Kokova Magazine

The Australian Voices are Australia's most innovative vocal ensemble, having commissioned over 200 works over the past 19 years.

They are 30 singers aged 17 to 35 from all over Australia, directed by conductor and composer Gordon Hamilton.

The Australian Voices performances are based on a new genre of music called choral-theatre.

There are no individual soloists; the whole choir represents each character allowing for a richer voice for each character along with sensational music in a way that you don’t get with traditional music theatre or drama.

The composition includes beautiful lyrical moments reminiscent of sacred choral music with new techniques including overtone singing (where one singer produces two notes at the same time).

Gordon Hamilton is one of Australia's most exciting young conductors and composers. As Artistic Director of The Australian Voices he is leading cross-genre experiments exploring new frontiers in choral excellence.

Gordon has been honoured with numerous international awards. His compositions, instrumental performances and vocal ensembles under his direction have won major recognition in Europe, Asia and United States; as well as in his native Australia.

The sublime sounds of The Australian Voices are perfectly captured in the uplifting story of Moon.

The moon, Diana, is lonely and wants a boyfriend. She sends out her moonbeams, looking through windows and finds a beautiful boy, Sam. But Sam is sick.

This story explores the fragility of life and the strange emotions surrounding death, the sense of fear and perhaps relief. Ultimately it is a beautiful story of love and reconciliation.

Moon is a modern, ethereal love story told through opera but it is far from what one might imagine when they think of classical opera. This show, created and performed by Australians, brings together very classical ideas of singing and literally smashes it together with modern technology.

The group itself is incredibly talented and I would be hard pressed to find any fault with the vocal performances of the singers. Visually the show lacks substance and although it makes use of a slideshow during each musical number as well as lyrics, it is not a visual epic.

The story itself' whilst seemingly straight forward in some ways, contains a very ethereal style which some might find confusing.

The show may lack in terms of visuals but more than makes up for it by being an absolute auditory feast, making use of interesting and sometimes very modern ideas. For lovers of opera or any form of vocal performance, this will be a treat.

Adam Meyers, YST reviewer @ The Edinburgh Fringe

Moon at The Space @ Symposium Hall, Hill Square, EH8 9DR
www.theaustralianvoices.com