Singing without fear, singing for connection
Serenades across cultures
Join Lala Simpson (vocals), Dayle Anderson (piano), and Jonathan Berkahn (accordion) for an enchanting evening of music, where the soulful melodies of French chanson legends like Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel blend seamlessly with the haunting rhythms of Malagasy icons such as Bessa and Fanja Andriamanantena. Be serenaded by heartfelt songs of love, loss, and romance—an unforgettable night of timeless classics that capture the essence of passion and longing.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Concert Experience – A Night of Music with a Heartfelt Purpose!
Last year, as part of our Cultural Immersion Tour, I had the profound privilege of visiting Mamitiana Orphanage in Madagascar, alongside Stuart Simpson, Rose Ruane, and my nieces and nephews. Located on the eastern side of Antananarivo, the capital, the orphanage was founded by the incredible Madame Hary in 2012. What started as a humble project from her own home has grown into a haven for 54 children, some of whom were rescued from areas where twins are sadly believed to be cursed.
Despite the challenges, the orphanage continues to thrive, relying entirely on the kindness of visitors. They grow their own rice, maintain a small chicken farm, and have a vegetable garden to sustain themselves. But their greatest need is for ongoing support and resources to continue providing for these beautiful children.
By attending our concert, you’ll be helping make a direct impact on the lives of these children. All profits from this concert will go toward completing the construction of a much-needed training center and extra bedrooms at Mamitiana Orphanage in Madagascar, helping provide valuable education and support to the children in their care. In May this year, we raised over $4000 at a fundraising concert and $1700 on Givealittle. Help us raise $2500 more so they can finish the building before the arrival of the rainy season.
Get your tickets here
Join Us for an Unforgettable Concert Experience – A Night of Music with a Heartfelt Purpose!
Last year, as part of our Cultural Immersion Tour, I had the profound privilege of visiting Mamitiana Orphanage in Madagascar, alongside Stuart Simpson, Rose Ruane, and my nieces and nephews. Located on the eastern side of Antananarivo, the capital, the orphanage was founded by the incredible Madame Hary in 2012. What started as a humble project from her own home has grown into a haven for 54 children, some of whom were rescued from areas where twins are sadly believed to be cursed.
Despite the challenges, the orphanage continues to thrive, relying entirely on the kindness of visitors. They grow their own rice, maintain a small chicken farm, and have a vegetable garden to sustain themselves. But their greatest need is for ongoing support and resources to continue providing for these beautiful children.
By attending our concert, you’ll be helping make a direct impact on the lives of these children. All profits from this concert will go toward completing the construction of a much-needed training center and extra bedrooms at Mamitiana Orphanage in Madagascar, helping provide valuable education and support to the children in their care. In May this year, we raised over $4000 at a fundraising concert and $1700 on Givealittle. Help us raise $2500 more so they can finish the building before the arrival of the rainy season.
Get your tickets here
Singing Circle: 29th of November 5pm-6pm. FREE, Koha welcome to cover costs
Join the circle for gentle singing and connection. We will sing and chant to wrap ourselves and the world with songs of peace and compassion.
The songs are easy to pick up with very few words. You will be invited to sing some harmonies as you feel able and have the choice to pick the voice part that works best for you.
Enjoy vocal freedom in a relaxed and supportive environment. Sing for well-being and connection with the world. This session is FREE. KOHA welcome and optional to cover costs.
The Garden Room is situated at the back of St Peter's church. Please bring some flameless candles, a cushion or a blanket if you want to sit on the floor, and bottled water.
The songs are easy to pick up with very few words. You will be invited to sing some harmonies as you feel able and have the choice to pick the voice part that works best for you.
Enjoy vocal freedom in a relaxed and supportive environment. Sing for well-being and connection with the world. This session is FREE. KOHA welcome and optional to cover costs.
The Garden Room is situated at the back of St Peter's church. Please bring some flameless candles, a cushion or a blanket if you want to sit on the floor, and bottled water.
Summer Singing Workshop: 10th -18th of January 2026
Start the new year with intention in a fun and inclusive environment. The beginning of the year is a perfect time to get together and feel the power of community and connection through singing.
Sing for renewal and hope. Sing for harmony, joy, and inspiration. Sing for healing. Sing to regain your strength and empower others.
Spend the 2 days encircled by a community of like-minded people and focusing on your well-being through singing. Rest, connect, and restore. The weekend is carefully planned so there is plenty of time to sing and to rest in between, and the food is delicious!
We will breathe together, listen, create beautiful sounds, let go of our worries, and lift each other to a sense of fulfillment and joy. And to make the event even more special, Lala will be cooking an authentic Malagasy dinner on Saturday night (an experience not to be missed).
Jonathan Berkahn and Lala Simpson have been working together, leading workshops and performing for many years. They are both highly skilled song leaders who lead from the heart and joyfully share their gifts. You will be in safe hands. ALL SINGERS OF ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY ARE WELCOME!!!
