top of page

Freedom Road

In 2022, The Boite is bringing Stella Savy and Freedom Road to the beautiful Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo.

 

Freedom Road, originally staged in 2011 with the Boite Millennium Chorus, explores the songs of slavery, music that has been the source of hope and inspiration for generations of people. Join us to discover gospel music’s rich beginnings in Africa and its journey from plantation work songs, to church and onto the Civil Rights movement. Freedom Road will dive deep into this genre and celebrate its profound influence on modern day music, culture and politics.

 

Be part of this un-auditioned choir of over 150 singers working with Stella Savy and a fabulous cohort of supporting artists towards staging a concert at The Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo on Sunday May 8th 2022.

Supporting artists will include Deb Clark, Carl Pannuzzo, Tim Neal, Geoffrey Williams, Barry Deenick, Barry Kay and Dani Fry. 


Rehearsals will be held in Bendigo (livestream will also be available), beginning with an intensive weekend in March and then continuing on Sunday afternoons over 6 weeks culminating in our fabulous concert. Singers from across all Victoria are welcome. 

Rehearsal dates: 2022
March 19th - 20th: Weekend workshop (Saturday and Sunday) - 10 am-4.30 pm both days.
March 27th 2.00pm-4.30pm (Sunday)
April 10th  2.00pm-4.30pm (Sunday)
April 24th  2.00pm-4.30pm (Sunday)
May 1st     2.00pm-4.30pm (Sunday)
May 7th    10.00am-4.30pm  (Saturday full day)  
May 8th from 10.00am Final rehearsal and Concert, Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo (Sunday full day)

*Proof of vaccination certificates are necessary for face to face rehearsals and final performance

Enrolments are open now - link below.

Full $190/Concession $170

For the singer in your life:

Get tickets to the concert!

On Sunday, 5th Dec, 2021 we premiered our Freedom Road virtual choir, 'Just Keep Going On'. 

Poster_A3P.png

Meet The Artists

Deb Clark

Deb Clark

Deborah Lowah Clark is a proud Meriam woman of the Torres Strait Islands. Born on Wadawurrung land, Deborah expresses the social justice issues of the Australian landscape through her music, in particular, giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language and culture a space to be seen and heard.  Deborah has performed in theatre, been MC for a variety of presentations honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and is a current member of Sweet Mona’s Choir.

Geoffrey Williams

Geoffrey Williams

Geoffrey is a singer/songwriter/performer with 5 albums on major labels such as Atlantic Records and EMI. He has written songs for Michael Jackson and Dusty Springfield, played at Wembley Arena and in 2017 was crowned Australian National Busking Championships Open Winner. Geoffrey has performed at festivals internationally and across Australia. In 2016 he directed and co-wrote Windrush for the Boite Millennium Chorus and Boite Schools Chorus.

Dani Fry

Dani Fry

Dani is no stranger to the Boite, she has worked on many Millennium Chorus productions as a regional conductor and soloist. In 2011 Dani co-wrote and co-directed ‘Freedom Road’ with Stella Savy and is thrilled to be given the opportunity to return to the show as a special guest. Dani is currently working as a full time singing teacher and event organiser. On the weekends, Dani is a resident vocalist for the popular music venue franchise ‘Piano Bar’.

Stella Savy

Stella Savy

Stella has been a vocal coach for over 20 years, conducting groups such as Sweet Mona’s Choir, the Mini Mona’s Choir and Thursday Night Community Choir. Stella has worked with The Boite on many choir projects over the last 10 years, Freedom Road, Mai Fali Eh, Coco de Mer, Windrush and Haven. Stella has worked with choirs and groups all around the world and has an energetic and fun approach to facilitating her sessions.

Barry Kay

Barry Kay

Graduating from the Victorian College of Arts in 1988 Barry has worked as a professional actor, writer, director, voice-over artist, singer and teacher with the Murray River Performing Group, Melbourne Theatre Company, Back to Back Theatre, Zootango Theatre, Terrapin Puppet Theatre, Salamanca Theatre and more. Since 1998, he has been working at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, where he has become a specialist in museum theatre.

Tim Neal

Tim Neal

Tim began playing the Hammond organ in 1991 after selling his beloved VW car to purchase an X-5. He fell in love with its infectious sound and began gigging with it! Tim is part of the Paul Williamson Hammond Combo at one of Melbourne's longest Jazz residencies in Fitzroy "The Rainbow Hotel" as well as his own Tim Neal Big Organ Band and The Tim Neal Trio. Tim has toured extensively and played festivals, locally and overseas, sharing stages with Kate Ceberano and Paul Kelly and more.

Barry Deenick

Barry Deenick

Barry Deenick has been a professional musician for 45 years. He has performed with such artists as Ross Wilson, Ross Hannaford, Joe Camilleri, John Butler, Vince Jones, Nicky Bomba and is currently the bassist for the multi Aria award winning Melbourne Ska Orchestra. He was also the founding musical director and conductor for the acclaimed Sweet Mona’s Choir.

