Voices of language and land shine in Cairns at Songfest 2025

Cairns will echo with the voices of nearly 150 young Australian choral singers when Gondwana Choirs presents the Senior Songfest 2025 at St Monica’s Cathedral on Saturday 11 October.

Supported through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between Cairns Regional Council and Arts Queensland, Songfest brings together the acclaimed Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir (GICC) and the Sydney Children’s Choir for a week of collaboration.

As part of Gondwana Choirs’ national program, the event draws choristers from across Australia, reinforcing Cairns’ reputation as a hub for world-class music-making.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said Council is proud to support Songfest through the Regional Arts Development Fund.

“Songfest celebrates the extraordinary talent of our young people and strengthens Cairns’ reputation as a northern hub for arts and culture,’ Cr Eden said.

“The Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir plays a vital role in connecting young voices with language, land and storytelling, giving our community the chance to share in that cultural richness.”

Under the guidance of internationally renowned South African conductor Dr Michael Barrett, the program will culminate in a free community concert from 3pm-4.15pm within the awe-inspiring acoustics of the cathedral.

Performances will feature works in First Nations languages of Far North Queensland alongside contemporary Australian and international repertoire, celebrating both tradition and innovation.

Traditionally presented as a single concert with the GICC and a local school choir, this year’s Songfest has grown into a week-long residency of workshops and rehearsals with 148 singers.

Gondwana Choirs is one of Australia’s most prolific commissioners of new music, with more than 200 works created, and Songfest continues that legacy by sharing Australian stories through song.

This project is proudly supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Photo credit: Lyn Williams AM