Locals benefited from the beautiful voices and peaceful meditation practice of a unique musical experience, known as Music of Joy, which recently toured the Snowy Monaro.

Music of Joy is a renowned multicultural music group that has travelled the world and is based in Sydney. The group’s dynamic energy involves performances by more than 20 musicians from many cultures who share their joyful and uplifting repertoire, which transcends cultural boundaries with music from India, China, Russia, Africa and Australia.

Members performed a number of free concerts for local school students, as well as the public.

On Saturday, 20 September at the Monaro High School auditorium, two community concerts were performed, after the group had also visited two schools on Thursday, 18 September and two on Friday, 19 September in Jindabyne and Cooma.

Hosted by Sahaja Yoga Meditation Australia the programs at the high school auditorium featured Sahaja yoga meditation - which all the members of the group practice - to introduce to the audience a way of finding peace and balance within themselves, supported by music to help them transcend to that state promoting mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well being.

All ages, ranging from children to senior community members, attended the community concert program.

The music group was very pleased with the success of the concerts, with members of the audience requesting a return visit.

A member of Music of Joy, Margaret Gerada, said the program consists of a free four-day online follow-up program, which can be found on www.freemeditation.com.au/cooma

“It’s not just for the people who were at the concert, it’s for everyone,” Margaret said.

“They can also join in daily live and recorded sessions on Zoom and YouTube and our whatsapp support group. All the links are on the website.”