Tasmania’s Festival of Voices will return this July with its biggest program yet, featuring TV star David Campbell, powerhouse vocalist Casey Donovan and singer-songwriter Meg Washington.
The 21st annual winter festival will kick off on July 3, opening with the free community event The Big Sing and delivering 10 days of concerts, workshops and singalongs across the state.
New artistic director Shaun Rennie said this year’s program celebrates the breadth of the human voice while welcoming audiences of all ages and abilities.
“It is a privilege to be stepping into my first Festival of Voices as artistic director with such a vibrant and diverse program,” Rennie said.
“We’re bringing back beloved events like The Big Sing, Country Pub Chorus and the Apple Shed Shindig, alongside world-class concerts and new collaborations.”
Tourism Tasmania chief executive Sarah Kingston Clark said more than 35,000 people are expected to attend, with regional events extending benefits beyond Hobart.
Performers include Lior with a string quartet, Emma Pask and First Nations storyteller Yirrmal with Katie Noonan’s Australian Vocal Ensemble.
Michael Paynter will present his Great Australian Songbook Tour in Hobart and Burnie, while Meechot Marrero will perform a solo program.
A new series, Salamanca@6, will feature Tasmanian artists at the Peacock Theatre, including Bully Hay and Cassandra Charlick.
“Across the whole festival, we’re thrilled to provide opportunities for aspiring and seasoned artists alike to perform to broad audiences,” Rennie said.
Events Minister Jane Howlett said the festival played an important role in supporting Tasmania’s visitor economy during winter.
“Events like the Festival of Voices encourage people to travel, stay longer and experience our world-class hospitality during the winter season,” Howlett said.
Tickets are now available at festivalofvoices.com.