Carl Pannuzzo

Carl Pannuzzo

Carl is a renowned singer-songwriter multi instrumentalist, eclectic in style, engaging in presence, generous in performance. With 30+ years in soul, jazz, blues, folk and classical, from festivals to pubs, European workshops, stints with Oz Opera, Cirque du Soleil, Bob Sedergreen, Mia Dyson, Paul Grabowsky, Vika and Linda Bull, Opera Australia, Casey Bennetto, Checkerboard Lounge and the Acapelicans. Carl also conducts the Gorgeous Voices Choir in Bendigo.

Upcoming Events

  • The Boîte presents Matsudo Week 2025: Itotake (糸竹)
    The Boîte presents Matsudo Week 2025: Itotake (糸竹)
    16 May 2025, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    Box Hill, 470 Station St, Box Hill VIC 3128, Australia
    The Brandon Lee Koto Ensemble joins forces with internationally renowned shakuhachi player, Anne Norman to presnet, Itotake(糸竹) featuring voice, shakuhachi, and koto ensemble, with a variety of works ranging from traditional to contemporary songs by Japanese and Australian composers.
    Share
  • The Boîte presents Estudiantina of Melbourne with Special Guest Elsa Mouratidou
    The Boîte presents Estudiantina of Melbourne with Special Guest Elsa Mouratidou
    27 Apr 2025, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
    Church of All Nations, 180 Palmerston St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
    For their April concert, Estudiantina of Melbourne is delighted to offer a special guest appearance from visiting singer Elsa Mouratidou. Immersed in the music of Greece, especially Smyrneika and Rebetika, the players joining her on stage will be Melbourne's own Estudiantina of Melbourne.
    Share
  • The Boîte presents Kavisha Mazzella AM and Giri Mazzella with Lingua Madre Italian Folk Choir
    The Boîte presents Kavisha Mazzella AM and Giri Mazzella with Lingua Madre Italian Folk Choir
    28 Mar 2025, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    Mark St Hall, 1 Mark St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia
    30 years ago, Kavisha and Giri’s Commedia d’ell Arte group I Papaveri (The Poppies) and Le Gioie delle Donne (The Joys of the Women Choir) came from Western Australia to Mark St. North Fitzroy. This concert celebrates the anniversary of that exciting event.
    Share
  • The Boite presents Liz Frencham and Mastaneh Nazarian
    The Boite presents Liz Frencham and Mastaneh Nazarian
    21 Mar 2025, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    Mark St Hall, 1 Mark St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia
    Liz, a double-bass caressing, song-writing chanteuse well known in the Australian folk music scene meets composer and guitarist Mastaneh Nazarian who has has been presenting work in various jazz and contemporary settings. Collaboration can lead to some of our most exciting musical moments!
    Share
  • The Boîte presents Dignified Anger (La Digna Rabia): Stories for a Perilous Now
    The Boîte presents Dignified Anger (La Digna Rabia): Stories for a Perilous Now
    14 Mar 2025, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    1 Mark St, 1 Mark St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia
    Dignified Anger: Stories for a Perilous Now is the premiere collaboration of Jan 'Yarn' Wositzky and Penny Glass, performers and musicians who bring a wealth of personal and professional experience to this dramatic, moving and comical piece of storytelling theatre.
    Share
  • Melbourne Georgian Choir - Term 1, 2025
    Melbourne Georgian Choir - Term 1, 2025
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, 08 Feb
    Community Church of St Mark
    08 Feb 2025, 2:30 pm – 12 Apr 2025, 4:30 pm
    Community Church of St Mark, 100 Hodgkinson St, Clifton Hill VIC 3068, Australia
    Krys Derwinski has been MGC's music director since January 2020. Krys is greatly respected musician, teacher and workshop leader deeply involved in Georgian music. Everyone is welcome to explore this unique Georgian repertoire with us.
    Share
  • The Boite presents Joseph Tawadros - Live in Melbourne
    The Boite presents Joseph Tawadros - Live in Melbourne
    30 Jan 2025, 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm
    Church of All Nations, 180 Palmerston St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
    A virtuoso of diversity and sensitivity, Joseph Tawadros is known for his brilliant technique, deep musicianship, storytelling and joyous style of performance. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see Award winning Joseph Tawadros live in Melbourne!
    Share
  • Sonidos del Alma - Spanish Language Choir - Series 1, 2025 - Learn Spanish through Song
    Sonidos del Alma - Spanish Language Choir - Series 1, 2025 - Learn Spanish through Song
    29 Jan 2025, 6:30 pm – 19 Mar 2025, 8:00 pm
    St Brigid's Parish Hall, 378 Nicholson St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia
    Get together in a fun, friendly environment to learn Spanish through song under the direction of Colombian singer-songwriter Iaki Vallejo. The choir is open to all levels, no experience required.
