Andrew Swain (right), director of the Dustyesky Choir, leading choir members during a rehearsal in Mullumbimby, where a group of men from rural Australia have discovered music, mateship and a dash of international fame through their Russian choir - despite never living in the country or speaking the language. Photo: AFP
The idea of starting a Russian choir in rural Australia began as a vodka-fuelled lark, but five years on a rag-tag bunch of farmers, lawyers and labourers have become unlikely international folk heroes.
None of them speaks Russian, only one has ever travelled to Russia, and absolutely no one would mistake their tiny coastal hometown of Mullumbimby for Moscow.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
