A Multilingual Triumph

Patrons are used to hearing plenty of Welsh tunes at our annual St David’s Day concert but this year, thanks to Northern Territory entertainers Ted Egan and his Welsh wife Nerys Evans, a few extra languages were thrown into the mix.

Visiting conductor from Wales, Ilid Anne Jones, delighted the audience with her insights into a number of the classic tunes from the Welsh male voice choir canon like Gwahoddiad, Aberystwyth and Blaenwern.  Her sensitive and spirited conducting brought out the best from the choir, causing the Deputy Musical Director’s hair to stand on end! Some powerful amens echoed around the Robert Blackwood Hall impressing audience and choir alike. The choir was equally at home with wonderfully controlled  quiet a capella singing in Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi and Myfanwy.

Nerys gave everyone a lesson in penillion singing where the vocalist sings one tune against a different tune on the harp. Faleiry’s smaller harp also came into action with the celebrated Huw Jones on his concert harp in a bracket called Hwyl Telyn (Harp Fun).

Ted Egan entertained the audience with his distinctive unaccompanied ballads, this time without his customary empty beer carton.

In closing the first half, he and Nerys, along with Ilid (above) and her husband Dewi (who sang in the choir bass section all evening), featured in a rousing new arrangement of When The Saints Go Marching In.

After another Welsh bracket, the harp bracket and a couple of songs from Ted and Nerys, the much anticipated world première of Cyswllt (Connection) was launched by Ted speaking about the importance of keeping languages alive, as has been proved particularly by Welsh and Hebrew in recent times. Welsh verses were interspersed by Tiwi, Nganyatjara and a verse sung a capella in Maori by three Maori entertainers (they also sung a couple of numbers by themselves which stunned the audience with their wonderful harmonies).

In keeping with the multilingual theme, Ted then sang the first verse of the Australian National Anthem in Luritja before the choir and audience joined in in English.

As the choir and audience remained standing, Nerys and Ilid proudly sang the Welsh Anthem with the choir to top out this incredible concert.

Audience feedback included:

We have always enjoyed the concerts. Whilst not being Welsh speaking the varied programs always contain music that is easily recognized and appreciated. Keep up the good work.

The choir was excellent and Ilid drew some exquisitely evocative, beautiful renditions of old favourites – some tear jerkers. 

I don’t feel you can improve on perfection.

I loved the way Ilid got the very best out of the choir. The “Amens” gave me goose bumps. Huw Jones – what can you say, an absolute legend. ~ Joan

I was very pleased to return to Robert Blackwood Hall as it is much easier to access and for parking. I did love the conductor and also the level of Welsh spoken, as a St. David’s Day concert I feel there should be emphasis on the language, even though I understand very little. I always love seeing Huw Jones and enjoyed the variety of culture given by Ted and Nerys.

We always look forward to the St. David’s Day concert and this one was most enjoyable as usual.

Good balance of material from other cultures.

Audience as usual very appreciative and the feelings of especial friendliness was maintained. Delightful concert, look forward to the next concert. (new audience member)

Drew Hopkins compered very well.

Really appreciate the background stories to the songs. It increased my enjoyment and sensitivity. I enjoyed Ted Egan and his stories about songs and the wide world song he has created.

Thank you for a warm and entertaining evening. Guest artists were professional but still relaxed.

Ilid Jones was excellent, as was the choir. Well done again.

The harp duet was quite a surprise and very enjoyable.

I loved every minute.

Prefer Monash as parking is available, seats are comfortable and sound is high quality.

Wonderful evening and very talented performers. Well done. It’s a joy to see a choir who clearly enjoy what they do so much!

As good as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!

Comments suggesting improvements were equally appreciated and will help us to keep getting better.