Melbourne Singers of Gospel (MSG) is a secular and unauditioned choir based in South Melbourne and performing in the style of the massed congregational gospel choirs of the United States and Southern Africa. MSG sings traditional and contemporary African-American gospel mixed with original songs and arrangements written by Australian artists. Well-known standards are combined with a fresh repertoire of gospel spirituals and ballads as well as lively unaccompanied quartet style songs.

Darren Wicks Musical Director

teaching music since the early 1990’s, Darren has firmly established himself as a leader in the field. His teaching experience encompasses all age groups (from infant to adult) and a variety of contexts (studio, classroom, workshops and conferences). Studies include jazz piano and education at the University of Melbourne and a Master of Music education at Monash University and he is a graduate of the Brisbane Summer Kodály institute. He has completed two study tours to the USA where he has worked with several noted voice scientists, gospel choirs and jazz artists. Darren is currently completing PhD studies in voice pedagogy. He is the author of a number of publications on music education and regularly presents at teacher training workshops and conferences.

Raphael Wong Assistant Musical Director

Currently on Full Merit Scholarship at the University of Melbourne, studying voice under the guidance of Peter Mander. He is an experienced performer, of both musical theatre and classical music. Often recognised for his work as a soloist and member of Vox Synergy, Raphael featured with the ensemble on the television program ‘Battle of the choirs’ in 2008. Raphael has performed as a soloist in the World Youth Day celebrations at St. Patrick’s cathedral and Telstra Dome, Melbourne, and in the Stations of the cross at the Sydney opera House, Sydney. Besides his classical studies, Raphael’s repertoire extends to jazz, pop, musical theatre and other contemporary genres.

Andrew Ogburn MSG’S Accompanist

After formal training in classical piano and jazz did plenty of informal training in the nightclubs of New Orleans. This included the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival with such musical luminaries as Art and Cyril Neville of the Meters and the Neville Brothers, supporting the great US blues singer Betty Harris, New Orleans legend Eddie Bo and US gospel singer Cyndee Peters. In 2008 he represented Australia in the Memphis international Blues challenge. Meanwhile in Australia, blues, roots and rock luminaries Andrew has performed with include Ross Hannaford, Gary Young and Wayne Duncan of Daddy Cool fame, Tim Finn, Chris Wilson, Jeff Lang, Kerri Simpson, Ian