Lachlan Snow Bids Farewell to Canberra Qwire

Hot off their jubilant 30th anniversary celebrations, Canberra Qwire wraps up the year with an unforgettable concert celebrating community and the power of song. The Sound of Us: A Celebration of Community in Song!’ unites diverse voices and showcases the vibrancy of the Canberra region’s LGBTQIA+ community at Llewellyn Hall on 24 November.

Qwire’s final performance of the year promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music and community. Joining them on stage will be three vibrant choirs from the OUT and About project: Good Vibes (Yass), Voice Works (Goulburn), and Vocal Local (Goulburn). Each group will bring its own unique energy, blending their voices into a powerful celebration of identity, belonging, and the joy of singing together. With its focus on inclusivity and regional pride, this concert is bound to uplift and inspire the audience, weaving together stories of resilience, connection, and shared joy.

Ahead of this must-see concert, David Blanco from FUSE sat down with Lachlan Snow to discuss "The Sound of Us," marking his final major event as Qwire’s Musical Director. Lachlan shares his reflections on his journey with the choir, the highlights of his tenure, and the deep personal significance of this upcoming celebration of community and song.

Lachlan Snow Bids Farewell to Canberra Qwire. Photo by Peter Hislop.

David Blanco (FUSE): What kind of legacy do you hope to leave from your time as Qwire's Musical Director?

Lachlan Snow: I hope that my time will be remembered as one that strove for musical vibrancy and was filled with joy, laughter, inclusivity and perhaps a touch of entertainment.

How has Qwire evolved during your time as Musical Director?

Coming on board in January 2022, the Qwire was awakening from the COVID years. I think over the past three years, Qwire has come back stronger than ever. It’s been humbling to see membership steadily grow and widen over our time together as we've continued to embrace all parts of the pride alphabet.

What personal highlights have stood out to you during your time with Qwire?

I could rattle off certain gigs or concerts that we've performed at, and I am especially proud of what we achieved for Qwire to mark the 30th anniversary. However, reflecting on all the experiences, the ones I remember most fondly are those fleeting moments in rehearsal where we've been struck by our own ability to make a beautiful sound or just find ourselves in fits of laughter. These are the moments that bring both a tear and twinkle to my eye when I reflect on my time as Musical Director.

How has being the Musical Director impacted you personally?

For one thing, I've never been prouder to be a gay man! Bringing my whole self to the rehearsal room and on stage has been a revelation, and I don't plan to get back into the conductor closet. On a very personal level, Qwire has also been the beautiful backdrop to my courtship with my now fiancé. Nothing heightens feelings more than when you sing together!

Qwire's annual end-of-year concert, ‘The Sound of Us: A Celebration of Community in Song!’ will be a bittersweet event for you. Would you agree?

Oh, 100%, it’s definitely sweet sorrow. But just like a good performance, I think it’s better to leave people wanting more and not less. I can't think of a better way than to finish with 100 Qwiries joined by 40+ singers from our OUT and About project, an idea I outlined in my cover letter for the job back in 2021.

Is there a particular song in the concert’s program that is a favourite or holds particular significance for you?

An a Cappella piece, ‘Earth Song’ by Frank Ticheli. I programmed it when I first joined the choir, and we're returning to it with double the singers on stage. Why? There's a line that speaks to me directly: ‘…music and singing shall be my light, a light song shining strong'. It beautifully expresses why I've stepped up to the podium each week for the last three years.

The Sound of Us: A Celebration of Community in Song! will take place on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 3:00pm at the Llewellyn Hall, Canberra School of Music.