Jonathon
Welch

Speaker Profile

'Brilliant! Inspirational! Must see.'

'This is the most inspiring program I have seen in many years.'

'If three miracles are needed for sainthood, Jonathon Welch, who has transformed the lives of more than 50 down-and-out people, surely qualifies.'

Such has the ABC documentary, The Choir of Hard Knocks, captured our nation.

Jonathon says, 'the formation of the Choir of Hard Knocks has given me the opportunity to use the musical gifts I have been blessed with and wonderful experiences I have had as a professional singer and conductor, to bring pleasure and a sense of belonging and self esteem to those who've joined this exciting new project.

'As many of the participants come from marginalised and often financially difficult backgrounds, it is my hope that the joy and euphoria that music making in a group dynamic will give a sense of purpose, structure and respect to their lives and help them look forward to belonging to a 'family' - albeit a musical one!

'Choir of Hard Knocks also gives the audience and public at large an opportunity to see the other side of those who are disadvantaged and discover the powerful and moving stories of those who will be given a voice, in more ways than one. To be recognised, appreciated and applauded for what we do in life has to be the essence of any human being's sense of self respect and self worth.'

Jonathon Welch now shares this story in his keynotes and workshops, 'The Rhythm of Life'. Fusing together the elements of movement, music and discovering your voice, Jonathon's years of experience as one of Australia's best choral conductors and music educators will have you singing in no time. Discover why the Choir of Hard Knocks loved singing so much, as well as built confidence, self esteem and a team spirit that helped them transcend all the odds and reconnect with the 'Rhythm of Life'.

With a diverse career spanning 30 years in the music industry, there are not many areas of music that Jonathon Welch hasn't been involved with, and doesn't love!

Considered one of the finest tenors of his generation, Jonathon's credits include some 70 roles with most State Opera Companies and Opera Australia. He has performed with some of the world's most highly regarded singers, directors and conductors including Dame Joan Sutherland, k.d.lang, Baz Luhrman, Graeme Murphy, Richard Bonynge, Anne Murray and Jimmy Somerville.

Born and educated in Melbourne, Jonathon began his singing career with Victoria State Opera joining their first Australian tour of The Pirates of Penzance in 1984 with Jon English, June Bronhill and Marina Prior.

Jonathon completed a Post Graduate Degree in Music at Queensland Conservatorium of Music studying with Donald Smith. The following years led him to win some of Australia's most coveted performing scholarships, including the Young Artists Program with Opera of Queensland. After studying in Germany and London, Jonathon then joined Opera Australia's Young Artist Program in 1988 where he made his debut with Dame Joan Sutherland in The Merry Widow.

Today Jonathon integrates a busy singing career with performances throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia with Tenor Australis. He is also in great demand speaking, teaching and conducting in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA with many of his students going on to work professionally in the music theatre, television and recording industry around the globe. With a deep commitment to the community and youth music education, Jonathon has directed some of Australia's finest community choirs, also creating the Australian Pop Choir, Pop Kidz and the Sydney Street Choir prior to his return to his 'hometown' of Melbourne where he has created the Choir of Hard Knocks (now known as the Choir of Hope and Inspiration).

In early 2008, Jonathon Welch was announced as Australia's Local Hero 2008 and presented with his award by the Prime Minister, The Hon Kevin Rudd MP, who acknowledged the achievements and contributions of Jonathon. He was also awarded the Anzac of the Year Award 2008, RMIT Communicator of the Year 2008, John Campbell Fellowship MO Award and the Limelight Award 2007 to name but a few.

Jonathon Welch was also a judge on the extremely successful Channel Seven show Battle of the Choirs.

Travels from Victoria