Beaumaris

“Music for the heart and soul” “inspirational” “moved me to tears”

Beaumaris in Melbourne is named after a town on the island of Anglesey in North Wales – which, incidentally, has one of the most magnificent castles to be found anywhere.  So Victoria Welsh Choir’s first ever performance in Beaumaris on 3rd June was long overdue! 

The concert opened with some Welsh favourites, then soprano Melinda Ash led the choir in a special arrangement of All Through the Night. Other choir numbers included Myfanwy, Anvil Chorus and an arrangement of When the Saints Go Marching In which the choir will sing at the big 500 male voices July 7 concert in London as part of the Bryn Terfel Brynfest and a cultural precursor to the Olympic Games.

Other soloists in the first half were Rhonda Yates (The Doll Aria), Roger Bartlett (The Music of the Night) and Graeme Sanderson (Working Man). Rhonda and Melinda also sang a delightful duet.

Soloists in the second half were Rhonda, Drew Hopkins (who also compèred), Melinda, Roger and Graham Warner. The wonderful sopranos delighted the audience with a superb Flower Duet from Lakmé.

The extremely appreciative audience thoroughly enjoyed the quality of the afternoon’s musical smorgasbord and was happy to lend their own voices in Cwm Rhondda and When the Saints.

Comments from the capacity audience included:

Loved the choice of beautiful melodies sung with beautiful harmony, especially the Welsh ones and musicals. Loved joining in the singing with the audience. ~ Maija

Good music, very well performed. Very enjoyable. ~ Geoffrey

Absolutely wonderful – a magical afternoon – thank you all so much. Inspirational!!  ~ Maggie

Great mix of serious and light-hearted showing the depth of your repertoire – well done. Also lovely to hear the multi-part pieces. Also wonderful to encourage the audience to join in singing. Always a good positive. Loved the commentary/intro to the pieces. ~ Jane

Marvellous performance from the choir and the soloists. ~ Lorraine

Fantastic, enjoyed every minute. ~ Ron

Lovely selection, p0leaseant and friendly rapport with audience. ~ Lyn

I feel you are above criticism! Fantastic. ~ Ian

A great program – mix of traditional and modern plus excellent soloists. Especially the finale! ~ Roy

A most wonderful performance – music for the heart and soul. The ending of the afternoon – the last number – brought tears – my daughter, husband and self were all full of such emotion. Thank you all so much. ~ Cecilia, Lloyd and Kerryn

We thought the concert was wonderful, please advertise your concerts more widely. We attended a concert recently in Betws-y-Coed in the church you will be singing in. It is a lovely village and church. Good luck. ~ Lisa 

An outstanding choir – Men of Harlech moved me to tears. Good wishes for your tour. ~ Ruth

Sir Thomas Beecham said you not only hear music but feel it. We certainly felt the emotions of the music today. We wish you all the best in London and the future. Congratulations. ~ Kerryn, Lloyd and Cecilia