Accommodation
For your convenience, we are listing some of the hotels in, and close to, Hornsby, where we will be spending most of our time rehearsing. You are responsible for making your own accommodation arrangements. Please contact the hotels directly. Some hotels are in walking distance and some are not.
If you will have a car, it would be kind and considerate of you to stay in a hotel a bit further out, in order to leave the closer hotels to those who will be on foot.
If you prefer hotels, here is a list of hotels in the Hornsby area:
Ascot Motor Inn (2.3 km from the Hornsby Bahá'í Centre of Learning) - Simple, clean rooms.
One night's deposit by credit card is required to secure the reservation.
Blue Gum Hotel (1.4 km from the Hornsby BCL) - On a noisy street corner. Some rooms are very basic.
Hornsby Inn (800 m from the Hornsby BCL) - Very easy access to everything.
Ibis Sydney Thornleigh (4.7 km from the Hornsby BCL).
Waldorf Residential Apartments (1.3 km or a 15 minute walk to the Hornsby Bahá'í Centre of Learning)
If you prefer cheaper options, AirBnb is a great option where private individuals rent out rooms or complete apartments or houses. The rates are often much better than hotels and you often have access to a kitchen as well. Read the reviews to ensure you will like the place you choose.
If you would like to split costs and share accommodation, please send us an email!
If you will have a car, it would be kind and considerate of you to stay in a hotel a bit further out, in order to leave the closer hotels to those who will be on foot.
If you prefer hotels, here is a list of hotels in the Hornsby area:
Ascot Motor Inn (2.3 km from the Hornsby Bahá'í Centre of Learning) - Simple, clean rooms.
One night's deposit by credit card is required to secure the reservation.
Blue Gum Hotel (1.4 km from the Hornsby BCL) - On a noisy street corner. Some rooms are very basic.
Hornsby Inn (800 m from the Hornsby BCL) - Very easy access to everything.
Ibis Sydney Thornleigh (4.7 km from the Hornsby BCL).
Waldorf Residential Apartments (1.3 km or a 15 minute walk to the Hornsby Bahá'í Centre of Learning)
If you prefer cheaper options, AirBnb is a great option where private individuals rent out rooms or complete apartments or houses. The rates are often much better than hotels and you often have access to a kitchen as well. Read the reviews to ensure you will like the place you choose.
If you would like to split costs and share accommodation, please send us an email!
What do you hope participants will get out of the Choral Festival?
- Heightening the understanding of music, especially choral music, as a useful element in reinforcing the spiritual foundations of the Bahá'í community’s activities
- Immersing them in an uplifting experience of sacred music
- Enhancing their musical skills
- Increasing the bonds of fellowship and harmony across the Australian Bahá'í community
- Sharing repertoire among Bahá'í singers around Australia and the Pacific
- Encouraging expansion of the use of music in a wide variety of Bahá'í activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
REGISTRATION AND COST
How do I register for the Festival?
Just go to the registration website, fill in your details, and pay your registration fee with your credit card and you'll be part of the Festival.
What is the registration fee?
The standard fee is $175 for 2023, with an "earlybird" rate of $160. We also have a "Generous Singer" category for those who can afford a bit more, which will help provide scholarships for those who can't afford the registration fee. And if you can give a few dollars more, we have a place for Donations.
What if I don't have a credit card?
Write to us at info@bahaichoralfestival.org.au and we'll work out another way for you to pay the registration fee.
Is there a minimum age for participants?
The Festival is geared towards adults and youth. Children and youth below the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an parent or an adult with Bahá'í Child Protection Accreditation for New South Wales.
Can people with disabilities or physical limitations participate?
We would be happy to have people with disabilities involved with the Festival. We can make various accommodations to facilitate your participation. We're not experts on this subject, so we can't guarantee there won't be an occasional barrier, but together we'll overcome them.
Can I participate if I'm not a member of the Bahá'í Faith?
