Beyond the Big Issue - Choir of Hard Knocks

They often say that the arts is the best way to link, educate and inspire the community about difficult issues. The Choir of Hard Knocks is one of best illustrations of this I have heard of in a very long time. I think it's a brilliant idea.

Now, there is also a documentary about the choir's experience that is about to be aired on the ABC in Australia. Huge hats off to everyone involved. This is creativity at its best.

This is my favourite quote from one of the choir members: "I've never been cleaner or higher in all my life,"

Here is how they describe themselves:

The Choir of Hard Knocks is an eclectic group of disadvantaged and homeless people who have come together to create an unlikely musical phenomenon.

This group of around 50 homeless and disadvantaged men and women, have come together under the leadership of Founding Choir Director Jonathon Welch, former Opera Australia Principal. With his guidance and expertise they have beaten the odds, performed to 1600 people at Melbourne Town Hall, released their first CD “From the Heart – A Christmas Wish” and now appear regularly around Melbourne at corporate and community events.

Our aim is to bring people together, build their confidence enabling them to contribute to their community in a positive way, but also to have fun.