The Sydney Vocal Arts Centre
Interview by Kathy Hunter

The Sydney Vocal Arts Centre has been a well-loved part of the Manly Arts Festival for eight years now, providing inspiring and entertaining musical events that just seem to get better every year. Margi Coen (pictured) has been the director and owner of the Centre for over five years now and is ever more passionate about singing which, she says, “opens the heart, frees the mind and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!”

Helen Hayes is a local mother of two boys and her whole family has been involved with the Vocal Arts Centre for about five years now. Her eldest son started with the Saturday Performance Group at age 9 and was a natural singer, but her youngest couldn’t sing a note. “Margi was definitely a miracle worker in that regard – he was terrible!” says Helen. “I would never have thought he’d become the singer he is now, but Margi’s very patient and just took the time to get the best out of him – he’s so confident now.” Helen and her partner have also been part of the adult choir, which they’ve enjoyed hugely.

And when we asked Mayor Peter MacDonald what he thought of Margi, he became quite vocal himself: “Margi Coen is one of the real treasures in the Manly community. The Sydney Vocal Art Centre is now pre-eminent and bringing wonderful results and benefits. Whether it's presenting the Sound of Music or nurturing young talent such as the Manly Childrens Choir, she has made a real impact. As the Mayor, I am particularly grateful for her willingness to provide singers and vocalists for our formal events; they wouldn't be the same without them. She is so easy and bright to deal with, always smiling and co-operative. Thank you Margie!" A glowing reference indeed.

We decided to ask Margi a few questions about herself for our readers this year.

Manly Arts Festival: Are you a Manly local?

Margi: Yes, I live two blocks from the Centre.

What is your background, and how did you start singing?

I have a degree in classical voice from Sydney Conservatorium of Music and have been a professional singer in many genres; from opera to jazz and contemporary for many years.

I started by listening to old jazz records with my dad who was a singer, and watching all the old black and white movies of musicals with him over and over again.

What are you most passionate about?

Helping people express themselves and enjoy their lives more through singing.

Tell us about one of the best moments of your involvement with the VAC to date?

Being the musical director and co producer of the highly successful production of the Sound of Music that was staged at St. Patrick’s Estate in June 2007, and which won best community event award at the Manly Council Australia awards in January.

It brought so many people together to form a wonderful cast and crew and we raised close to $20,000 for Children’s Hospice Bear Cottage.

What’s the least-known thing about yourself?

I can surf and I’m also a good touch footy player! I’m learning to play the bass guitar and I love chess.

Why do you think there has been such a revival of choral singing recently?

It’s a great group activity, it’s physical and mental, and group singing is a wonderful way to meet new people. Programs like ‘Battle of the Choirs’ has shown that in action and that hasn’t hurt.

What do you listen to? Who are you inspired by?

I listen to jazz – old favourites are Nina Simone and Lena Horne. I love opera, Mozart, Tchaikovsky’s orchestral works and I’m also pretty keen on contemporary singer/songwriters like John Mayer and Regina Spektor.

Any advice for a good vocal starter CD?

Anything by Bobby McFerrin – he can produce brilliant vocal effects, and has an amazing vocal range and control. He also does some very interesting vocal gymnastics!

Advice for someone wanting to start singing themselves?

Just get singing – sing at home, sing for fun, sing in the shower, sing with your family and don’t try to sound like anyone but yourself. Oh – and join a choir or group of singers for fun!

EVENT DETAILS
Showcasing the Sydney Vocal Arts 
Centre’s most talented performers, and featuring five different choirs, with a special performance from the talented children’s choir, ‘Out of the Blue’. Soloist from operatic arias to jazz classics through to pop and rock.

SATURDAY 13 SEPT, 5pm to 7pm
@ Manly Art Gallery & Museum
West Esplanade, Manly
Cost: $15 adults, $10 Conc & Child
Enquiries: Margi Coen, 9976 5552
info@vac.com.au