Sydney Street Choir Corporate Challenge returns to full voice
What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, the Sydney CBD was an unnerving ghost town and gathering for a concert was out of the question, so the highlight of the Sydney Street Choir calendar – the annual Corporate Challenge had to be cancelled.
But this week at the final rehearsal for the return of the Corporate Challenge, the choirs were lifting the roof off the St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Macquarie Street.
Sydney Street Choir Director James Paul put the choirs through their paces, including ironing out some minor glitches.
All the familiar faces of the Street Choir were back, pleased to be able to enjoy the rehearsal.
The PAYCE Foundation and Paynter Dixon team will be singing Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – a number one hit in Australia in 1980 – written by the late Freddie Mercury who played rhythm guitar live for the first time when the band performed it.
This year, George Weston Foods, Coca-Cola, Macquarie, PwC, MinterEllison and APA Group have taken up the choir challenge.
The Sydney Street Choir, which was formed in 2001, provides members with a unique bridge to social services for those most in need.
It is also a focal point for its members, particularly in hard times, providing friendship, community interaction and practical support.
The Sydney Street Choir Corporate Challenge, an initiative of the PAYCE Foundation, was first held in 2017. The challenge has attracted some of Sydney’s finest corporate choirs.
PAYCE continues to be a major supporter of the choir as sponsor of the Corporate Challenge and funding a social worker to assist choir members.
The Corporate Challenge will culminate at a free concert in Martin Place at midday on Wednesday October 19.
PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “It is wonderful that the Corporate Challenge is back after last year’s hiatus – it is an uplifting experience for the corporate choir members.”
“I look forward to joining the other corporate choirs and the Sydney Street Choir in Martin Place for the finale.”
Finding their voice – the Sydney Street Choir Corporate Challenge is back.
