At just 29, John Rotar has accomplished more than most his age. He’s composed orchestral pieces for some of Australia’s biggest ensembles and as Artistic Director of The Australian Voices is bringing this unique choral ensemble back to his home town.

John Rotar is a passionate musician and composer.

His love of music began in Bundaberg and with both his parents teaching music; its probably no surprise that he started piano at just 6 years old and later moving on to Trombone at the age of 12. John is now a bass vocalist, instrumentalist, composer and conductor. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Queensland and a PhD in Music Composition.

As John himself reveals, he turned his hand to composition at the age of 8 and by 12 had his first orchestral work performed by the Bundaberg Youth Orchestra.

The diverse range of ensembles that have performed his compositions is as impressive as the number of compositions itself. 130 works have been commissioned, recorded or performed from this young artist with school and youth ensembles sitting amongst some of the biggest names in music performance including (but not limited to) Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, Queensland Youth Orchestras, the Australian Youth Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Ballet Academy and Expressions Dance Company.

John has now turned his artistic passion towards a unique vocal ensemble “The Australian Voices” as their Artistic Director and Conductor and his passion is infectious.

Established in 1993 by Stephen Leek and Graeme Morton, The Australian Voices changed people’s understanding of choral music and instead of choosing pieces that were commonplace at the time, instead drew inspiration from their own homeland that had so much history, culture and beauty especially amongst First Nations People.

John took on the role of artistic director in 2021 and has loved every moment of it and is especially excited about once again having The Australian Voices tour regional Queensland and especially visiting Bundaberg where they will conduct a choral workshop as well as a performance.

To date, The Australian Voices has toured over ten countries, released thirteen albums, and commissioned hundreds of works. Now celebrating their thirtieth anniversary, the ensemble’s celebrations include a national tour of seven towns and cities, as well as alumni events and new commissions.

The Australian Voices will perform in Bundaberg on June 29^th from 5pm at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church on the corner of Barolin and Woongarra Street. They will also host a choral workshop from 3 – 4pm and all are welcome to attend.

https://events.humanitix.com/the-australian-voices-bundaberg/tickets

For more about this Choral Ensemble or to purchase some of their work visit https://www.theaustralianvoices.com/