Wanted: 1000 voices to unite in one epic mega-choir

3 months ago 22

Gay anthems are back in a big, big way. And we’re not talking about the US president’s peculiar fondness for Village People’s YMCA.

Think, instead, of new hits like Chappell Roan’s celebration of dancing all night in an LGBTQIA+ venue – and trying to explain it to your mum – Pink Pony Club.

Or Rina Sawayama’s heart-tugging ballad about finding your tribe, Chosen Family.

Members of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir. The choir is participating in 1000 Voices for Melt Festival in Brisbane.

Both songs, along with classics like Dancing Queen and We Are Family, will be in the repertoire when a mass choir comes together in Brisbane in November for a climactic concert in the city’s annual queer arts festival, Melt.

And if the thought of a thousand people singing Chosen Family doesn’t put a lump in your throat, you’re made of stronger stuff than I.

“Chosen Family really speaks to what these choirs are for so many people,” says the event’s conductor and wrangler, Adam Majsay.

“It’s the family that you might not have been born with, but it’s the one that you chose to connect with. And I think it’s also why an event like this matters.”

Two strings to Majsay’s bow make him the perfect person to bring together 1000 volunteers in perfect harmony. He’s the musical director of the famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir. And he’s also a deputy principal with more than 20 years’ experience in the NSW school system.

“You get quite good at having ‘teacher voice’ when needed,” Majsay observes.

Adam Majsay is conducting the 1000 Voices project for Melt Festival.

For World Pride in Sydney in 2023 he led the Out Loud and Proud International Choral Festival, which culminated in a performance of 500 singers at Sydney Town Hall.

“I’m looking forward to doubling that,” he says.

Interested choirs and individuals are invited to register at the Melt website. They’ll be provided with the materials they need to learn the music before joining a rehearsal on Saturday, November 8.

Another rehearsal on the Sunday will precede the big show at South Bank Piazza. Surprise pop-up performances around Brisbane will also occur.

Majsay stresses that you don’t need choral experience or to be a part of the queer community to get involved.

“It’s absolutely for all people that want to come and have a sing. You might be a professional singer, you might be a shower singer – everyone’s welcome.”

Melt Festival 2025 runs October 22 to November 9.