CENTRAL Victorian performer Chooka Parker is leading a competition to perform at the Sydney Opera House.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Chooka, 18, from Red Lion, attracted national headlines after appearing on variety program Australia’s Got Talent last year.
He entered the Musicoz Awards 2012 and holds the top position in the people’s choice charts.
The winner will perform at the Sydney Opera House on May 15.
“I have always dreamt of playing at the Sydney Opera House,” Chooka said.
“It is right on the water and such a beautiful building.
“To be able to play there would be great, it would accomplish a big dream.”
Chooka attracted international attention during his stint on Australia’s Got Talent but failed to make the finals.
He grew up in a family without television or internet and was homeschooled.
Chooka taught himself to play piano, inspired by a Mozart CD he found.
His stint under the national spotlight has transformed Chooka’s life.
“It is amazing. It is unbelievable how many things have happened,” he said. “It is almost comical how much my life has changed.
‘‘I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I went on the telly.
“... But I have been able to help people. I feel better about myself because I have been able to help people.”
Chooka has played across Australia since appearing on Australia’s Got Talent. He said he hoped to write music for cartoons and wanted to voice characters in programs.
The Parkers borrowed a television to watch Chooka on national television. The television has since gone back to its owners but the internet has been a new addition.
It has allowed Chooka to stay in contact with his fans from across the globe via his website and Facebook.
“It has been really good. I have been able to develop a strong fan base and get to know them,” he said. “I would love to go overseas and meet some of them.
“One bloke in Russia made a sculpture of me so I sent him a CD as thanks.”
People can vote for Chooka at www.musicoz.org