In episode #12 of Interviews with Choir Leaders I chat with John Rotar, conductor and Artistic Director of The Australian Voices.
Described by Limelight as ‘talented and innovative’, John is a prolific composer with over 115 works performed by many leading arts organisations across Australia, Europe and North America. Aside from his conducting and composing work, John is also an active performer as a trombonist, bass singer, organist, and piano accompanist and he holds the organist chair at the historic All Saints Church in the CBD of Brisbane.
Expect to learn:
John's focused listening exercize for improving choir balance, blend and awareness
What John needs to do every day to feel like he has "completed a successful day of living"
If John had a time machine, what advice would he give to his younger self? Or would he rather go back and see some dinosaurs?
Which choir John describes as "loud, fast and wild"
Why it's crucial for the choir leader to have a clear vision of the end product
Whether it's possible to compose music with 2 collapsed lungs
And much more...
Listen on Spotify
Listen on SoundCloud
Watch on YouTube
I got to meet John in person in December 2023 when The Australian Voices came to Canberra as part of their 30th anniversary tour. John is a big, jovial, energetic force in front of his choir. He’s GREAT at talking to the audience. He was very friendly and had shared the podcast among the singers of TAV (cheers John).
Support the show on Patreon!
You can support the show from as little as $3 per episode. That’s not bad for a unique resource you can enjoy again and again.
You can set a monthly limit too, so you’ll never pay more than you intend.
Head to my Patreon page and become a supporter here.
Wrapping up 2023
Mixtape Chorus had a great year of songs. We covered Alex Lahey, Alanis Morrissette, Hoobastank, Thelma Plum, Oasis, Missy Higgins, Powderfinger, Florence + The Machine… the fun never lets up. Check out our YouTube playlist for videos of our songs. Big thanks to Charlie (on bass) and Isobel (on guitar) who helped us groove even more than usual this year.
The Canberra Chordsmen are rounding out 2023 with lots of caroling! These guys are dedicated to producing rich harmonic textures and brightening the lives of audiences wherever we go. It’s a pleasure to work with them each week.
Strange Weather Choir has had a great year too. Lucus Allerton (our beloved assistant director/accompanist) has been conducting more this year, and I am loving it. Here’s an action shot from our last performance of the year at Westfield Belconnen.
This year I’ve been singing with Kompactus Youth Choir on Monday nights. As a choir director, it’s been good to be on the other side of the podium for a while. Our conductor Olivia Swift (she’s a previous guest on the show - listen to her episode here) has really broadened my musical horizons. In the above video of Kompactus’ end-of-year concert we sang a program of madrigals - some old (by Arcadelt) and some new (by Olivia herself). Olivia’s pieces in particular were challenging but very rich and beautiful (I’m sure you’ll agree if you have a listen).
As a singer in the group I also have renewed appreciation for the struggle of finding time to practice. Too often I turned up at rehearsal feeling less prepared than I like, and resolving to make time in the following week to practice more… My conclusion is that practice makes the conductor happier, but also makes YOU happier - happier for taking your learning into your own hands and spending your time on edifying things.
See you in 2024!