It was a chilly autumn Saturday, yet a select group of NBCA Performing choristers braved the weather for a performance at Federation Square. Our Performing choristers were invited to sing the National Anthem at the Multicultural Festival and Buddha’s Day celebrations on May 19. Buddha’s Day is a particularly important day on the Buddhist calendar, with families celebrating the birth of Buddha. The public event also promotes inclusiveness, cultural awareness, cultural understanding within the Melbourne community and enhances community spirit and social harmony. The event – complete with Buddhist ceremonies, art, music and customary dragon dances – marked a special occasion for select choristers in the group. The performance was the first public ‘gig’ outside NBCA’s own concert series for some of our first year Performing choristers; graduates from last year’s Junior Choir.