Of course! Anyone who loves to sing is welcome to be part of the Festival. Most of the music will be based on Bahá'í texts, and there will be lots of Bahá'í prayers and topics of conversation throughout the Festival. If you're okay with that, we would love to have you!
What if I need to cancel my registration?
Plans change sometimes and we recognise that you may need to cancel your registration, but our budget is based on full fees from all participants. If you cancel before 1 August, we will give you a full refund. After that, there will be no refunds for cancellations.
Is there a discount for early registration?
Yes, register by 12 June to get the Early-bird price. After that, the fee will rise to the full price.
How is the Festival being funded?
The Festival will receive no outside funding, so it must be completely self-supporting. The National Assembly is providing some venues for rehearsal at no charge, but otherwise the registration fees must pay all expenses of the Festival.
What does the registration fee cover?
The registration fee was calculated to cover several meals, transportation costs for participants to the House of Worship and elsewhere, rental costs of rehearsal venues, morning and afternoon tea, and some administrative items: renting Hornsby BCL, food, buses, morning and afternoon tea, etc.
If I can't afford to come are there scholarships available?
We always make scholarships available. We'll be happy to work with you to find ways to lower the cost of participation, please write to us if you need financial assistance. Meanwhile, as the resources of the Faith are stretched already, we don't think it's appropriate to ask for support from your local Assembly.
How do I register for the Festival?
Just go to the registration website, fill in your details, and pay your registration fee with your credit card and you'll be part of the Festival.
What is the registration fee?
The standard fee is $175 for 2023, with an "earlybird" rate of $160. We also have a "Generous Singer" category for those who can afford a bit more, which will help provide scholarships for those who can't afford the registration fee. And if you can give a few dollars more, we have a place for Donations.
What if I don't have a credit card?
Write to us at info@bahaichoralfestival.org.au and we'll work out another way for you to pay the registration fee.
Is there a minimum age for participants?
The Festival is geared towards adults and youth. Children and youth below the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an parent or an adult with Bahá'í Child Protection Accreditation for New South Wales.
Can people with disabilities or physical limitations participate?
We would be happy to have people with disabilities involved with the Festival. We can make various accommodations to facilitate your participation. We're not experts on this subject, so we can't guarantee there won't be an occasional barrier, but together we'll overcome them.
Can I participate if I'm not a member of the Bahá'í Faith?
Of course! Anyone who loves to sing is welcome to be part of the Festival. Most of the music will be based on Bahá'í texts, and there will be lots of Bahá'í prayers and topics of conversation throughout the Festival. If you're okay with that, we would love to have you!
What if I need to cancel my registration?
Plans change sometimes and we recognise that you may need to cancel your registration, but our budget is based on full fees from all participants. If you cancel before 1 August, we will give you a full refund. After that, there will be no refunds for cancellations.
Is there a discount for early registration?
Yes, register by 12 June to get the Early-bird price. After that, the fee will rise to the full price.
How is the Festival being funded?
The Festival will receive no outside funding, so it must be completely self-supporting. The National Assembly is providing some venues for rehearsal at no charge, but otherwise the registration fees must pay all expenses of the Festival.
What does the registration fee cover?
The registration fee was calculated to cover several meals, transportation costs for participants to the House of Worship and elsewhere, rental costs of rehearsal venues, morning and afternoon tea, and some administrative items: renting Hornsby BCL, food, buses, morning and afternoon tea, etc.
If I can't afford to come are there scholarships available?
We always make scholarships available. We'll be happy to work with you to find ways to lower the cost of participation, please write to us if you need financial assistance. Meanwhile, as the resources of the Faith are stretched already, we don't think it's appropriate to ask for support from your local Assembly.
IMPORTANT DATES, TIMES, FLIGHT TIMES & LOCATIONS
When does the Festival begin?
Check-in for registered participants will open at 9:00 am on 28 September 2023 at the Baha'i Centre of Learning at 19 Dural Street, Hornsby, NSW.
