Testimonials

Colleen Dixon
(Publicity Manager, Fairbridge Folk Festival - Newsletter of Voice Moves No 49, May/June 2006, p4 )

“… the chapel opened with a polished performance by Summerhouse.....the group’s good use of percussion, movement and a variety of soloists complemented the classy arrangements and extraordinary material we have come to expect. ”

Stephen Taberner
(Composer, performer, conductor of Melbourne Millennium Chorus)

“… a sense of detail, attention to blending, and generally vibrant vibe which makes them definitely one of the sweetest small vocal groups I’ve heard in Australia”

Graham Mason
(Coordinator, Denmark Festival of Voice)

“Your stage presence was exceptional and the range of songs that you sung with tight harmonies entranced the audience. You have truly become a top class a cappella group, one of the very finest in Perth and capable of standing amongst Australia's. I have no hesitation in recommending Summerhouse, and I hope you rise to further heights of excellence.”

Rachel Hore
(Vocalist and choral director/arranger)

“Summerhouse are a bunch of ten gorgeous individuals who sing collectively with grace, sensitivity, humour and a great sense of groove. One of my most favourite choirs, I wish I lived closer to them!”

Eddie Perfect
(Ex-director of Summerhouse, songwriter, Cabaret Artist)

"…something magic about hanging out and singing with all of you each Saturday"

Carmel Charlton
SMOKE FREE WA BROOKTON MUSIC MIX 2006 (WA Folk Federation Festival)

“There were many memorable performances. Among them were the highly original a cappella vocal and percussion ensemble ‘Summerhouse’. Their repertoire took the audience from the spirit of Africa to the heart of the Blues Mountains. They had the audience spellbound with their amazing sound and harmonies.”

Clare Kirke
(“Two Up Two Down” Community Choir, Kalgoorlie) 

The a cappella ensemble “ Summerhouse” has had a significant influence on Kalgoorlie’s two year old fledgling community choir “Two Up Two Down”.  They have been most generous in freely allowing some of their music and arrangements to be taught to us through local workshops in Kalgoorlie by one of their members.  Those of us who attended the 2005 Denmark Festival of Voice found the “ Summerhouse” performance style to be truly inspirational, and we have been motivated to incorporate some of their techniques for our own performances. In particular, the sense that they are really enjoying themselves when performing has struck us, more so than any other group we have watched.

John Bath
(Newsletter of Voice Moves, Vol 5, Iss 2, No 43 March/April 2005, p14)

“This group was the highlight of the evening [that included Simon Nield and Dawn Fish, and Jabula] for me … they had not only a great sound but also a marvellous variety of songs in their presentation.”

Peter Prisgrove
(Newsletter of Voice Moves No 26, January / February 2002, p8)

“Much of the music was sung quite softly but with clarity and control that created intensity and focus ... an obvious affection for [the] harmonic and rhythmic qualities [of African music] but without trying to copy African voice qualities”

Nela Trifkovic
(Guest director, Edith Cowan University, Music Ph.D. student)

"Beautiful. You sing with one breath"

Eartha Kitt
"I don't believe I've ever heard them"

Peter Prisgrove
(Newsletter of Voice Moves No 28, May/June 2002, p3)

“It was very much a world music set, sung with a dynamic warmth and accuracy that few other groups can equal. Their mastery of rhythm was very impressive and this was decorated but not overpowered by some percussion .”

Simon Nield
(Songwriter and guest director)

"Jesus. I can't believe you sang that song!"