COCO’S LUNCH with the SAI BROTHERS
Featuring:
COCO’S LUNCH
Lisa Young (voice/percussion)
Gabrielle MacGregor (voice/percussion)
Jacqueline Gawler (voice/percussion)
Emma Gilmartin (voice/percussion)
THE SAI BROTHERS
Sai-Nivaeithan Ravichandhira (mridangam, kanjira)
Sai-Sarangan Ravichandhira (mridangam, kanjira)
Experience the electrifying cross-cultural collaboration of Australia’s magical purveyors of the A Cappella art Coco’s Lunch with The Sai Brothers as together they unite in a groundbreaking fusion of East and West. In a bold exploration of creativity, these musicians forge a distinct language and style that brings together the sublime vocal textures of Coco’s Lunch with the virtuosic rhythmic energy of renowned siblings The Sai Brothers on mridangam and kanjira.
With Coco’s Lunch member Dr. Lisa Young’s mastery as a konnakol (South Indian vocal percussion) artist and a shared lineage between Coco’s Lunch and The Sai Brothers, this collaboration unveils a new dimension of artistic expression, expanding the original work of the Coco’s Lunch composers. Audiences will love being immersed in songs from the celebrated album Misra Chappu, including the video single Tha Thin Tha as well as Young’s award-winning composition Other Plans, which was recently showcased as the opening choral piece at Bjork’s concert for the Perth International Arts Festival (and won Best Song Composed at the Australian A Cappella Festival).
Known internationally for their rhythmic prowess, ensemble-composed konnakol, soulful lyrics and skintight harmonies, Coco’s Lunch with the Sai Brothers offers a transcendent musical experience that resonates both locally and globally - and is a must-see incarnation for existing fans of Coco’s Lunch. Premiered at Melbourne Recital Centre in 2023, the collaboration received a standing ovation and 4 star review in The Age (see below).
FORMAT:
Coco’s Lunch with the Sai Brothers perform a 60 minute set that showcases Indian-inspired compositions, exhilarating konnakol (South Indian vocal percussion), mridangam / vocal improvisation, and some of the group’s well-loved English lyric material underpinned by Indian percussion.
“Prodigiously talented, both individually and as an ensemble…” — The Hindu, INDIA
“While Lisa Young weaves intricate konnakol throughout the vivifying melodies, the harmony and sweetness of the voices is just compelling. Most admirable for a South Indian percussionist is the perfect vocabulary of konnakol.” — Suresh Vaidyanathan (Ghatam Maestro/Percussionist), Chennai India
“This group of women is a national treasure.” — Herald Sun, Melbourne
“CELESTIAL AND SPIRITUAL…” — Kate Ceberano, Generations In Jazz 2024
“Coco’s Lunch is living proof that the world’s first instrument - the human voice - is still the finest and most versatile… As singers they prove that the voice has no bounds…” — The Hindu, INDIA
“Coco’s Lunch is my favourite A Cappella group. A few years ago when I directed the Adelaide International Cabaret Festival I invited them to perform and they were so successful I basked in their reflected glory. Their delectable repertoire is composed and arranged by them and gloriously performed on this new album. They are better than ever.” — Barry Humphries
“This ensemble is world class…Blown away by the harmonies, rhythms and intricacies. Congratulations to all!” — Mike (musician), audience member Tamil Australia Festival 2024
Coco’s Lunch with the Sai Brothers. Archival footage from Melbourne Recital Centre, Primrose Potter Salon, November 2023. This video is for private viewing only - NOT FOR COMMERCIAL OR PUBLIC USE.
COCO’S LUNCH: PERFORMANCES
Featuring:
COCO’S LUNCH
Lisa Young (voice/percussion)
Gabrielle MacGregor (voice/percussion)
Jacqueline Gawler (voice/percussion)
Emma Gilmartin (voice/percussion)
Renowned for their extraordinary song-writing, skin-tight vocal harmonies and stunning live performances, Coco’s Lunch have long been recognised as award-winning pioneers in the composition of innovative Australian vocal music. Coco's Lunch features Melbourne singer/percussionists Gabrielle MacGregor, Lisa Young, Jacqueline Gawler and Emma Gilmartin, and has spent over 20 years winning the hearts of audiences across Australia, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Laos, Taiwan, Germany, Austria, France, New Zealand, Canada and India. With 7 critically acclaimed albums under their belt, these women have received countless awards, been featured on compilation albums worldwide, and inspired a generation of singers and vocal ensembles. Described as a ‘national treasure’ (Herald Sun), the artists in Coco’s Lunch continue to push the boundaries of the genres they blend and merge, creating a distinct voice of unparalleled beauty and originality.
Coco’s Lunch performances showcase a masterful and exuberant feast of gorgeous song-writing, 4 part South Indian vocal percussion and an exhilarating landscape of vocal harmony and rhythm. Their latest album Misra Chappu (pron. miss-rah chah-poo) heralds the birthing of eight bold new pieces of exceptional beauty and unparalleled originality, and forges an adventurous new direction in contemporary vocal music. Composers Lisa Young and Jacqueline Gawler draw deeply from the rich sonic palettes of Australia, India and Africa, and between the four singers a rare alchemy brings these stories to life. Soaring angelic lines and arresting rhythmic interplay, high vibration poetry and breathtaking harmonic movement set a new benchmark for the ensemble.
