BEYOND HARD KNOCKS Launches Melbourne International Singers' Festival

The inaugural Melbourne InterNational Singers Festival will launch on June 7, 2013 with the world premiere of the Beyond Hard Knocks documentary. The Singers Festival runs from June 7-10.

Six years after the ARIA, Logie and Helpmann Award winning Choir of Hard Knocks TV series, the new documentary Beyond Hard Knocks reveals the extraordinary and inspiring journey of the Choir of Hard Knocks original members and their Founding Music Director Jonathon Welch AM and also introduces the new members of the choir. Their story continues to amaze and inspire, as some of the choir members move on, others stay, new members join and many still struggle with their demons. The Choir has since changed its name to the Choir of Hope and Inspiration.

"The choir has given me a real sense of belonging and family, and the chance to express myself" said Simon, original Choir of Hard Knocks member. "The choir has given members the opportunity to find new purpose in life, to acquire new skills and rebuild personal confidence". He said.

The premiere of Beyond Hard knocks will open the inaugural Melbourne InterNational Singers Festival which features singers of all styles and ages who are invited to participate in the Festival through a wide range of workshops and concerts at The Edge at Federation Square, Melbourne Recital Centre, St Paul's Cathedral and the Melbourne Town Hall.

Headlining the Festival are the internationally acclaimed ABC recording artists, The Idea of North, and Drs William and Rosephanye Powell who are among the finest Gospel and Spiritual music experts from the USA.

Artistic Director of the Institute, Dr Jonathon Welch, said, "I'm thrilled to announce the launch of this most exciting new singing and choral event in 2013, with a line-up of interNational Singers including gospel, a cappella, classical, music theatre, pop and cabaret music."

"The documentary is a fitting way to set the scene for the Melbourne InterNational Singers Festival as it demonstrates how music can transform lives and build confidence" said Dr Welch.

All proceeds from the Festival will fund the School of Hard Knocks Institute's arts, cultural and wellbeing programs for disadvantaged Australians.

Ticket bookings and information on screening times of the documentary as well as the Festival program can be found at www.singersfestival.org

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