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Australian choir shares talent with Nanaimo audience

Birralee Blokes recently performed at the International Choral Kathaumixw, a five-day festival

A dynamic ensemble of young men captivated audiences across their native Australia and around the world and are set to conquer Nanaimo during a concert at St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

Birralee Blokes recently performed at the International Choral Kathaumixw, a five-day festival filled with concerts, common song singing, choral and vocal solo competitions, conductor’s seminars and social events, held in Powell River.

Their Nanaimo visit is sponsored by the Malaspina Choir, whose members are also billeting the 23 members, aged 13-22, of the ensemble, along with their director and three staff.

The Birralee Blokes won the national Australian Broadcasting Corporation Classic FM Choral Competition in 2006 where they were named Youth Choir of the Year, the Listeners’ Choice Award and ABC Classic FM Choir of the Year.

The Blokes have been involved in several recordings with Voices of Birralee, including their own album entitled Walls Come Tumblin’ Down. Their most recent album Towards Infinity was released on the ABC Classics label in 2011.

They are directed by Paul Holley, who has been a guest conductor/clinician at festivals, conferences and music competitions.

The choir performs July 9, 7:30 p.m., at St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

Tickets for the concert are $12 and are available at the door, or by phone at 250-245-1466.