FORMAT:
Coco’s Lunch in its original quartet lineup can perform any of the following:
2 x 40 min set concert (with interval)
1 x 60-70 min set concert (no interval)
1 x 15 min showcase performance for your corporate event
For variations on the above, please CONTACT US! We’ll be happy to tailor our show to your event.
“As vocal improvisers Coco’s Lunch are some of the best on the international stage... a unique, world-class a cappella act who deserve copious accolades along their journey.” — Vocal Australia (Live Concert review - 4-stars).
“One of Australia’s best exports…” — Vancouver Sun, CANADA.
“Coco’s Lunch is living proof that the world’s first instrument – the human voice – is still the finest and most versatile…As singers they prove that the voice has no bounds…” — The Hindu, INDIA
“To my amazement and joy, the concert I heard was a splendid, dynamic, polished and powerful celebration of the whole range of human emotion served up with a technical ability and stage presence that was simply astonishing… Everywhere they performed Coco’s Lunch received standing ovations and broke records for CD sales.” — Gary Cristall Artist Management, CANADA
COCO’S LUNCH: WORKSHOPS
Coco’s Lunch are renowned educators in their field, and have conducted vocal workshops around the globe at venues and festivals in 13 countries. Their award-winning songs are sung by hundreds of choirs and vocal ensembles throughout the world, and their entire repertoire is published as sheet music available for purchase. Their vocal workshops for the 2011 Polyfollia World Festival & Showcase for Choral Music in FRANCE were translated real-time into French, and they performed and conducted workshops throughout Asia for 10 years with Musica Viva Australia’s Export program.
Coco’s Lunch are warm, inclusive, energetic workshop leaders who are passionate about empowering participants and inspiring them to the next level. They are the only vocal group, to their knowledge, teaching original compositions that feature the exhilarating rhythmic artform known as konnakol (South Indian vocal percussion) in 4 part layers - under the expert tutelage of Coco’s Lunch member Dr. Lisa Young, who recently completed her PhD in the field.
COCO’S LUNCH OFFER CONTRASTING WORKSHOPS THAT FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
Massed Choir Workshop - where participants all work intensively on 1 piece for the duration of the workshop, with an optional performance outcome. The piece may be an existing Coco’s Lunch composition, or may be newly commissioned specially for your event. Dr. Lisa Young has been commissioned by professional vocal ensembles and choirs from all over the world, to create innovative new pieces for performance.
Konnakol Workshop - participants dip their toes into the exhilarating world of South Indian vocal percussion (konnakol), led by Lisa Young who completed her PhD in this captivating artform. Coco’s Lunch teach original compositions and exercises based around ensemble-layered konnakol and singers will experiment with metric modulation and the amazing interlocking world of this beautiful rhythmic language.
Songs for the Soul Workshop - an uplifting workshop experience where singers learn original Coco’s Lunch songs that are enjoyed by choirs and vocal groups all over the world. Featuring English lyrics, stunning vocal harmonies and soulful messages of hope, this workshop focuses on healing songs that speak to the heart and raise the collective vibration!
Chants & Improvisation Workshop - Unleash the creative potential of participants in this workshop that focuses on simple chants as a vehicle for vocal improvisation! As jazz singers in their own right, Coco’s Lunch members are passionate improvisers and love to empower singers to get up and solo their hearts out. Using simple chants and groovy riffs as a canvas, participants volunteer to come out the front for a moment in the spotlight. Spontaneous group improvisation can also be a part of this workshop.
FORMAT:
Coco’s Lunch workshops may be booked for any duration, for example 60 mins, 90 mins, 120 mins, half day or full day. Contact Coco’s Lunch to discuss your specific needs and have a workshop tailored to complement your program.
COCO’S LUNCH: HOUSE CONCERTS
Let Coco's Lunch come to you and create magic in your home. Invite friends and family over, pop some champagne and be treated to a 60 minute performance or workshop by Coco's Lunch - up close and intimate! Conclude the event with nibbles and drinks and mingle with the artists. Cost is $1,600 all inclusive. Included in the package is:
60 minute concert or interactive workshop tailored to your audience/event
Sound system and all equipment hire
Professionally designed electronic flyer to mail out to your invitees
Bonus box set containing all 7 Coco's Lunch albums (physical or digital)
The chance to request 4 of your favourite songs for the setlist.
Maximum of 60 guests. If preferred, an alternate venue (restaurant, hall etc) may be organised/booked by you. Please note - for house concerts outside of Victoria, a touring surcharge will also be added (please contact us for more info).
'Wow, we were overwhelmed by how much joy and delight these five exquisite voices filled our house and hearts with. Coco's are such beautiful, warm and generous women, who share their stories and songs. Their harmonies are sublime: intricate, accurate and extraordinary. Our friends, some of whom had not heard Coco's Lunch before, were completely blown away with their performance and have not stopped raving. It was a magical night of music, exclusively for us!' Peta & Randall, Melbourne