As a talented choir director with a lifelong love of educating people about music, singer-songwriter Suze Pratten is a critical factor in the life of the Sydney Street Choir.
Late in 2024, Suze was appointed the Choir’s new co-director. She's been excited about helping to build the community footprint and musical expertise ever since.
“I just love what the Street Choir does,” she said. “I think it’s incredibly inspirational.
“I admire the fact that the people themselves find so much joy, so much life energy for themselves and that we can connect them with services. It’s just become like a community hub.”
With a background as a primary school music teacher, Suze then turned her talents to nurturing the performance skills of adults at the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium.
“Then I moved to Sydney and I started a couple of community choirs including a women’s choir in Western Sydney and a mixed choir in the Hills in Dural,” she said.
“And I also teach singing workshops and songwriting workshops, covering all manner of things.”
With an inclusive and encouraging approach, Suze has worked closely with indigenous artists and also finds time to exercise her velvety vocals as part of a duo Raw Honey.
The community objective of the Sydney Street Choir has been especially appealing for Suze.
Recalling when she was new in the role, attending community events like Sydney Street Feast for the first time with the Choir was a very rewarding experience for her.
“Oh, it’s amazing,” she said. “Because I live out in Western Sydney, I had no idea so many events were happening. So all of this is so encouraging – let’s do it!
“You know, it’s a really lovely thing that the church does. Everyone has a bit of buy-in and wants to be here, you know, and no wonder with so much energy. This is where the energy is.”