Raising the Roof: Celebrating the re-opening of Melbourne’s iconic Hamer Hall
Raising the Roof was a spectacular community concert held to celebrate the re-opening of Melbourne’s iconic Hamer Hall in September 2012, following an extensive renovation. This unique event brought together hundreds of performers in a joyous celebration of grassroots musical culture in Melbourne.
Organized by myself and Patrick Cronin, the concert featured five ensembles, five choirs, and over 200 singers from Regional Victoria, all united by their passion for music. The festivities began with a vibrant carnival atmosphere as the groups performed outside the front door and in the multi-level foyers, creating a joyful welcome for the public.
The first half of the concert saw each group performing on the grand Hamer Hall stage. After the interval, the Bombay Royale delivered an electrifying set, setting the stage for the grand finale. The FINALE united all the artists into a multi-cultural orchestra, with a special part for the audience. After a quick rehearsal to teach the audience their role, we truly RAISED the ROOF.
Of all of my big gigs this was certainly one of the biggest, and it would not have been possible without the extraordinary work of my long-time collaborator Patrick Cronin, together with everyone in the super-deluxe creative, administration and production teams.
An Arts Centre Melbourne documentary describing some of the many facets of the event that brought together hundreds of performers in a unique celebration of grass-roots musical culture in Melbourne – with a part for the audience!
Host Julia Zemiro talks about Raising the Roof, the event that brought together hundreds of performers in a unique celebration of grass-roots musical culture in Melbourne – with a part for the audience!
Backstage Videos
In addition to the carnival in the foyer, the massive program on stage and the participation of the entire audience along with 200 folk bused in from rural Victoria, we screened videos starring Arts Centre staff:
CREATIVE TEAM
Devised and directed by Graeme Leak and Patrick Cronin, June 2011 to September 2012
Commissioned and produced by Arts Centre Melbourne after a suggestion by Émer Harrington
Sound Design Jim Atkins
Stage Design Darryl Cordell
Choreographer Bec Reid
Lighting Design Niklas Pajanti
PARTICIPANTS
Julia Zemiro – Host of SBS’s RocKwiz, renowned for diverse TV, film, and theatre work.
The Bombay Royale – Fuses vintage Bollywood with surf, disco, and theatrical performance.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
The Chao Feng Chinese Orchestra – Australia’s longest-running Chinese orchestra, active for 30 years.
Drum Nation – Advanced percussion group from Ray Pereira’s school, specializing in West African, Cuban, and Brazilian rhythms.
Kew Band Melbourne – Premier brass band with a history of excellence and competition success.
La Voce Della Luna – Celebrates Italian heritage with traditional folk songs dating back to the 1500s.
The Massive Hip Hop Choir – Young artists blending rap, hip-hop, and R&B with respect for roots and tradition.
Melbourne Mass Gospel Choir – Sings vibrant black gospel music, expressing African-American history and struggle.
Melbourne Ukulele Kollective (M.U.K.) – First ukulele group in Australia, performing at various festivals and venues.
Mesopotamia Group – Former Iraqi refugees performing authentic Iraqi music, enriching Australia’s musical landscape.
Skin Choir – Indigenous artists addressing cultural identity and stereotypes through song.
REGIONAL SINGING GROUPS
Supported by Community Music Victoria, these groups represent diverse communities:
- A-choired Taste of Gospel
- Acabellas Singing & Music
- Acoustic Kitchen
- Bellbrae Singing for Fun
- Brimbank Multicultural Community Choir
- Euroa Vocal Nosh
- Kinglake Phoenix Singers
- Ostinato – Wangaratta Choir
- Radius
- Singlish
- Strathbogie Singers
- Tarra Taras
- 36 Degrees South
- Valley Voices
- Vital Voices
- VoKallista Community Choir
- Whittlesea Township Choir
- Yallourn Madrigal Singers
Acknowledgement to Robin Penty, Emer Harrington, Sally McPhee, Caitlin Williams, and other staff for their support.