    Share
  • The Boite and La Mama MUSICA: End of Year Celebration!
    The Boite and La Mama MUSICA: End of Year Celebration!
    09 Dec 2024, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    La Mama MUSICA, 349 Drummond St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
    The Boite and La Mama MUSICA have teamed up for an end of year party! A DOUBLE BILL featuring Rebetika ensemble Anatreptix and special guests TGK, performing their only side show in Naarm before the Woodford Folk Festival.
    Share
  • Boite Voices: Maiem - Songs of the Torres Strait Islands | Wadawurrung Country | Ballarat
    Boite Voices: Maiem - Songs of the Torres Strait Islands | Wadawurrung Country | Ballarat
    01 Dec 2024, 2:30 pm – 3:45 pm
    The Goods Shed Terminus Theatre, 200 Lydiard St N, Soldiers Hill VIC 3350, Australia
    ALWAYS LIVE and The Boîte present Maiem: Songs of the Torres Strait Islands a massed choir led by Artistic Director Deb Lowah Clark and Choir Director, Stella Savy.
    Share
  • Boite Voices: Maiem - Songs of the Torres Strait Islands | Melbourne Recital Centre
    Boite Voices: Maiem - Songs of the Torres Strait Islands | Melbourne Recital Centre
    30 Nov 2024, 7:00 pm – 8:20 pm
    Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
    ALWAYS LIVE and The Boîte present Maiem: Songs of the Torres Strait Islands, a massed choir performance featuring special guest CHRISTINE ANU (Melbourne show only) and led by Artistic Director Deb Lowah Clark and Choir Director Stella Savy.
    Share
  • Alex & Tash Vargas - The Boite's Open Studio Farewell Party
    Alex & Tash Vargas - The Boite's Open Studio Farewell Party
    20 Nov 2024, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    Open Studio, 204 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia
    The Boite says farewell to Open Studio with one final gig featuring long-time Boite friends Alejandro Vargas and Tash Vargas.
    Share
  • The Boite presents Firetail x Gamelan DanAnda
    The Boite presents Firetail x Gamelan DanAnda
    Fri, 15 Nov
    15 Nov 2024, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
    Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
    Balinese gamelan meets electro-jazz fusion. Get ready for an electrifying evening as Balinese gamelan orchestra, Gamelan DanAnda, and electro-jazz-fusion band, Firetail, weave a vibrant tapestry of musical unity.
    Share
  • 2024 Accordion Festival
    2024 Accordion Festival
    Sat, 09 Nov
    Kensington Town Hall
    09 Nov 2024, 9:30 am – 10 Nov 2024, 5:30 pm
    Kensington Town Hall, 30-34 Bellair St, Kensington VIC 3031, Australia
    The Accordion Society of Australia (Victoria) in partnership with The Boite presents the 2024 Accordion Festival at Kensington Town Hall! Held across 2 days, there will be workshops and highly acclaimed artist performances!
    Share
  • The Boite presents La Mauvaise Reputation
    The Boite presents La Mauvaise Reputation
    Fri, 08 Nov
    Box Hill Community Arts Centre
    08 Nov 2024, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station St, Box Hill VIC 3128, Australia
    French gypsy swing virtuosos La Mauvaise Réputation perform at Box Hill Community Arts Centre! The 3 piece are one of Australia’s most authentic interpreters of the wild rhythms and passion of 1930s Parisian hot jazz and the beautiful melodies of classic French chanson - sung en français, bien sûr.
    Share
  • The Boite presents Estudiantina of Melbourne at Mark St Hall
    The Boite presents Estudiantina of Melbourne at Mark St Hall
    26 Oct 2024, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    Mark St Hall, 1 Mark St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia
    Estudiantina of Melbourne is more than just a musical ensemble; it's a passionate torchbearer of traditional Greek music, particularly Smyrneika, deeply entrenched in the cultural fabric of Greece.
    Share
  • The Boite presents Shaking the Tree and Mana Duet
    The Boite presents Shaking the Tree and Mana Duet
    25 Oct 2024, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    Mark St Hall, 1 Mark St, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia
    Shaking the Tree is one of Naarm/Melbourne’s most vibrant and exciting choirs, full of heart, soul, and good fun! Joining them is Mana Duet, whose performance offers a deep connection to Persian heritage while providing a fresh and enriching experience.
    Share
  • Melbourne Georgian Choir - Term 3, 2024
    Melbourne Georgian Choir - Term 3, 2024
    Sat, 12 Oct
    Community Church of St Mark
    12 Oct 2024, 2:30 pm – 30 Nov 2024, 4:30 pm
    Community Church of St Mark, 100 Hodgkinson St, Clifton Hill VIC 3068, Australia
    Krys Derwinski has been MGC's music director since January 2020. Krys is greatly respected musician, teacher and workshop leader deeply involved in Georgian music. Everyone is welcome to explore this unique Georgian repertoire with us.
    Share
bottom of page