The Tasmanian celebration of all things vocal returns with a host of performers from Australia and overseas. Traditional and contemporary works rub shoulders with cabaret and educational workshops, while headline acts include Hobart-based vocal ensemble JESSA performing contemporary classical repertoire at the Port Arthur Asylum, and vocal works setting words by Australian writers performed by AVÉ alongside polyphony by Bach and Victoria. This year’s Classical Choral Workshop concentrates on Handel, culminating in a concert featuring his Dixit Dominus, performed by the 120 singers of the Festival’s Classical Choral Workshop, and Zadok the Priest, performed by the Come Sing Handel Choir.

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Lose yourself in the power of song at Congregation, a large-scale sing-along like no other. Run by IO Performance, this electrifying event transforms a deconsecrated church into a vibrant performance space, where everyone becomes part of the choir no singing experience required.

“Everyone is a participant in this singalong. Of course, you don’t have to sing if you don’t want to, you can be there and just vibe with it,” says IO Performance co-artistic director Grace Roberts.

Throughout the evening, the crowd will be taught well-known songs under the guidance of vocal coaches, backed by a live band. “At the end of the night, we actually sing them it’s an incredible feeling to be surrounded by that energy,” Roberts explains.

With a bar on-site and the entire space filled with soaring harmonies, Congregation is more than just a pub choir, it’s a shared musical experience that brings people together.