Community Groups

An Introduction to La La La

La La La, Melbourne’s French choir, sings a variety of a cappella music from the French-speaking world. Founded in 1998 by Catrine Berlatier. who wanted to share her native French folk songs with the people of her adopted country, La La La sings a repertoire from across the French speaking world, in various different styles, including:

  • Drinking songs
  • Jazz
  • Sea shanties
  • Christmas songs
  • Courtly love songs

 

    • Lullabies
    • Classical works
    • Songs from Canada, Africa and different regions of France

Rehearsals

La La La rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 every Wednesday during school terms at the Uniting Church, 251 High Street, Northcote. Afterwards, some of us will head off to a nearby café for coffee or beer.

Join Us!

Currently we have around 20 amateur singers, but we are always interested in new members joining. Currently, our greatest need is for basses, and also for tenors to keep the balance of the group. Subscriptions are payable at the beginning of each term. Music is provided, and don’t be worried about how to pronounce French (assistance will be provided from native French speakers). There is no need to be able to read music – again, assistance is provided.

Musical Director

Paola Bastreri-Grey has been providing professional direction since July 2004. Apart from keeping the group harmonious and accurate, one of Paola’s jobs is to keep expanding our repertoire.

Paola originally trained as a clarinettist, gaining her B.Mus. and Dip.Ed. from the University of Melbourne. Paola has broad musical experience including orchestral and band conducting, chamber music, orchestral performance and instrumental and classroom teaching. Since taking up singing, Paola has successfully completed a Dip.Mus. at the Melba Conservatorium of Music and gained her A.Mus.A. in singing from the A.M.E.B. Combining her interest in languages and music, Paola now teaches Italian Language and Diction to young singers at Melbourne University and Melba Conservatorium.

Recent Performances

In August and September 2006, La La La completed a series of concerts at the Uniting Church in Northcote and the Boîte World Music Café. The choir has previously performed at the National Gallery of Victoria, the Ballarat Gallery of Fine Arts, Federation Square, the Immigration Museum, Lygon St Festival and has been broadcast on SBS radio.

In addition to this, La La La auditioned for the ABC’s Sing Out! Choir of the Year competition in April 2006.