January 22, 2008

The Australian Voices, an innovative choir under the direction of internationally awarded Australian composer and conductor Stephen Leek, will perform at California State University, Fresno on Feb. 21.

The group of young adult singers is dedicated to commissioning, performing and recording contemporary Australian choral music. Members of the choir are on tour in California preceding their appearance at the Western Division Convention of the American Choral Directors' Association.

Hosted by Fresno State’s Music Department, the Australian Voices will sing at 12:30 p.m. at the Music Department’s convocation. The group will also attend the conductor/composer meeting with Fresno State’s composition students and faculty at 2 p.m. Then at 7 p.m., the choir will give a free concert at St. Therese's Church, 855 E. Floradora Ave. (Free-will donations will be accepted.) While in Fresno, the singers will stay with host families provided by Community Chorus.

The Australian Voices has performed in numerous countries and received prizes at events in Hungary, Wales and China.

Artistic director and co-founder of the group Stephen Leek is a freelance composer, conductor, educator and publisher. Many of his works were featured in the national “Choir of the Year” competition conducted by ABC Classic FM in 2006.

For more information about the visit, contact Fresno State music professor Dr. Anna Hamre at 559.278.2539 or e-mail anna_hamre@csufresno.edu.