By Abbey Cannan
Internationally-recognised composer and conductor Gordon Hamilton is the new Director of the USC Singers, a choral group now in its sixth year on the Sunshine Coast.
Gordon is artistic director of The Australian Voices, a group of acapella singers whose concerts have been acclaimed across the world.
He has conducted orchestras across Australia, New Zealand and Germany and is known for musical experimentation such as crossover projects with Australian hip hop duo Horrorshow and Cuban pianist Marialy Pacheco.
After arriving on campus at Sippy Downs this month, Gordon said, “I love challenges and exploring new opportunities, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
He had just flown in from Malaysia and attended his first USC Singers rehearsal at the Art Gallery that night.
The USC Singers comprises USC staff, students and members of the wider community.
Gordon, who led The Australian Voices recital at USC last June when it was ensemble-in-residence at the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, said his goal for the USC Singers was “to make excellent music and watch people reach their potential”.
USC Artistic Director of Music Sean O’Boyle AM said Gordon’s appointment was part of his vision to create an environment of excellence on campus, helping inspire Music students and High Performance Student Musicians.
Mr Hamilton expected the students to inspire him. “When you’re a student, anything’s possible,” he said.
The first concert of the USC singers conducted by Gordon Hamilton is expected on 8 June.
