“Iskierki” was formed in May 2000 and consisted of 16 girls, born in Australia from Polish parents, who also at that time were part of the folkloric group “Beskidy”. The choir sang mainly in churches around Melbourne, Geelong and Gippsland and festivals such as citizenship awards and Australia Day concerts. They have also traveled to Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney. Their repertoire has changed over the years to include not only religious hymns, but also polish and Australian folk songs.
Over the years , the choir produced 3 CDs. The last one was on their fifth anniversary to coincide with their trip to Poland where they performed in various cities of southern Poland. The hope is that through their singing they are propagating their forbearers’ cultures and traditions, and maybe this will encourage more young Australian “poles” to join the choir. Today, the choir is made up of only 7 members, and only two of the original girls have remained. Their ages range from 6 to 18.
They have rehearsals weekly at the Polish Community Centre “Syrena” Rowville.
JOHN HOSPODARYK
Singing and accompanying himself on guitar and banjo, John Hospodaryk has for over four decades collected various traditions, chiefly from Australia and America: blues, rags, shanties, bush ballads, old - timey, bluegrass, country and western and rock and roll. All these styles have fed his song-writing. You can get something of that versatility on his 2007 album Railway’s Coming Through. John has performed at various music festivals and cabarets as well as clubs and pubs. In 2001 he won the MUA song-writing award, and in February 2007 participated in the first organised concert ever staged on TOP of Mt Kosciuszko.
John Paul II Music Ensemble in Sydney
The John Paul II Music Ensemble came to life in 2003 as 'The Musical and Oratorial Group'. Its members are bonded by a common fascination - a sacred, oratorical, popular, folk and classical music.
In 2006 the group acquired the name 'The John Paul II Music Ensemble'. It has since appeared in numerous performances dedicated to Pope John Paul II. The John Paul II Ensemble took part in the Festival of Sacred Poetry and Music in Canberra in 2008 and 2009, many concerts in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, Consulate General of Poland in Sydney, 40-years of the Polish Club in Ashfield and Kosciuszko Festival in Jindabyne and Cooma. It has also organized various charity events.
The group was established in 2003 by Bogumila Filip in cooperation with famous pianist Krzysztof Malek.
Current members: Agnieszka Rypel-Polkas, Bogumila Filip, Halina Gad & Stasia Very - sopranos, Krzysztof Malek - pianist. Occasionally, other invited artists, dance groups and guests may also participate.
More Profiles Tomorrow
...and after tomorrow!
Profiles - part 1
Profiles - part 2
Profiles - part 3
Profiles - part 4
Profiles - part 5
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