Thursday’s Child is a vibrant a cappella group from Melbourne, Australia. In 2018, local choral heavyweights Luke Stevenson and Claire Patti sat down over a cup of tea to chat about contemporary a cappella and the opportunity to work together as part of a new ensemble that would bring together contemporary and jazz a cappella music with folk and world influences.
They spent the next year assembling a group of skilled singers and performers from around the city; respected jazz vocalist Mel Searle and experienced classical chamber singers Tim Matthews Staindl and Robin Parkin soon came on board, and Thursday’s Child was born in 2019.
Inspired by great vocal outfits like the Real Group, Manhattan Transfer, the Swingles, Pentatonix and Rajaton, the group draws on musical influences from around the world to create a fresh, exciting sound. Performances feature smooth, dynamic vocals and tight, driving rhythms that energise and engage audiences. Wherever you’re from, young and old alike are encouraged to come along and experience the joy of great, high-energy live singing.
CLAIRE PATTI | soprano
An award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist, Claire has toured far and wide with her sassy jazz a cappella vocal quartet the Velvetones and Celtic ensemble Co-cheòl, and has carved a career as an in-demand freelance choral director, arranger and educator for major voice and choral projects around the country. With various musical outfits, she performs genres such as soul, funk, pop, classical, and traditional music of Scotland, Ireland and Sweden, broad interests that have led her to perform internationally with artists such as Bobby McFerrin, the Rolling Stones, Patti LuPone, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and James Morrison. When she isn’t performing, Claire can be found on the social floor at a local swing dancing event.
MEL SEARLE | alto
A consummate performer covering a diverse array of vocal styles and grooves, Mel is considered one of Melbourne’s premier jazz vocalists. Performing regularly at the iconic Paris Cat Jazz Club, Mel is also a featured vocalist with the stellar John Montesante Quintet and Joe Ruberto Trio throughout the year, playing with some of Australia’s finest jazz musicians. In addition to her solo musical pursuits, Mel is passionate about vocal harmony, singing and performing in choirs, vocal and a cappella ensembles, as an in-demand backing vocalist for many years. She is also a talented vocal coach, musical and choral director and enjoys teaching locally and working with a number of school and community vocal ensembles.
ROBIN PARKIN | tenor
An experienced ensemble singer and pianist, Robin cut his teeth as a core member of the acclaimed Adelaide Chamber Singers, with highlights including taking home the coveted “Choir of the World” Pavarotti trophy at Llangollen in 2013. Since moving to Melbourne, he has been a regular performer with Polyphonic Voices, the Consort of Melbourne and Vox Plexus. Back in Adelaide, he co-conducted the Young Adelaide Voices male voice choir and Cantamus choir. As an accompanist, he has played for Conservatorium students, choirs and local productions and worked on the artistic staff of Gondwana National Choral School. In 2015 he was recipient of the Geoffrey Parsons Award, Australia’s premier award for accompanying.
LUKE STEVENSON | baritone & musical director
Widely sought after as an arranger, composer, performer, and educator, Luke Stevenson has won multiple national awards, toured internationally with his ensembles, and conducted his own commissioned works for ensembles, choirs, and orchestras around Australia. Luke works as a coach and educator for bands and ensembles around the UK and Australia, has produced teach tracks for groups around the world and has implemented singing and arranging programs in schools around Australia and overseas. He has worked as a judge for the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella in 2017 and the Voice Festival UK 2017 and 2018, sponsors the AUSACA a cappella festival, and is a current national champion with his quartet the Collective and Mixed Signals.
TIM MATTHEWS STAINDL | bass
Tim Matthews Staindl is a regular on the Melbourne choral and a cappella scene. He began singing at the age of six with the Australian Boys Choir, attending a number of international and domestic tours, and later worked as a musical tutor with the ensemble for the next generation of singers. Tim has performed as both chorister and soloist with a host of choirs and groups around Australia, including the Consort of Melbourne, Australian Chamber Choir, Polyphonic Voices and Vox Plexus. He has shared the stage with such artists as Adele, Meatloaf and Patti LuPone. Tim maintains a busy and varied musical schedule alongside his full-time work as a lawyer.
