7 – 15 May, 2011

Rachel Hore’s week of Singing in Paradise in Fiji has become a regular part of the calendar for many of her followers. It is a joyous week in a beautiful location: a music retreat wrapped up in a holiday in Fiji. In the mornings, everyone comes together to learn and practice songs in 3 and 4 part harmony, singing from Rachel’s collection of contemporary Australian, gospel and world music songs. In the afternoons, the choir spends time learning Fijian songs and singing with a Fijian village choir. It’s a time when people form wonderful friendships both within the group and with the Fijians, and revel in the blissful release that singing brings. And as well as singing, there’s also time to snorkel on the coral reef, swim in the pool – or just relax and read a book.

There was a wonderful feeling of returning to something special. When Raj stepped forward at the airport with the welcoming hug – it really was like coming home. Seeing the many friendly faces – some new, some ‘old’ – made us realize why we had looked forward to it for 12 months!
Michael Mason May 2008

Rachel Hore is a much sought after teacher of choral singing, bringing a fantastic energy and warmth to her work. She has been performing and teaching throughout Australia and internationally for the past 20 years. A graduate of the NSW Conservatorium of Music, she began her singing career with the highly acclaimed Australian vocal quartet ‘Arramaieda’, who became an important influence on the now flourishing choral scene in Australia. Rachel has conducted large choral events for over 400 voices including the Melbourne Millennium Chorus and the Woodford Folk Festival Fire Choir. She teaches at the annual choral retreat Wintersong, and overseas choral workshops Singing in Tuscany and Singing in Siena. She is currently musical director of two choirs in the Blue Mountains where she now lives. She continues to write and perform her own music, and in 2000 released her first solo album ‘Wilurura’ that has received much airplay on the ABC. She welcomes both experienced and novice singers. Rachel’s website can be found at www.rachelhore.com.

The Programme

Saturday 7 May
Fly to Savusavu. The resort is 10 minutes from the airstrip, and you will be welcomed into it with a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony

Sunday 8 May Introduction to the week. After a poolside lunch, there will be an introduction to the coconut in Fiji and a walk around resort gardens. In the afternoon there is an opportunity (optional ) to visit Yaroi village to join their church service, and later to join their choir rehearsal. In the evening there will be dinner and some singing.

Monday 9 May
Morning workshop. After lunch we will visit Vivili village, see how they live and hear some singing from their magnificent church choir. Evening dinner.

Tuesday 10 May
Morning workshop. After lunch you will have some free time for snorkeling, swimming and relaxing. Or there’s an optional visit to town, visiting the geothermal hot springs, local market and shops.

Wednesday 11 May
Morning workshop. In the afternoon we will return to Vivili village to continue learning songs with their choir, returning via a beach for optional swimming and snorkeling.

Thursday 12 May
Morning workshop. After lunch, there’s time for relaxing or taking optional outings to beach along the coast.

Friday 13 May
Morning workshop. Afternoon free for optional visits to waterfalls (good level of fitness required), pearl farm or snorkeling: cost not included in programme. In the evening we will go into Savusavu for drinks at the Yacht Club and dinner in town.

Saturday 14 May

There is a final workshop in the morning, followed by a free afternoon for catching up on anything you still wish to do. The resort will be happy to help arrange expeditions, and will pack picnics if required. Or you can spend the time round the pool and gardens. In the evening there will be a final concert and party at the resort.

Sunday 15 May
Leave Savusavu. Return to Nadi.

Cost:
One week (twin share): AUD $2280 ex-Nadi
Single supplement: AUD $300