“Gospel choir forming – Buddhists welcome”. So read the sign posted on a café wall in 1986 that started the journey for Café of the Gate of Salvation, the Sydney-based a cappella choir known for its joy, energy…and mighty, mighty sound.
The Café of the Gate of Salvation, http://www.cafeofthegateofsalvation.com.au/ is Sydney’s premier a cappella gospel choir, inspired by the African-American sacred vocal tradition (passionate and exciting music of gospel and spirituals) and by the rousing arrangements and originals from their founding director, Tony Backhouse.
They are a 30-voice choir, of all faiths, who have been performing and delivering workshops continuously since 1986, led by Artistic Director Tony Backhouse and Assistant Conductor Zoe Vrachnas. They sing because they love to, and share their voices to foster inclusiveness, compassion, joy and respect for the traditions of the music they sing.
They have performed at such diverse events as WOMADelaide (1993 and 2005), Melbourne International Festival, the Brisbane Biennale, Festival of Voices (Hobart, in 2016 and 2018) and for Nelson Mandela's 1990 Australian visit. In 1999, the Café toured the United States, singing to acclaim in churches in Harlem (New York), Birmingham (Alabama) and New Orleans. They have also toured extensively around Australia and in New Zealand. The choir performed with the rock-band Powderfinger at the ARIA awards in 2007, with Imogen Heap and many other well-known artists.
Performances for good causes form at least a third of their gigs. They have lent their voices to raising awareness and fundraising for refugees, World AIDS Day, Amnesty International, Walk Against Want, The Hunger Project, climate change, public advocacy, reconciliation, The Wayside Chapel and the Sydney Alliance etc.
COTGOS has released five CDs. The self-titled first release in 1991 won several awards in the American-based CARAs (Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards), including Best Album, Best Song and Best Soloist. The Café's second CD, "A Window in Heaven", was released in 1995 and was nominated for an ARIA award. Their third CD, "Deluxe", was released and well-received in 2004. Claire McKenzie (Brisbane Courier Mail) said "the music sends shivers up your spine and shoots straight for the heart." John Shand (Sydney Morning Herald), reviewing the launch gig for the CD at Sydney's Basement club, remarked upon "the thrilling power of their steepling harmonies and spire-sharp rhythmic cohesion". At their 25th anniversary concert at the Factory Theatre, they released their 4th album “Out of the Archives”, a double-CD featuring live recordings of songs from over the 25 years. The most-recent release “Singing for Freedom” was released in late 2019 and features gospel classics from James Cleveland, Aretha Franklin and others.