A beautiful opportunity to experience the first ever Didgeridoo choir.

“Ancient Voice” presented by Castlemaine’s Lynn McShanag, will craft an inaugural Didge Choir. It’s a harmonic get-together that’s guaranteed to be fun, healthy and stimulating.

According to Lynn this all-day all-inclusive workshop invites people of all ages and abilities to be part of a new composition within a collective choir format.

As part of the Didgfest program, the Ancient Voice workshop starts on Sunday March 16 at 11am and culminates in a performance at the theatre’s ambient courtyard between 2pm and 3pm.

“Ancient Voice will explore the connection between the Didgeridoo as a musical instrument while visiting its relationship with the history and culture of the aboriginal people and the land we live in,” Lynn says.

The workshop will combine talents, mixing the professional skills of established didgeridoo players with the enthusiastic vibrations of Didgfest 2008 event participants.

“The project will create a unique work and unique inspiration, evoking the culture of this land and its people.”

 The traditional making of a Didgeridoo incorporates four elements: earth and air to grow, fire to cure and water to create harmony.

“Our composition and performance will reflect these symbols, with four pieces of distinct difference, taking us on a journey through the elements using the vibrations and harmonics generated by the didge choir’s different skill levels.”

Lyn also believes the choir will create a cultural connection promoting reconciliation, respect and sustainability.

“It’s a wonderful way of inspiring didgeridoo players and enthusiasts to participate and continue being involved in these kinds of events. It’s also a wonderful way to bridge cultural gaps, through inclusiveness and artistic, musical exchange.”

Aunty Carmel Barry, Dja Dja Warrung Elder, has given her in principal support to Lynn McShanag and the Ancient Voice choir to be created and performed on her traditional land, and will perform a welcome to country to open the Saturday night concert.

The project was made possible by the Australian Governments regional arts program, the Regional Arts Fund,
which gives all Australians, wherever they live, better access to opportunities to practise and experience the
arts. The Regional Arts Fund is administered in Victoria by Regional Arts Victoria.