Over the past two weeks, I had the pleasure of performing with the Choir of High Hopes Hobart as part of the 2026 Festival of Voices.
We took part in three pop-up performances at Hobart City Mission, Hobart Library and St David’s Cathedral, bringing music into very different community spaces across the city.
Each performance had its own atmosphere, but they all demonstrated the ability of music to bring people together. It was wonderful to see people stop, listen, smile and share the moment with us.
For the Choir of High Hopes, singing has always been about much more than performing. The choir provides a safe and welcoming environment where people from different backgrounds and life experiences can build friendships, regain confidence and feel that they belong.
Being part of Festival of Voices gave our members an opportunity to share that spirit with the broader community and to be part of one of Hobart’s most special winter events.
I am proud to sing with the choir and serve as a board member. Experiences like these remind me why community organisations matter. They create opportunities for people to participate, connect and contribute, while adding warmth and life to our city.
Thank you to Festival of Voices, each of our host venues, our volunteers and everyone who stopped to listen and support us.
Most importantly, congratulations to every choir member who took part. It was a wonderful week of music, friendship and community connection.
