Choir of Hard Knocks: A New Chorus premieres on ABC in November – The choir that first connected with Australian television audiences nearly two decades ago returns in a four-part documentary series on Sunday, 29 November at 7.30pm on ABC TV. All episodes of Choir of Hard Knocks: A New Chorus will also be available on ABC iview.
TV Central covered the new series when it entered production earlier this year. The latest announcement gives viewers a premiere date, a first look and the names of the artists joining the choir for its 20th-anniversary concert at Melbourne’s Palais Theatre. The focus remains on the members and the work behind their performance, rather than the concert alone.
Narrated by Spicks and Specks host Adam Hills, the documentary follows rehearsals, personal challenges, reunions and collaborations as the group prepares for its landmark gala. The ABC describes the series as a portrait of belonging and resilience at a time when homelessness and mental health remain pressing issues in Australia.
The choir’s original and current leaders reunite
Founding choirmaster Jonathon Welch AM returns for the anniversary. He handed leadership to current co-artistic directors Danielle Matthews and Adam Przewlocki in 2019. The series follows the three as Welch reconnects with founding members and familiar faces while Matthews and Przewlocki guide the choir towards the Palais Theatre performance.
The four episodes move from intimate rehearsals to the final concert. Members’ stories and the practical work of bringing the event together form the through-line, giving the return a purpose beyond a television reunion.
Who joins the Choir of Hard Knocks?
Missy Higgins, Casey Donovan, Mark Seymour, Kate Miller-Heidke, Christine Anu, Kirk Pengilly and James Morrison are among the performers supporting the choir. Powderfinger’s Bernard Fanning and Darren Middleton also take part. Several of the artists join the choir on stage during the gala, creating collaborations that feature in the documentary’s final performance.
The concert marks 20 years since the choir began. Its original television story introduced many Australians to members who had experienced disadvantage and showed how singing together could build confidence, dignity and connection. A New Chorus revisits that legacy through both familiar and newer members.
Watch the first look
Choir of Hard Knocks: A New Chorus is produced by Eureka Productions, a Fremantle company, for the ABC. The ABC finances the production in association with VicScreen, while Screen NSW supports post-production, digital and visual effects. Gemma Murphy is executive producer and Natalie Cattach is series director. Eureka chief content officer Sonya Wilkes and ABC commissioning editor Rachel Robinson are among the senior creatives, alongside ABC arts, music and events head Kath Earle and documentary and specialist head Susie Jones.
Choir of Hard Knocks: A New Chorus premieres Sunday, 29 November at 7.30pm on ABC TV, with all four episodes available on ABC iview.
For more TV Central coverage, read our earlier story on the series’ return; viewers can find ABC programs on the public ABC iview service.
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