Let's hear you, Sydney.
Register your interest to be part of a joyous singing event for Sydney Festival's annual Vigil tradition, a moment of communal reflection and sharing of First Nations visions for the future.
We’re assembling a choir comprising all cultural backgrounds and all levels of experience. Your voice will join many in the powerful community chorus at the heart of this event.
The choir will rehearse in three smaller groups:
Primary school-aged singers (8 –12)
High school-aged singers (12 – 17)
Open choir and First Nations elders (18+)
During rehearsals, Yuwaalaraay musician and storyteller Nardi Simpson will guide you in learning the music for a final performance at Vigil on 25 January at Barangaroo Reserve.
Each group will lead its own song, with support from other singers and musicians from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
We invite you to discover the songs, raise your voice, and stand with us in this moment of shared music, shared breath and shared hope.
Register your interest: Primary School Choir
Register your interest: High School Choir
Register your interest: Open Choir
Rehearsal details
Rehearsals will be hosted at Abraham Mott Hall, 15A Argyle Pl, Millers Point NSW 2000.
Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Choir participants should aim to attend at least three rehearsals. Attendance at the dress rehearsal is essential.
Chlidren under 18 must have a parent or guardian present during rehearsal.
Performance details
Vigil takes place on Stargazer's Lawn, Barangaroo Reserve, on 25 January at 7pm.
Who can join?
Everyone. We invite people of all cultural backgrounds and levels of singing to register.
Rehearsal schedule
This schedule is indicative only and subject to change. The final rehearsal schedule will be circulated following the confirmation of your participation in the choir.
Rehearsal 1 (choir only)
Sunday 23 November 2025
Abraham Mott Hall, 15A Argyle Pl, Millers Point
Primary School Choir – 12-1pm
High School Choir – 1.30-2.30pm
Open Choir – 2.30-3.30pm
Rehearsal 2 (choir only)
Sunday 30 November 2025
Abraham Mott Hall, 15A Argyle Pl, Millers Point
Primary School Choir – 12pm-1pm
High School Choir – 1.30-2.30pm
Open Choir – 2.30-3.30pm
Rehearsal 3 (choir only)
Sunday 7 December
Abraham Mott Hall, 15A Argyle Pl, Millers Point
Primary School Choir – 12-1pm
High School Choir – 1.30-2.30pm
Open Choir – 2.30-3.30pm
Rehearsal 4 (choir and musicians)
Sunday 11 January 2026
Abraham Mott Hall, 15A Argyle Pl, Millers Point
Primary School Choir – 12-1pm
High School Choir – 1.30-2.30pm
Open Choir – 2.30-3.30pm
Rehearsal 5 (choir and musicians)
Sunday 18 January 2026
Abraham Mott Hall, 15A Argyle Pl, Millers Point
Primary School Choir – 12-1pm
High School Choir – 1.30-2.30pm
Open Choir – 2.30pm - 3.30pm
On Site Dress Rehearsal
24 January 2026
Stargazer's Lawn, Barangaroo
All choirs – 12-3pm
Vigil Performance
25 January 2026
Stargazer's Lawn, Barangaroo
Call Time: 5pm (TBC)
Performance: 7pm (TBC)
FAQs
I can't attend the rehearsal with my child, can I leave them with the attendants at the rehearsal?
No. If your child is under the age of 18, they need to have a parent or designated guardian (over the age of 18) with them for the duration of the rehearsal which is approximately 1 hour. Refreshments will be provided.
Can I leave my child with their older sibling, or a friend's parent?
Yes. You can designate an adult guardian to be present at the rehearsal if you cannot make it, as long as they are over 18.
Who will be running the rehearsals?
Rehearsals will be led by Yuwaalaraay musician and storyteller, and music director of the event, Nardi Simpson, with support from Sydney Festival staff. Two rehearsals will also have musicians from the Conservatorium of Music present. All staff and crew attending the rehearsals and the Vigil event will have Working With Children Checks.
I am a young person who is 18. Do I attend the high school session or the adults open session?
If you are 18 you should join the adults open session.
I do not identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, am I able to be part of the choir?
Yes. Participants of all backgrounds are welcome.
I've never sung in a choir before, am I still welcome?
Definitely. This could be your big break.
I can only attend one or two rehearsals; can I still be part of the event?
Yes. It's up to you to decide how much practice you need. We recommend you attend as many rehearsals as you can, but welcome those who are comfortable with less preparation.
Registrations for the Vigil choir are now open.
Register your interest: Primary School Choir
Register your interest: High School Choir
Register your interest: Open Choir
