Meet Stella Savy, conductor of the Creswick Chorus

She says the Creswick Chorus formed about this time last year, initially specifically to perform at last year’s inaugural CresFest.

But after eight weeks of rehearsals and then achieving their goal of performing at CresFest, none of the choir members were ready to see it all end there. So it didn’t.

Instead, Stella says Creswick Chorus now has about 25 regular members and, after its term break, will be resuming weekly Wednesday evening rehearsals from February 1 as part of the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre program. And it will once again be performing at CresFest that happens March 31-April 2.

“The Creswick Chorus is open to everyone and you don’t need to have experience,” Stella says, also mentioning the Creswick Kids’ Choir which will also be performing at CresFest this year as well.

Quite a few will know her as the friendly face up front conducting the Creswick Chorus, Creswick’s own community choir for adults who like to sing.

Stella Savy is the talented local muso whose unique blend of funk, soul, reggae and ska has won her fans Australia-wide. Her original music is influenced by her Seychelle Island heritage - the sounds of the islands where her father was born.

Beyond performing with various combos – like Stella Savy Avek Frers - Stella derives plenty of soul food from her role as community choir conductor.

Stella has been a musician and teacher for more than two decades and has taught many age groups and people of a wide range of musical abilities all over Australia.

She is an engaging storyteller and teacher and those who participate in her workshops tend to leave with a smile as well as some new musical skill.

Her live performances feature original works with contagious beats and her music career has taken her to amazing locations around the world, including Africa and the Seychelle Islands, where she facilitates yearly tour groups.

Stella has also worked with choirs for many years, ranging from community – like the keen Creswick Chorus - to professional, and her extensive skill set includes body percussion, harmony, hand-drumming and singing.

“The Creswick Chorus is for adults,” she says ahead of the local choir’s resumption of its well-attended weekly rehearsals at the town’s neighbourhood centre from this Wednesday.

“It’s a lovely group of people and it’s really fun. We sing a range of world music, contemporary, a bit of gospel and a bit of African stuff,” Stella says.

“It’s such a great way to really connect with people in your community.”

Words: Eve Lamb | Image: contributed