Arts Centre Melbourne, September 2012

... a major event that brought together hundreds of performers in a unique celebration of grassroots musical culture in Melbourne

​Raising the Roof showcased the incredible music-making that is happening in Melbourne's backyard involved the whole audience. Patrick Cronin and I spent many months seeking out groups that get together every week to make music. We invited five ensembles, five choirs and over 200 singers from Regional Victoria, all with one thing in common - they love what they do. 

The groups performed in parallel and simultaneously in the foyers before the show, creating a joyous carnival atmosphere. Then they each performed on the Hamer Hall stage during the first half. 

The second half opened with a set from the Bombay Royale and finished with my Grand Finale, uniting all artists into a multi-culti orchestra, with a part for the audience. After a quick rehearsal (to teach the audience their part) we RAISED the ROOF.

Host Julia Zemiro talks about Graeme Leak's Raising the Roof, an event that brought together hundreds of performers in a unique celebration of grass-roots musical culture in Melbourne - with a part for the audience!

Raising the Roof 5min documentary made by Arts Centre Melbourne

Included in the show were three short videos starring Arts Centre staff performing in their natural habitat 
Here is an interview with Graeme Leak about the show, originally published in Jetstar Inflight Magazine
Here is the Director's Program Note
Raising the Roof as a concept is eminently re-mountable. 
Please contact Graeme if you would like to discuss the possibility of a similar event with your community.

all photos Ben King except Fragile sticker Graeme Leak

FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPANTS...

"I couldn't explain just how good it was to anybody, you had to be there..."

"Graeme Leak's composition was beautiful and still at a level I could understand. It was a very inspiring event to be a part of!"

"I felt very included and welcome and recognized by Patrick and Graeme and all of the team at the Arts Centre."

"I thought Graeme was amazing in his presentation and handling of the performers during both the rehearsals and performance."

"Graeme and his team did a magnificent job in bringing it together. A beautiful experience."

"Playing in the orchestra was a really special experience, and something I'll remember for the rest of my life."

"They came over to listen to our rehearsals, to know us, help us with the Finale....We have lots of communication between us, their instruction were clear and precise (this is particularly important for us being non English background)"

Raising the Roof
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
Creative Producer Patrick Cronin
Creative Director Graeme Leak