'Songs of Hope and Healing' Concert Set for QPAC, 28 August

Don't miss an uplifting and joyous evening as Brisbane's artistic community and popular guest soloists come together for Songs of Hope and Healing at Queensland Performing Arts Centre's (QPAC's) Concert Hall on Friday 28 August 2015.

Experience some of Brisbane's leading school choirs and ensembles together on stage, joined by special guest and ARIA Award nominated singer and songwriter, LIOR and acclaimed classical pianist Shan Deng.

The concert will feature an introduction by the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD, CVO and Botswana born community leader Sharon Orapeleng as MC.

Songs of Hope and Healing is presented by QPAC to raise funds for Friends of the Home of Expressive Arts and Learning (FHEAL). Formed in 2012, the Friends of Heal Foundation exists to provide creative arts therapy to young people of refugee backgrounds through the provision of mental health services and settlement assistance. FHEAL offers direct relief of suffering for many newly arrived young refugees.

FHEAL creates opportunities for cultural expression, connection and understanding.

The Songs of Hope and Healing concert will raise funds to assist FHEAL in its work to support young refugees in Brisbane assisting such services as HEAL (Home of Expressive Arts and Learning) at Milpera State High School, Brisbane which has been providing creative therapy since 2004. Thanks to the work of the Foundation the service now also exists in other schools where there is a need.

QPAC Chief Executive Mr John Kotzas said arts based learning and experiences is important to the Centre.

"As humans we need to feel connected to one another. Art and cultural expression is one of the most effective ways to achieve that.

"Experiencing and understanding art helps people to understand the world around them and is relevant to the aims of FHEAL to provide the best possible platform for these young people to understand themselves and their world," said Mr Kotzas.

FHEAL Chairperson, Ms Adele Rice said Songs of Hope and Healing promises to be a wonderful evening featuring many young talented performers all coming together for a great cause.

"Our HEAL therapists do a wonderful job working with young people who have endured traumatic experiences in their refugee journeys. Through the use of creative arts therapies including Arts Psychotherapy and Music Therapy, we see amazing results in improving the well being and settlement outcomes for these future young Australian citizens," said Ms Rice.

Songs of Hope and Healing will include performances from QPAC Choir, Aurora Guitar Ensemble, Christchurch Youth Choir, MDA Diversity Choir, Stuartholme Choir, Queensland Conservatorium Brass, The Boxties, and Gallipoli Choir; the combined choirs from St Joseph's College Gregory, Terrace and All Hallows' School who performed at this year's Gallipoli Centenary Commemorations in Turkey. It will also feature Dr Wei Dang pipa (a Chinese four stringed lute) soloist and musicians from Queensland Youth Orchestra.

A program highlight will be LIOR and Gallipoli Choir singing "Safety of Distance" recreating the moment it was sung for the Anzac Centenary at Gallipoli.

Don't miss the 'FHEAL' good event of the year, Songs of Hope and Healing - one night only in QPAC's Concert Hall on Friday 28 August 2015. To book go to www.qpac.com.au or phone 136 246.