School of Hard Knocks Brisbane Choir Caps Off A Successful Year with Brisbane Concert

Dr Jonathon Welch AM will be in Brisbane on Friday 8 December to present the School of Hard Knocks' fourth annual end of year concert - "Merry & Bright" which will feature the Absolutely Everybody Brisbane choir. The choir is just back from their first interstate performance and excited to perform for Brisbane audiences.

Eleven years on from the award-winning television series that captured the hearts of a nation, Choir of Hard Knocks and School of Hard Knocks founding artistic director, Dr Jonathon Welch AM has created the School of Hard Knocks in Queensland to deliver arts programs to help build positive physical and mental wellbeing for those who are marginalised and disadvantaged.

The Absolutely Everybody Brisbane choir, conducted by Brisbane's Melissa Gill was the first School of Hard Knocks program in Queensland. Since its launch in 2014, the choir has performed at QPAC's Concert Hall, Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and made a positive difference to the lives of its members.

They took the next step and travelled to Melbourne on 25 November with support from Rotary International to perform at a Melbourne School of Hard Knocks concert at the stunning Deakin Edge in Federation Square. Performing with Dr Welch, hundreds of singers and their sister choir - the original Choir of Hard Knocks. For some members, travelling to Melbourne was their first time on a plane, and for some their first time staying in a hotel. The added bonus was the opportunity to perform at one of Melbourne's premier entertainment venues.

"Merry & Bright" will also feature inspiring performances by the School's other three Brisbane arts programs (music theatre, junk percussion and creative writing) and is the School of Hard Knocks' final concert for 2017. It will be presented in partnership with the State Library of Queensland at The Edge.

"The School of Hard Knocks has been built on the amazing work and support from our participants, volunteers and wonderful teachers." Dr Welch explained, "We want to recognise and celebrate that!! It is very rewarding to bring everyone together for these concerts!"

"The joy of music and singing is such a positive way for us to promote good mental health and build strong communities. This concert is the perfect way to kick-start the busy festive season and as with previous years, the audience members and performers alike will all leave with a huge smile on their face.' said Dr Welch.

Tickets for the concert are on sale now. Adults $20, Concession $15, Children U16 $5

To buy tickets, please visit the School of Hard Knocks at http://schoolofhardknocks.org.au/sohk/

Funds raised will help support the School of Hard Knocks, Queensland.