The Small Picture Podcasts

He is the man who brought you the award−winning Choir of Hard Knocks − made up of the homeless and the disadvantaged − the judge on Battle of the Choirs‚ a highly renowned opera singer and conductor who has worked with some of Australia′s most talented performers.

But Jonathon Welch′s own story is less well known‚ and here he tells it in his own words for the first time. His modest beginnings in suburban Melbourne where he exhibited early ′theatrical′ tendencies‚ his life at the centre of a family falling apart‚ his coming to terms with his sexuality and the rifts that caused‚ the discovery of his singing talent‚ his stellar career in the heady worlds of opera and theatre and the crisis which caused him to question his life′s direction and to walk away from it all.

In this warm and candid memoir‚ Jonathon reflects on the forces which shaped him and made him an advocate for social change − and how music was at the centre of helping him put his own life − and that of many others − back together again.

Jonathon has received numerous awards in recognition of his services to the Community including a Commendation from the City of Melbourne, St Michael’s Medallion, the John Campbell ‘MO’ Award along with nominations for News Limited’s Pride of Australia and the Bar None Award from the Victorian Government. In 2008 Jonathon was also awarded RMIT Communicator of the Year, ANZAC of the Year, Victorian and Australian of the Year – Local Hero and an Honorary Doctor of Griffith University in Queensland. He has also received the Limelight Award ABC Music Personality of the Year and Medibank Community Service Award.

Together with Jimmy Barnes, Jonathon has created the School of Hard Knocks Foundation, dedicated to assisting those who are homeless and disadvantaged with further support and educational opportunities through music, arts and cultural programs as part of the ‘Play It Forward’ ™ program. A percentage of the profits from all sales of Choir Man will go to this organisation.

You can find out more at:

www.jonathonwelch.com

I really enjoyed talking to Jonathon, and I hope you enjoy this interview!