Local singers in fine voice at CHOGM event

A young Dunsborough resident has enjoyed an exciting adventure, travelling to Samoa to perform as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) last month.

Savannah Truman joined a group of 16 senior choir members and 10 adults, including musical director Danielle Bond as they headed off to represent Australia in the Vocal Fusion Youth Choir.

Based in Bunbury, the choir was invited to attend The Commonwealth Resounds, involving musicians from 52 countries around the world and hosted by the Commonwealth Youth Forum.

The choir set about raising a huge $85,000 to finance the journey, recruiting sponsors including the Dunsborough Lions Club, and taking part in fundraising events like a golf day, sausage sizzles and more.

The singers then spent eight days in Apia, Samoa, where they collaborated with the New Zealand Philharmonic Orchestra and local performers to deliver ‘Symphony’, written by four songwriters including one Australian.

They also performed in front of endangered Samoan mangroves, to help raise awareness in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Apia.

Making history as the youngest ever official delegates to the CHOGM event, the group also spent a morning with a local children’s choir, exchanging songs and teaching them the beloved ‘I Am Australian’ tune.