The Fame Reporter interviewed QPAC’s Choirmaster Timothy Sherlock for The Dolly and Cher Show playing at QPAC’s, Concert Hall on 12 August.
‘Get ready for a heartwarming musical evening with the timeless songs of Dolly Parton and Cher as the acclaimed QPAC Chamber Choir invites you on a nostalgic journey through pop and country.
The Dolly and Cher Show celebrates the enduring power of these two music legends who have never gone out of style with unforgettable harmonies and powerhouse hits.
With a rich legacy of imaginative performances and sold-out concerts, the QPAC Choir has become one of Brisbane’s most beloved vocal ensembles. Known for their spine-tingling arrangements and joyful energy, this special showcase performance captures the spirit and soul of two artists who’ve transcended generations.
Relive the magic of songs that never left our hearts including “I Got You Babe”, “Jolene”, “Islands in the Stream”, “9 to 5”, and “If I Could Turn Back Time”. From glittering pop anthems to heartfelt country ballads, every number will stir your memories and lift your spirits.
Whether you danced to “Believe” or shed a tear to “I Will Always Love You”, this concert is a chance to honour two women who have reinvented themselves across multiple generations and created the soundtrack of our lives.’
We had the exciting chance to sit down with the QPAC Choirmaster to talk about his role, his extensive knowledge of both divas, Dolly Parton and Cher and more.
The Dolly and Cher Show is such a fun and unique concept — how did you approach preparing the QPAC Chamber Choir for this kind of high-energy, pop-inspired performance?
When I realised that Dolly and Cher were born in the same year (1946), it sparked a little moment of inspiration.
I thought The Dolly and Cher Show could be an interesting concert concept (kind of a pun on the Sonny and Cher Show!) And the fact that they both have had such longevity in many genres meant that the concert would be sure to have variety and range in terms of repertoire.
You’ve conducted everything from handbell symposia to solemn commemorative services at Gallipoli. How does working on a show like this compare to those experiences?
Conducting over 650 handbell massed ringers from around the world in Vancouver was a thrilling experience proving that music really is an international language. The opportunity to prepare high school students in representing Australia at the ANZAC centenary commemorations was a very spiritual experience.
By contrast, the Dolly and Cher Show is a joyful celebration of the impact that two global icons have had on pop culture, music, fashion and film.
But all three opportunities were about groups of musicians connecting to tell stories.
What do you think audiences will enjoy most about hearing Dolly and Cher’s music performed by a choir?
I think they will enjoy the choral arrangements. With Cher’s low contralto voice, her songs fall naturally in a range for the tenors and basses and the arrangements provide a fresh take on the songs. They’ll be familiar but enhanced through the rich lens of choral music.
As someone deeply experienced in both education and performance, what do you hope your singers take away from participating in a show like this?
I hope they appreciate the tremendous cultural legacy, longevity and musicality that Dolly and Cher represent.
Dolly’s prolific songwriting and Cher’s unique voice have been enjoyed by audiences for 7 decades! And Cher is the only singer to have achieved a Billboard number one hit in each decade from the 1960s to the 2020s!
What’s your favourite Dolly or Cher song to conduct?
I really enjoy Dolly’s Here You Come Again. It is a piece of pop perfection written by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann and Dolly was hesitant to record it for fear of offending her country fans. But we are glad she did – and it became her breakthrough pop hit.
One word to describe The Dolly and Cher Show?
Fabulous!
If you could work with any other pop icon’s music for a choral show, who would it be?
I’ve already covered a lot of them such as ABBA and the various legendary Motown artists, but I think we could take a deep dive into the music of the BeeGees, featuring another long and varied catalogue of classic songs.
Do you have a pre-show ritual or tradition before stepping on stage?
I try to stay calm because I do get nervous when presenting a show like this. I perform various roles: MC, researcher, conductor and educator so there’s a lot for me to do!
TICKETS
Playing at Concert Hall, QPAC on 12 August
All photos – Supplied
The Fame Reporter 