When will the Festival end?
We hope that participants will chat for a while with people who attend the Sunday services, but you will be free to go any time after the program concludes. For those that desire it, we will provide transportation back to the Hornsby Baha'i Centre, probably around 3:30.
Where will rehearsals be held?
Rehearsals will be held at the Hornsby Baha'i Centre of Learning and at the the Mother Temple of the Antipodes in Ingleside, NSW. We will provide transportation from Hornsby to any other venues.
When should I arrive?
Rehearsals will begin on 28 September 2023 at the Hornsby Bahá'í Centre of Learning. You are expected to be there for this and all rehearsals. You should plan to arrive on Wednesday evening unless you are able to arrive on time on Thursday morning for a 9:00 am punctual start.
When should I plan to leave?
The Festival ends Sunday 1 October 2023 at 3 pm. We estimate that the earliest flights you could catch would be after 6:00 pm, as the House of Worship is nearly an hour away from the airport by car and almost two hours by public transportation. As always, you will want to get to the airport at least an hour ahead of your flight.
What will be the schedule for each day of the Festival?
We will start each day at 9:00 am and have rehearsals, workshops, meals, and other activities through the day, ending around 9:00 pm each evening. You are expected to attend all activities of the Festival, so you should not plan any other activities Thursday at 9:00 am through Sunday at 3:00 pm.
Should I go to the Festival or do work in my Cluster?
We hope that you are able to do both. One of the Festival's main aims is to provide tools and encouragement for use of the arts in teaching and the core activities. Music has a great spiritual effect and can enliven and invigorate Study Circles, JY groups, Feasts, etc. We see the Festival as completely in harmony with the Framework for Action of the Five-Year Plan.
When does the Festival begin?
Check-in for registered participants will open at 9:00 am on 28 September 2023 at the Baha'i Centre of Learning at 19 Dural Street, Hornsby, NSW.
When will the Festival end?
We hope that participants will chat for a while with people who attend the Sunday services, but you will be free to go any time after the program concludes. For those that desire it, we will provide transportation back to the Hornsby Baha'i Centre, probably around 3:30.
Where will rehearsals be held?
Rehearsals will be held at the Hornsby Baha'i Centre of Learning and at the the Mother Temple of the Antipodes in Ingleside, NSW. We will provide transportation from Hornsby to any other venues.
When should I arrive?
Rehearsals will begin on 28 September 2023 at the Hornsby Bahá'í Centre of Learning. You are expected to be there for this and all rehearsals. You should plan to arrive on Wednesday evening unless you are able to arrive on time on Thursday morning for a 9:00 am punctual start.
When should I plan to leave?
The Festival ends Sunday 1 October 2023 at 3 pm. We estimate that the earliest flights you could catch would be after 6:00 pm, as the House of Worship is nearly an hour away from the airport by car and almost two hours by public transportation. As always, you will want to get to the airport at least an hour ahead of your flight.
What will be the schedule for each day of the Festival?
We will start each day at 9:00 am and have rehearsals, workshops, meals, and other activities through the day, ending around 9:00 pm each evening. You are expected to attend all activities of the Festival, so you should not plan any other activities Thursday at 9:00 am through Sunday at 3:00 pm.
Should I go to the Festival or do work in my Cluster?
We hope that you are able to do both. One of the Festival's main aims is to provide tools and encouragement for use of the arts in teaching and the core activities. Music has a great spiritual effect and can enliven and invigorate Study Circles, JY groups, Feasts, etc. We see the Festival as completely in harmony with the Framework for Action of the Five-Year Plan.
FINAL CONCERTS
Where and when will the final concerts be held?
Two devotional programs will be held at the Mother Temple for Australasia, located at Ingleside, NSW, both on Sunday 1 October 2023. The first one will begin at 11 am and the second at 1:30 pm. Each Devotional program will last approximately one hour.
Can I invite my friends to attend one of the final concerts?
