Ben Lee, Clare Bowditch & The Exchange to Headline 2014 FESTIVAL OF VOICES, Begins Today

Australia's premier celebration of the human voice, The Festival of Voices, is delighted to announce its exciting headline artists for 2014. Two of Australia's finest singer/songwriters, BEN LEE and CLARE BOWDITCH, join US contemporary a cappella champions THE EXCHANGE to thrill Hobart in July.

Headlining a glorious ten-day program of performances from national and international artists, these three artists will also participate in the festival's inspiring series of major workshops, which are run by the artists and suitable for singers of all ages and experience.

Forming his first band at 13, BEN LEE has nurtured a life-long obsession with music which has seen him become an ARIA Award-winner and Top 10 artist in Australia and overseas. Lee's quirky, spiritual pop and deep connection with audiences has won him fans worldwide. In addition to his exclusive Festival performance, Lee will run an intimate, 90-minute vocal workshop on July 5, which he is looking forward to.

"While I'm not a technical singer by any means, I've always believed that a unique voice is all about the authenticity and communication of intention. I am looking forward to getting to know the singers, their voices, and what they each have in their hearts to share," said Lee.

Fellow ARIA Award-winner, beloved pop singer/songwriter, Offspring star and creative-business mentor CLARE BOWDITCH will charm Hobart with her beguiling brand of folk pop. Festivalgoers keen to learn something from Bowditch, who was recently invited to tour with Leonard Cohen, can also take part in her unmissable three-hour performance workshop on July 11.

Hailing from the US, THE EXCHANGE is a five-piece vocal powerhouse. Having met on the set of NBC's The Sing-Off and becoming friends off camera, each member introduces a distinct musical style - gospel, opera, rock, R&B and hip hop - to the group's electric performances, which feel like both a concert and a house party. In concert on July 12, the group will also lead a five-day contemporary a cappella workshop from July 9-13.

The Festival of Voices CEO, Paul Kooperman, said, "We are thrilled to include exclusive opportunities for singers from all over Australia to come to Hobart and work with our headliners Ben Lee, Clare Bowditch and The Exchange. Yes, they will be performing but to be able to work so closely with these major artists is unique to our festival and a rare exciting opportunity for singers of all levels of ability, ambition and background."

Celebrating its tenth year this July, the Festival of Voices welcomes individual singers, choirs and music lovers from across Australia. Embracing contemporary and classical, choral and cabaret, gospel spirituals, story-telling and hip hop, the 2014 Festival of Voices brings together a diverse pool of extraordinary vocalists to create a festival experience like no other.

The festival spills across Hobart, taking advantage of the city's fine venues and stunning locations to bring a community warmth to Hobart, as the city comes to life with the sound of music.

The full 2014 Festival of Voices program launches in May.

TIckets are on sale now at https://festivalofvoices.com/.

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