THE CHOIR OF HARD KNOCKS IS BACK, WITH MISSY HIGGINS AND A STAR-STUDDED GALA

Photo: Unsplash

Have your tissues ready, because the Choir of Hard Knocks is coming back to our screens.

The ABC has announced a new four-part documentary series, Choir of Hard Knocks: A New Chorus, premiering on Sunday 29 November at 7.30pm.

All episodes will also be available to stream on ABC iview.

The series will be narrated by comedian and broadcaster Adam Hills.

Why the Choir of Hard Knocks matters

The Melbourne choir brings together people who have faced hardship and gives them a voice, quite literally.

When the choir first appeared on television, it moved audiences across the country and showed the healing power of music and community.

Now, the new series follows the choir as it prepares for a very special milestone: a 20th anniversary gala concert at Melbourne's Palais Theatre.

According to TV Blackbox, viewers will see the rehearsals, the personal challenges, the reunions and the collaborations that go into making the night happen.

The ABC describes the gala as a celebration of music, resilience and community.

A familiar face returns

The original choirmaster, Jonathon Welch AM, who handed over the role in 2019, is returning to lend a hand.

He will be working alongside the current Co-Artistic Directors, Danielle Matthews and Adam Przewlocki.

Founding members and familiar faces from the choir's history will also reunite, which promises some very emotional moments.

A dazzling line-up of guest stars

The gala is set to feature an extraordinary line-up of Australian musicians.

Missy Higgins, Casey Donovan and Kate Miller-Heidke will all lend their voices.

They will be joined by Christine Anu, Mark Seymour, Kirk Pengilly and jazz great James Morrison.

Bernard Fanning and Darren Middleton of Powderfinger will also take part.

Seeing these much-loved performers sing alongside choir members is sure to be one of the highlights of the year on Australian television.

It is also a lovely reminder that music has a way of bringing people together, whatever their background or circumstances.

For the choir members, sharing the stage with stars they grew up listening to will be a moment to treasure.

The power of singing together

There is a reason choirs have become so popular in communities across Australia.

Singing with others can lift your mood, ease stress and help you feel connected, and you do not need to be a trained singer to enjoy it.

For people doing it tough, a choir can offer friendship, routine and a sense of belonging that is hard to find elsewhere.

The Choir of Hard Knocks has shown, time and again, that everyone deserves to be heard.

Its story has also helped many Australians see people experiencing hardship in a new and more compassionate light.

That kind of understanding is just as important as the music itself.

Twenty years on, the choir's message feels as relevant as ever.

Feeling inspired?

If this story has you humming, why not look for a community choir near you?

Many welcome beginners, and some do not even require you to read music.

Local councils, community centres and neighbourhood houses are a great place to start your search.

You could also support organisations in your area that help people experiencing hardship, whether through donations or volunteering your time.

How to watch

Choir of Hard Knocks: A New Chorus premieres on Sunday 29 November at 7.30pm on ABC TV, with all episodes on ABC iview.

The series is made by Eureka Productions for the ABC, in association with VicScreen and with support from Screen NSW.

Pop it in your diary now, gather the family on the couch and get ready to be uplifted.

After all, there is nothing quite like the sound of people who have been through the hardest of times, lifting their voices together.