Absolutely! We hope to get a large audience, particularly of people from the wider community. Everyone is always welcome at the Baha'i House of Worship.
Where and when will the final concerts be held?
Two devotional programs will be held at the Mother Temple for Australasia, located at Ingleside, NSW, both on Sunday 1 October 2023. The first one will begin at 11 am and the second at 1:30 pm. Each Devotional program will last approximately one hour.
Can I invite my friends to attend one of the final concerts?
Absolutely! We hope to get a large audience, particularly of people from the wider community. Everyone is always welcome at the Baha'i House of Worship.
MUSIC AND REPERTOIRE
What will we be singing?
At this point, we have selected 18 songs for the Sunday services in the Temple. They vary in both length and difficulty. We encourage people to register early so they have time to learn all of the notes and words before the Festival begins.
Do I need to be able to read music?
Definitely not. We will provide you with the sheet music, but you don't need to be able to read it. We will also provide sound files to help you learn your part. We have created a short set of videos to help you get more out of printed music if you want to, but even that is not required.
How can I learn the music?
Almost all of the music is already available to registered participants through the Festival's webpage. For each song, we provide sheet music, plus a set of sound files that will help you learn the notes and words. After you register, we'll let you know how to get access to this music.
What do I need to do to prepare for the Festival?
Each singer will commit to doing their best to learn the notes of all music before coming to the Festival. Familiarity with the songs is a basic requirement. Participants will be expected to print all of the music for the Sunday service (from the web) and bring copies with them.
Would you consider including one of my compositions for the final Sunday program?
We will be preparing for a program of choral music in the the Temple (what an honour!!!), and the pieces have already been selected. There are specific rules about what is permitted in the House of Worship and the songs we have selected have been reviewed by the National Spiritual Assembly for suitability. We do not plan to change the program at this time. However, we always welcome new songs for future years. We would love to hear from you if you would like to submit your piece(s) for consideration for future Festivals.
Will I have an opportunity to chant or sing my own songs?
While the final service will not include chanting or singing by individuals, there will be opportunities for you to share your music with the other participants at various times during the Festival.
What will we be singing?
At this point, we have selected 18 songs for the Sunday services in the Temple. They vary in both length and difficulty. We encourage people to register early so they have time to learn all of the notes and words before the Festival begins.
Do I need to be able to read music?
Definitely not. We will provide you with the sheet music, but you don't need to be able to read it. We will also provide sound files to help you learn your part. We have created a short set of videos to help you get more out of printed music if you want to, but even that is not required.
How can I learn the music?
Almost all of the music is already available to registered participants through the Festival's webpage. For each song, we provide sheet music, plus a set of sound files that will help you learn the notes and words. After you register, we'll let you know how to get access to this music.
What do I need to do to prepare for the Festival?
Each singer will commit to doing their best to learn the notes of all music before coming to the Festival. Familiarity with the songs is a basic requirement. Participants will be expected to print all of the music for the Sunday service (from the web) and bring copies with them.
Would you consider including one of my compositions for the final Sunday program?
We will be preparing for a program of choral music in the the Temple (what an honour!!!), and the pieces have already been selected. There are specific rules about what is permitted in the House of Worship and the songs we have selected have been reviewed by the National Spiritual Assembly for suitability. We do not plan to change the program at this time. However, we always welcome new songs for future years. We would love to hear from you if you would like to submit your piece(s) for consideration for future Festivals.
Will I have an opportunity to chant or sing my own songs?
While the final service will not include chanting or singing by individuals, there will be opportunities for you to share your music with the other participants at various times during the Festival.
CLOTHING
What do we need to wear for rehearsals?
Throughout the Festival, a high standard of dignified and modest clothing will be maintained, appropriately representing the Bahá'í Faith. September in Sydney can be quite cool, so you’ll want to bring layers so you can stay comfortable throughout.
What will we wear for the final Sunday service?
