous people from Central Australia and non-Indigenous people from all over Australia.
Ruth Primrose 2013
“Beautiful and moving
I can honestly say that the Big Sing was one of the most beautiful and moving experiences of my life.”
“Palayalingku…
best yet!"
“I will have lasting memories
of sitting around the campfire with women from the different communities, eating kangaroo tails, learning the Indigenous songs, and singing with a big group which I haven’t done for a long time.”
"Awesome experience!
It has been so uplifting to sing with such wonderful and precious souls"
Big Sing 2012 participants
“The Big Sing in the Desert gives us white fellas
the tiniest inkling into some of the unbroken traditions by the Aboriginal people with over 60,000 years of singing the country.
Rachel’s song ‘Sing You’ was so perfect for expressing all of this.”
“The Big Sing in the Desert had a profound affect on me.
I loved the opportunity to meet with and sing with such a fantastic group of people. Singing with the women and children from the local Aboriginal communities was such an opportunity. Keep up this fantastic work you are doing - you are really making a difference in the world.”
"Simply no words
to express the gratitude I feel to be part of this unique workshop"
“What delighted me most
was learning the Indigenous songs and listening to the women singing them and then listening to their unique sounds which we are trying to replicate!!”
"Drumming up real unity"
Centralian Advocate
5th June 2012.
See article click here.
“Rachel is an incredible convener
and weaver of people’s passions, joys, intentions and hopes – all with song. Songs from the heart sung back into the heart of the land.”
"What a remarkable event.
Reconciliation in its purest form, Sharing, connectedness, listening, learning, growing. All through the power of song”
“It’s been a joy
to hear the divine singing of the Central Desert Choirs, and be accepted as part of one singing community”
“Rachel has helped us a lot.
Helping us to sing strong way, learning about more harmonies. I was a leader… that was good. I might teach all the other girls if I’m a leader".
Margaret Campbell,
Titjikala Ladies choir, N.T. Oct.2009
Wintersong
"Superb musical directors and skilled facilitators, beautiful arrangements, 80 wonderfully blended lovely voices, a good dose of humor - what more could one ask for?"
David 2010
"I feel very happy and blessed that I had the opportunity to take part in Winter Song. I found your way of teaching, conducting, interacting, arranging and singing, to be so at ease, warm and refreshing. I enjoyed meeting your funny and brilliant co facilitator Stephen and enjoyed your contrasting and complementing styles."
Nurit Ophir, 2009
"I must thank you and all concerned for the fantastic weekend at Brahma Kumaris. Great venue, fabulous food, comfy accom. and fantastic teachers. It was a peak experience in my life - truly memorable and uplifting. I'll be looking forward to another one for sure."
Steve Holdsworth 2009
"I am so, so thrilled that I was privileged to have shared one of the great treasures of my life's experience - Winter Song To be totally soaked in serotonin - actually saturated like under a refreshing waterfall of sound. Thank you so much for your brilliance that you share with such zest, expertise and enthusiasm.
Everything was just so AWESOME - thank you to you and the whole team."
Ness, 2007
"This was my first time at Wintersong. It was a privilege to be amongst such a fabulous group of singers and to be taught by such outstanding conductors as yourselves. Both the words to the songs and the act of singing and feeling of oneness with the group was inspirational. I hope to experience it again."
Ojars Greste, 2009
Singing in Fiji
"Thank you for the magnificent time we had together, spending my time with no more difficult decision to make than if I could actually sing today. Thank you from the depth of my soul for contributing your large part to the best holiday of my life."
Ursula O’Brien 2009
"What an amazing vocal and resort experience was "Singing in Paradise” – from the mouthwatering Fijian food to the singing with Fijian choirs, bathing and snorkeling on deserted palm-fringed beaches, exploring Savusavu and being trained by such an inspiring and supportive choir leader, Rachel. Fond memories forever!!!"
Meg Berg
"Great program for choral singers, Rachel gets the best out of everyone, beginner to advanced. Daku's strength is it's friendly and helpful staff. Special thanks to Raj, Kenny and all the Daku extended family."
Murray Hinder 2010
"What a wonderful combination: beautiful people on a beautiful island with beautiful food and beautiful singing with beautiful Rachel – what more could you ask. Any wonder I am a three-time visitor!"
Barry Bower
"The week I spent at Daku resort in Savusavu with my choir was one of the best weeks of my life! Keni, his family and the staff welcomed us and treated us like we were family – not just tourists. The trips to villages were unique and always to be remembered experiences – including the enjoyment of the bump bus ride!"
BW 2010
Denmark Festival of Voice
Big Sing Choir
"As one of the enthusiastic participants in the Big Sing during the weekend, I just want to say thanks again. For me, it was the highlight of the Festival.
As an ex teacher, I’m in awe of your ability not just musically, but in teaching so much so enjoyably in such a short time. Wow!"
Trish
Local n Vocal Denmark WA
"I want to simply say a big 'thank you' for coming to Denmark sharing your skills and teaching us the joy of singing. You have reminded me that there can be such freedom and happiness in singing and that anyone, pretty well, can let it rip. "
Sarah
Past Events
Big Sing in the Desert
Ross River Homestead near Alice Springs
Big Sing by the Sea
Forster, NSW
DRAWN IN – POP UP CHOIR
National Portrait Gallery, Canberra, ACT
19 February 2023
At a special event organised by the National Portrait Gallery audience members were invited to draw while listening to the Pop Up Choir – “with colour your instrument and line your melody as you create your own visual composition”. Watch a small snippet of artists in action while Pop Up Choir sing Sing You, one of my original songs, in the video below.
Public Singing Workshop
Atherton Tablelands, Queensland
18 – 19 March 2023
A fabulous fun workshop in a beautiful old time dance hall in Yungaburra, Queensland. A glimpse of preparations.
Public Singing Workshops
Blue Mountains – Blackheath, NSW
December 2022 and 2023
Singers gathered in the beautiful Blue Mountains for two workshops in December 2022 and December 2023.
We revisited some of my most popular old favourites, as well as learning some beautiful new songs and arrangements.
Such good awesome singing folk. Such a beautiful loving community. You are always with me, in my heart. People travelled from far and wide. With Welcome to Country by Stacy Jane Etal and Aunty Carol Cooper. And a secret visit from the Spooky Men’s Chorale. Thank you to everybody who came.
Public Singing Workshop
Hobart, Tasmania
Saturday 27 May 2023
“She is one of Australia’s best choral conductors/teachers. If you think you sound like a raven, she will get you singing in a few minutes!” – thanks to my hosts, Sisongke Choir for that vote of confidence and a wonderful workshop.
Singing on Dyarubbin Shores
Richmond, NSW
Singing on Dyarubbin Shores is two days of joyful singing on Darug country with Aunty Jacinta Tobin, Stacy-Jane Etal, Rachel Hore and Suze Pratten.
The weekend features singing in Darug language with Jacinta and Stacy-Jane as well as acapella songs and harmonies with Rachel and Suze. We sing on Darug Country, close to the shores of Dyarubbin.
Dyarubbin is the Darug word for the Hawkesbury River.