Jonathan will teach a mix of pop, folk and original songs, and Lala will teach a mix of songs from South Africa, Georgia, Madagascar and community songs.
If you are coming from out of town, the Home of Compassion offers some accommodation with reasonable rates which includes breakfast. Please contact them directly to enquire [email protected]
SCHEDULE
Saturday, 17th of January: This first part of the retreat will be at the Island Bay Presbyterian Church. We will spend the day singing in the beautiful auditorium and share a Malagasy meal cooked by Lala at the end of the day. Morning tea, afternoon tea, and dinner provided. Please BYO lunch.
Sunday, 18th of January: We will be singing in the Lyon Room at the Home of Compassion in Island Bay. We will finish the day singing the songs we learn through the weekend at a FREE community concert in the Chapel. Morning tea, afternoon tea, and lunch provided.
The Island Bay Presbyterian Church and the Home of Compassion are within walking distance of each other.
Bring a water bottle, swimming togs if you want to swim in Island Bay during lunch time, and a picnic mat for eating outside.
TICKETS
Early bird: $240 if paid by the 15th of December. Bank transfer details here or $230+fees on Humanitix
General admission: $270 if paid after the 15th of December. Bank transfer details here or $260+fees on Humanitix
Sing for renewal and hope. Sing for harmony, joy, and inspiration. Sing for healing. Sing to regain your strength and empower others.
Spend the 2 days encircled by a community of like-minded people and focusing on your well-being through singing. Rest, connect, and restore. The weekend is carefully planned so there is plenty of time to sing and to rest in between, and the food is delicious!
We will breathe together, listen, create beautiful sounds, let go of our worries, and lift each other to a sense of fulfillment and joy. And to make the event even more special, Lala will be cooking an authentic Malagasy dinner on Saturday night (an experience not to be missed).
Jonathan Berkahn and Lala Simpson have been working together, leading workshops and performing for many years. They are both highly skilled song leaders who lead from the heart and joyfully share their gifts. You will be in safe hands. ALL SINGERS OF ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY ARE WELCOME!!!
Jonathan will teach a mix of pop, folk and original songs, and Lala will teach a mix of songs from South Africa, Georgia, Madagascar and community songs.
If you are coming from out of town, the Home of Compassion offers some accommodation with reasonable rates which includes breakfast. Please contact them directly to enquire [email protected]
SCHEDULE
Saturday, 17th of January: This first part of the retreat will be at the Island Bay Presbyterian Church. We will spend the day singing in the beautiful auditorium and share a Malagasy meal cooked by Lala at the end of the day. Morning tea, afternoon tea, and dinner provided. Please BYO lunch.
Sunday, 18th of January: We will be singing in the Lyon Room at the Home of Compassion in Island Bay. We will finish the day singing the songs we learn through the weekend at a FREE community concert in the Chapel. Morning tea, afternoon tea, and lunch provided.
The Island Bay Presbyterian Church and the Home of Compassion are within walking distance of each other.
Bring a water bottle, swimming togs if you want to swim in Island Bay during lunch time, and a picnic mat for eating outside.
TICKETS
Early bird: $240 if paid by the 15th of December. Bank transfer details here or $230+fees on Humanitix
General admission: $270 if paid after the 15th of December. Bank transfer details here or $260+fees on Humanitix
Madagascar Cross-Cultural Immersion Tour: 25th of September-15th of October 2026
Looking for a trip with meaning and all the while having fun? Love to learn a new culture and interact with locals? Don't want to go on yet another tourist trip? Ever wanted to visit Madagascar but don't quite know how to make it happen?
Join us in 2026 for the trip of a lifetime. Be part of a small group tour that is led by knowledgeable locals with deep connections to the country. This trip will give you an insider's view of what Madagascar is truly about. It will be a feast for the senses and an authentic way to experience this fascinating Island.
Spend time sharing food and stories with locals, marvel at the country's unique fauna and flora, get serenaded by the mesmerising singing, dance with energetic rhythms, and get blown away by the stunning, ever-changing landscape.
We will travel across the Central Highlands, take a detour to a rainforest before heading out to the rocky South for spiny forest and gorgeous beaches. And that's just the beginning!
Interested? Email [email protected] for more info or register here
Join us in 2026 for the trip of a lifetime. Be part of a small group tour that is led by knowledgeable locals with deep connections to the country. This trip will give you an insider's view of what Madagascar is truly about. It will be a feast for the senses and an authentic way to experience this fascinating Island.
Spend time sharing food and stories with locals, marvel at the country's unique fauna and flora, get serenaded by the mesmerising singing, dance with energetic rhythms, and get blown away by the stunning, ever-changing landscape.
We will travel across the Central Highlands, take a detour to a rainforest before heading out to the rocky South for spiny forest and gorgeous beaches. And that's just the beginning!
Interested? Email [email protected] for more info or register here