This DVD is probably one of the most moving and inspirational documentaries that I have seen in a long time which features former Opera Australia tenor, Jonathon Welch who was inspired by an article that told the story of a group of disadvantaged Canadians who were brought together to create an inspirational choir.

This story moved Welch so greatly that he decided to recreate this message of hope in Melbourne Australia where he donated his own time and labour in an attempt to give the disadvantaged of Melbourne, the chance to create something uniquely beautiful.

This documentary begins with Welsh approaching RecLink, a charity organisation that hosts sporting and recreational events for the disadvantaged of Melbourne and when they put the call out to the homeless, they are inundated with a plethora of people which ends with a choir of around 50 men and women.

Although there is no auditioning for the Choir of Hard Knocks, Welsh sets the ground rules for his choir, asking them to be prompt, polite and most of all have fun. The Choir contains people from all walks of life who have fallen to the wayside of society with many of their stories quite heartbreaking but under the leadership of Welsh, the choir create one of the most inspirational and heartening concerts and CD that I have had the pleasure of hearing.

The original CD that was released by the Choir of Hard Knocks contained the following musical tracks:

• Innanay

• Hallelujah

• Love Is In the Air

• Put A Little Love In Your Heart

• Amazing Grace

• Silent Night

• Somebody To Love

• Jimmy Barnes - Speech

• Flame Trees

• Angel (performed by the Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Youth Chorus)

• Why We Sing (performed by the Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus)

• Little Things Mean A Lot

• Not Pretty Enough

• Happy Together (with the Sydney Street Choir and Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus)

• Freedom Train (with the Sydney Street Choir and Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus)

• Shout (with the Sydney Street Choir and Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus)

and although all the songs are amazing, one cannot but help get teary at their rendition of Hallelujah. Amazing!

With the choir still meeting every Wednesday afternoon, Welsh can rest assured that he has created something that others have only dreamt of giving the homeless... a place, a voice and a family. This documentary features all the hardships that the members of the choir face, including Welsh himself and this DVD is definitely a must have for everyone. Brilliant... amazing... riveting!