Sunday attire is all black for the Festival services, comprising of long sleeves, pants or skirts to the ankles, dark socks, dark shoes, and high necklines. Women, please wear low heels -- it promotes better singing posture and you will be able to stand for longer times without back and calf pain. Colourful scarves will be provided to add contrast and interest. For the best presentation, we want to minimise the amount of skin that is visible.
What do we need to wear for rehearsals?
Throughout the Festival, a high standard of dignified and modest clothing will be maintained, appropriately representing the Bahá'í Faith. September in Sydney can be quite cool, so you’ll want to bring layers so you can stay comfortable throughout.
What will we wear for the final Sunday service?
Sunday attire is all black for the Festival services, comprising of long sleeves, pants or skirts to the ankles, dark socks, dark shoes, and high necklines. Women, please wear low heels -- it promotes better singing posture and you will be able to stand for longer times without back and calf pain. Colourful scarves will be provided to add contrast and interest. For the best presentation, we want to minimise the amount of skin that is visible.
FOOD & ACCOMMODATION
What meals will be provided to participants?
Your Festival fee includes dinner on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and lunch on Sunday. You will need to get your own breakfasts each day. There are many restaurants near the Bahá'í Centre in Hornsby, and we will give you time to get your own lunch at the place of your choice Thursday through Saturday.
How are meals being handled?
You'll be responsible for getting your own breakfasts. For the three lunches while we're rehearsing at the Hornsby Bahá'í Centre, we'll release you to the neighbourhood, where there are many different restaurants and stores where you can get a meal. At other venues, we'll have food brought in, either by commercial caterers or by Bahá'í volunteers.
What kind of food will be served?
Meals are obviously necessary throughout the Festival. But the focus is on the music and the service we are providing, not on the food. We encourage all participants to be understanding and flexible with whatever food is offered, even if it is not your favourite.
Can my special dietary needs by accommodated?
The Festival will provide meals that are primarily vegetarian and gluten-free. In some cases, meat or gluten options may be available as well. For any other dietary requirements, you may wish to make your own food arrangements. When you're on your own, feel free to indulge your desire for meat or gluten so you don't feel deprived by the end of the Festival.
What arrangements are there for lodging for participants?
You are responsible for making your own arrangements for lodging. Whether or not you stay at one of the hotels listed on the website, we recommend that you stay near the Hornsby Baha'i Centre, as that will be our primary venue and transportation to other places will leave from there.
Is it okay if I stay with friends or relatives in the Sydney area?
Yes, that's fine and a good way to save a few dollars. If you plan to stay with friends, you'll want to find out how close they are to Hornsby so that you don't have to spend too much time travelling each morning and evening. Traffic in Sydney on Thursday and Friday mornings could be horrible, so you won't want to stay in the far south, for example.
Will I be able to spend much time at the House of Worship?
During the Festival, we will be visiting the House of Worship at least three times. We have rehearsals and other activities for part of those times, but there will be some time on each visit for you to spend time in prayer and meditation at the Temple.
What meals will be provided to participants?
Your Festival fee includes dinner on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and lunch on Sunday. You will need to get your own breakfasts each day. There are many restaurants near the Bahá'í Centre in Hornsby, and we will give you time to get your own lunch at the place of your choice Thursday through Saturday.
How are meals being handled?
You'll be responsible for getting your own breakfasts. For the three lunches while we're rehearsing at the Hornsby Bahá'í Centre, we'll release you to the neighbourhood, where there are many different restaurants and stores where you can get a meal. At other venues, we'll have food brought in, either by commercial caterers or by Bahá'í volunteers.
What kind of food will be served?
Meals are obviously necessary throughout the Festival. But the focus is on the music and the service we are providing, not on the food. We encourage all participants to be understanding and flexible with whatever food is offered, even if it is not your favourite.
Can my special dietary needs by accommodated?
