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About MSG
Melbourne Singers of Gospel (MSG) is a secular and unauditioned choir based in South Melbourne (although our singers come from everywhere!) and performing in the style of the massed congregational gospel choirs of the United States and Southern Africa. MSG sings traditional and contemporary African-American gospel mixed with original songs and arrangements written by Australian artists. Well known standards are combined with a fresh repertoire of gospel spirituals and ballads as well as lively unaccompanied quartet style songs and has even included hip hop.
The Musical Director of MSG is Darren Wicks. Darren has been teaching music since the early 1990's and has firmly established himself as a leader in the field. His teaching experience encompasses all age groups (from infant to adult) and a variety of contexts (studio, classroom, workshops and conferences). Studies include jazz piano and education at the University of Melbourne and a Master of Music Education at Monash University and he is a graduate of the Brisbane Summer Kodály Institute. He has completed two study tours to the USA where he has worked with several noted voice scientists, gospel choirs and jazz artists. Darren is currently completing PhD studies in voice pedagogy. He is the author of a number of publications on music education and regularly presents at teacher training workshops and conferences.
MSG’s accompanist is Andrew Ogburn who, after formal training in classical piano and jazz did plenty of informal training in the nightclubs of New Orleans. This included the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival with such musical luminaries as Art and Cyril Neville of The Meters and The Neville Brothers, supporting the great US blues singer Betty Harris, New Orleans legend Eddie Bo and US gospel singer Cyndee Peters. In 2008 he represented Australia in the Memphis International Blues Challenge. Meanwhile in Australia, blues, roots and rock luminaries Andrew has performed with include Ross Hannaford, Gary Young and Wayne Duncan of Daddy Cool fame, Tim Finn, Chris Wilson, Jeff Lang, Kerri Simpson, Ian Collard, Lil’ Fi, Sally Ford, Andy Baylor, Paul Williamson, and Jo Jo Smith.
MSG's Assistant Musical Director is Raphael Wong. Raphael is currently on Full Merit Scholarship at the University of Melbourne, studying voice under the guidance of Rosamund Illing. He is an experienced performer, of both musical theatre and classical music. Raphael performed as a soloist in the World Youth Day celebrations at St. Patrick's Cathedral and Telstra Dome, Melbourne, and in the Stations of the Cross, Sydney Opera House in 2008. In 2010, he opened the Commonwealth Bank International One Day Series and the Australia Day Celebrations for Victoria with the National Anthem, and toured country Victoria with Australian Music Events under the Scholars Program, performing with David Hobson, Marina Prior, Taryn Fiebig and Yvonne Kenny. He also tutors the Australian Boys Choral Institute, is a member of The Vocal Consort (under guidance of Noel Ancell) and of the St Anthony's Parish Choir.
MSG is capable of staging foot-stomping two hour concerts composed entirely of its own repertoire. In addition, the choir has had the pleasure of singing with a range of local and international artists including Cyndee Peters (Sweden), Janet Austin (USA), Josh Groban (USA), Kate Ceberano, country-gospel group GIT, Fiona Boyes, Kelly Auty, Deborah Conway, Kerri Simpson, Carl Panuzzo, Mal Webb, Sweet Monas, Tony Backhouse, Lisa Mio, South of the River Choir, The Gospel Belles and the Choir of Hard Knocks at Vodafone Arena under the direction of Jonathon Welch. MSG has also filmed a commercial for Temptation and scenes for Neighbours, a special Christmas studio recording for Channel 10 (2010) and took part in the 'Melbourne' plenary session of The Parliament of World Religions (2009).
MSG has performed at many venues including the renowned Boite World Music Café, in numerous beautiful acoustic spaces including local churches, Plenary Hall, Federation Square, BMW Edge and The Famous Spiegeltent. The choir has also performed at metropolitan, state and interstate festivals, including Melbourne International Arts Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Bendigo Gospel Festival and Brunswick Music Festival. 15,000 has been MSG’s biggest audience to date when it participated in an Australia Day Voyages Concert at Federation Square: a spectacular evening of entertainment.
MSG originally formed in 2001, and later secured Phil Heuzenroeder of The Bipolar Bears and Club Wild as its Music Director. Guest directors have included Tony Backhouse, Valanga Khoza, Heidi McDermott, Tracey Miller, Diana Clarke, Steph Payne, Richard Lawton, Zerafina Zara and Jonathon Welch.
Audience Feedback
"I had the absolute pleasure of being blessed by the beautiful singing of MSG at Stones (of the Valley) this morning. I was so inspired that this is something I would truly love to join in." Andrea, 3 April 2011
BMW Edge concert with Kelly Auty, November 2009
"Singing with MSG is exhilarating: the repertoire, dynamic style and energy of this community choir is empowering and refreshing." Kelly Auty
'...absolutely wonderful...stunning' PBSFM Gospel Show – Peter Miles
"...It was slick, showcas[ing] the breadth and the depth of the choir...' Nigel
"tight and disciplined" A.L
'Professional...spot on!" Mark
"...absolutely stunning...Incredible." Suesy C
“Under the masterful hand of Darren Wicks, it is clear [MSG] is committed to excellence and maintaining a high standard of musicianship. Their beautiful harmonies and impressive acapella work are an absolute delight. Equally impressive is the camaraderie ...[MSG's]... culture is infused with a warm sense of community and this permeates their wonderful sound.” Lindy
Centacare concert, St Patrick's Cathedral, October 2009
"...I and the people around me were blown away with your quality...Beautiful arrangements, beautiful voices, in a concert of the highest quality you all shone like the sun..." Ron
“This gospel group shakes down the theatre with its huge notes, prompting a fever of foot stomping and hand clapping. Hallelujah!” Penny Wedesweiler, CitySearch, 2007.
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