Information current as at MARCH 2009

Mary Gentile, Secretary, 0419 783 450

Choir's Email Address: mary_mauro@bigpond.com.au

Choir's Website: www.cantocoro.net

Vision statement / Artistic goals:Since its beginning in 1993, Canto Coro Inc has been an inclusive and accessible choir of community singers; the choir performs high quality and inspirational choral music that passionately expresses a desire for liberation from oppression and inequality as well as social justice concerns; the choir commissions new Australian works and performs Greek and Latin American choral classics; the choir welcomes diversity of all kinds amongst its members; it works with professional local directors, soloists and musicians

Voice type: SATB

Choir performs: Both accompanied & unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 1993

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 30 Desired: 100 for the 2006 season

Musical Repertoire: The choir commissions new Australian choral works, as well as performing Greek and Latin American classics

Musical Director: Peter Mousaferiadis

No. of years in current post: since 2000

Previous musical experience: Over the last 18 years, Peter has had an extensive career in the arts as a creative director, producer, artistic director, music director, and composer; Peter has established himself as one of Australia's leading cross-cultural directors; in addition to his role as Director of Hybrid Social Enterprise, the PAN Orama Group (Int), and Cultural Infusion, Peter is a composer, conductor and a creative director; he has undertaken 2 Bachelor of Arts degrees, a major in Music from the Victorian College of the Arts, and a Religious Studies major from Latrobe University; Peter is fluent in Modern Greek, and is well-versed in Ancient Greek and Italian; in his current role as director of PAN Events & PAN Event Entertainment, Peter has consistently been at the forefront of provision of quality entertainment programs that have included the highest quality programs of cross-cultural performances; his 18 years in event management has ensured that Peter has developed an intimate understanding of, and strong rapport with, many of Melbourne's Non-English Speaking communities; Peter has developed an extensive database and knowledge of cultural groups; Peter has been a conductor for more than 18 years, conducting more than 50 music groups in more than 600 concerts, and has developed a passion for championing Australian and Eastern European musical works; from 1995 until 2000 Peter was the Artistic Director of the Orana Chamber Orchestra; he has conducted over 30 Australian and world premieres, and recently conducted the premier performances of the Populist Opera "1975" by acclaimed composer Irini Vela in 2003; Peter has also established himself as a composer of lyric melodies, composing over 100 songs, including the popular oratorio "Snow in Brunswick", and arranging over 500 songs for choirs; Peter has also set music to a documentary and composed for a national radiothon

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: Melbourne Workers Theatre, many local professional artists - writers, soloists and musicians; visit the choir's website for details

Audition: No

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes - 80% Concerts: Yes - 80%

Membership Fees: $120 for up to 20 rehearsals; Concession rates or other arrangements are available on application

Ability to read music: Desirable but not necessary

Sight-reading ability: Desirable but not necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1, with more during production week

Usual rehearsal night(s): Saturday afternoon

Suburb: Brunswick

Rehearsal venue: Christ Church Hall

Off-street parking: Yes - at the Mechanics Institute directly opposite

Performance Apparel: Black bottoms, bright plain shirt, black waistcoat and a Guatemalan braid (provided)

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 1

Av. No. of Performances/year: 3-6

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Mainly various Town Halls, festivals (including the Melbourne International Festival of the Arts), church halls and secondary college theatres

Examples of musical pieces performed: Season 2 (2005) was a selection of Victor Jara songs arranged for choir; Season 1 (2005) included the Missa Criolla and a selection of Canto Coro favourites

Touring: Yes - Melbourne Metro Area/Interstate

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: Management Committee elected annually

Types of Committees: As above, with volunteers for social activities and other specific tasks

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: Yes

Hiring fees apply: Yes