Vocal ensemble supports supergroup and wins friends on tour
The Promise has supported a German a cappella ensemble after the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) announced the Avondale ensemble as a finalist in a vocal competition.
The Promise’s busy break included performances in Brisbane, Townsville and Newcastle, where it supported German a cappella ensemble Amarcord. Credit: Kent Marcus.
Director Aleta King entered The Promise into ABC Classic FM’s Classic Vocal Romp competition, which the network presents with independent performing arts organisation Musica Viva Australia. Named as one of 20 finalists, the ensemble performed a pre-concert and an intermission set in the foyer of the Harold Lobb Concert Hall at The Conservatorium in Newcastle as support for Amarcord on July 28.
The members of the German ensemble publicly thanked The Promise during a post-concert question and answer for its performance. Aleta describes supporting Amarcord as an honour and a privilege. The experience, she says, is a “blessing.”
The Promise also performed in Townsville during semester recess, leading the praise and worship in the Big Tent at the annual camp meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in northern Australia. Campers showed their support of the ensemble’s ministry by giving more than $1000 during a Saturday afternoon concert on June 30.
The ensemble divided its time in the city with additional performances at the Kodály Music Education Institute of Australia’s Winter School. As one of the presenters, Aleta used The Promise in her sessions, which included an open rehearsal. The ensemble impressed keynote presenter Lilla Gábor from Hungary, who described its performances as the highlight of her time in the country. Other delegates wanted to hear more, too, inviting The Promise to perform at a local juvenile detention centre and at a jazz club.
“We gladly accepted the opportunity to share the love of God and represent Avondale in such different environments,” says bass Daniel Laredo.