Many music lovers can attest to the incredible way music brings people together.

There are few better examples of this than Melbourne Sings, a community choir which is part musical melting pot, part social collaboration. The unusual choir brings together members of Melbourne’s business community and some of Melbourne’s disadvantaged and new migrant population.

In this relaxed environment, it is not only the music which takes centre stage, language barriers are dissolved, unexpected friendships form, those who need help and support receive it and a wide variety of skills and interests enable great things to happen. This balance of professional mentoring and musical collaboration helps all members of the choir realise their potential, both personally and professionally.

The choir is just one of many projects to have been created by Tania de Jong whose impressive resume includes such diverse roles as professional opera singer, motivational speaker and business award winner. Drawing on her experience as a performer, along with her passion for social innovation, she has established some amazing projects which benefit individuals from all walks of life.

Tania’s vision, creativity and social conscience has led her to establish choirs in Dandenong, Geelong and Footscray as well as at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and at Orygen Youth Health. Docklands residents should take note, as Docklands is next on the list. What better way to get involved with other members of your local community?

Tania’s newest project is Creative Innovation 2010 - a two-day seminar to be held in September. Creative Innovation recognises the need for innovation and creativity in business and social enterprise and provides a platform for entrepreneurs and professionals to engage in conversation and test their ideas with fellow entrepreneurs and some of the brightest minds in the field of innovation. The seminars will challenge businesses and individuals to re-examine the ways we conceive the future and force those in positions of influence to prioritise leadership for the benefit of wellbeing, engagement and productivity.

The highlights of the two day program will be the concert series including With One Voice - a performance which will showcase the musical talents of an incredibly diverse range of people, from Melbourne CEOs to people with mental or physical disabilities.

Clearly, Tania is not one to rest on her laurels. Instead she is constantly striving to help others achieve new levels of social and creative engagement. What an inspiring example for all of us to follow.

Creative Innovation Conference 2010
8-10 September Melbourne Recital Centre
tania@creativeuniverse.com.au
Register: www.ci2010.com.au