The Festival will provide meals that are primarily vegetarian and gluten-free. In some cases, meat or gluten options may be available as well. For any other dietary requirements, you may wish to make your own food arrangements. When you're on your own, feel free to indulge your desire for meat or gluten so you don't feel deprived by the end of the Festival.
What arrangements are there for lodging for participants?
You are responsible for making your own arrangements for lodging. Whether or not you stay at one of the hotels listed on the website, we recommend that you stay near the Hornsby Baha'i Centre, as that will be our primary venue and transportation to other places will leave from there.
Is it okay if I stay with friends or relatives in the Sydney area?
Yes, that's fine and a good way to save a few dollars. If you plan to stay with friends, you'll want to find out how close they are to Hornsby so that you don't have to spend too much time travelling each morning and evening. Traffic in Sydney on Thursday and Friday mornings could be horrible, so you won't want to stay in the far south, for example.
Will I be able to spend much time at the House of Worship?
During the Festival, we will be visiting the House of Worship at least three times. We have rehearsals and other activities for part of those times, but there will be some time on each visit for you to spend time in prayer and meditation at the Temple.
FESTIVAL ORGANISATION
Who is organising the Festival?
The Festival is an individual initiative of Lorraine and Alan Manifold of Melbourne. They have gathered a small committee of helpers and a large group of volunteers to help out. The National Assembly has approved the Festival and will be providing some logistical assistance, but the Festival is not a National Assembly initiative.
Who will be directing the choir?
Lorraine Manifold, a professional music instructor and choral conductor will be the Festival Director. Lorraine has a Master's degree in Vocal Pedagogy (teaching people how to sing), and has studied choral conducting in two continents. Three guest conductors will each direct two or three pieces.
Where do I direct feedback about the Festival?
The organisers are very eager to receive your feedback regarding the Festival so that things can be improved if there are more such Festivals in the future. You can feel free to be completely honest in your evaluations and follow-up surveys. During the Festival itself, however, we request that you maintain a positive attitude, even if things are not going the way you feel is best. Positivity spreads and helps in creating a rarefied spiritual atmosphere.
Will there be other Festivals in the future?
We hope that there will be many Australian Bahá'í Choral Festivals, but that has not yet been decided. We review the feedback and reflect each year, then decide based on the results.
Where can I find more information about the Festival?
There is quite a bit of information here on the Festival's website and there is additional information on the registration form. If you have questions that aren't answered in those places or in this FAQ, feel free to write us at info@bahaichoralfestival.org.au.
Who is organising the Festival?
The Festival is an individual initiative of Lorraine and Alan Manifold of Melbourne. They have gathered a small committee of helpers and a large group of volunteers to help out. The National Assembly has approved the Festival and will be providing some logistical assistance, but the Festival is not a National Assembly initiative.
Who will be directing the choir?
Lorraine Manifold, a professional music instructor and choral conductor will be the Festival Director. Lorraine has a Master's degree in Vocal Pedagogy (teaching people how to sing), and has studied choral conducting in two continents. Three guest conductors will each direct two or three pieces.
Where do I direct feedback about the Festival?
The organisers are very eager to receive your feedback regarding the Festival so that things can be improved if there are more such Festivals in the future. You can feel free to be completely honest in your evaluations and follow-up surveys. During the Festival itself, however, we request that you maintain a positive attitude, even if things are not going the way you feel is best. Positivity spreads and helps in creating a rarefied spiritual atmosphere.
Will there be other Festivals in the future?
We hope that there will be many Australian Bahá'í Choral Festivals, but that has not yet been decided. We review the feedback and reflect each year, then decide based on the results.
Where can I find more information about the Festival?
There is quite a bit of information here on the Festival's website and there is additional information on the registration form. If you have questions that aren't answered in those places or in this FAQ, feel free to write us at info@bahaichoralfestival.org.au.
Interested in finding out more about music concerts in NSW and ACT, or VIC? Join the MUSIC NSW email list, or the Victoria aMuse list.