Bendigo

“Great concert put on by such professional people” “executed brilliantly” “Wonderful mix” “Best concert I’ve been to – strong chorus work and great harmonies” “A very professional outfit” “unbeatable value” “unforgettable” “Please come annually”

On 22nd September. a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Victoria Welsh Choir returned to the splendid Capital Theatre in Bendigo after nearly 12 years for its Springtime concert, organised by the choir’s flourishing Bendigo chapter. The audience came ready for an excellent afternoon’s entertainment and this they got in abundance.

Bendigo boy Rob Hopman ably emceed the concert and was the very proud father of Janelle who treated everybody to two contrasting brackets of very distinct and probably little heard songs. Her first two were from shows: Still Hurting from The Last Five Years and I Can Cook Too from On The Town.  Her second bracket, where she accompanied herself on piano, were 20 Años by Omara Portuondo and Bob Dylan’s To Make You Feel My Love. The feedback comments showed how much patrons had enjoyed Janelle’s beautifully sung numbers.  She also sang with the choir on Benedictus, When the Saints Go Marching In, All Through The Night and in the Les Mis finale.

Interspersed in the wide-ranging ensemble choral songs, a number of choristers also featured and added to the musical variety of the concert. Tenors Rushan Hewawasam and Drew Hopkins charmed the audience with the lilting Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears. Graham Warner and Colin Edwards confidently led the choir into Highland Cathedral after a rousing opening by a Bendigo bagpiper Warren Matheson and snare drum by versatile part-time blacksmith Colin Evans. In the Caleidosgob section, Barry McMahon was suitably macho in Stouthearted Men, Ed Hughes got his hips swinging in Little Deuce Coupe and Bob Ash nailed Working Man.  In the Gendarmes’ Duet, Geoff Serpell and John Hales were suitably scary and entertaining, complete with potential head-cracking truncheons. Rushan came back for a second time in the emotionally charged finale with Janelle.

Despite the inherent problems singing from a proscenium arch stage, the acoustics were skilfully sorted out by Bill Denholm and crew and the concert was adjudged to one of our best.  

Audience comments follow:

First time ever and needed to take out some friends in return for services rendered. It was variety packed, with a good dash of fun and humour. Very balanced program, many thanks for a super afternoon. ~ Diane

The presentation, the diversity of content and harmonies were terrific. Loved the audience participation. The a cappella section was well done. Pemulwuy – technically difficult but executed brilliantly. Overall a great afternoon’s entertainment.

Wonderful mix of traditional and modern music. Duets were very good and harmonies of choir were very enjoyable and entertaining.

The show was very good and Janelle Hopman was very good as well.

Men of Harlech start and finish was wonderful. Enjoyed the soloist and the duets very much. Was interested in watching the way different sections of the choir sang, then blended in. The piper stirred my Scottish blood. But my overall favourite was Verdi – Speed your Journey. This was spellbinding. I don’t remember breathing during that!

Drove home singing we’ll Keep a Welcome and all the music is still with me now as I write. THANK YOU ALL.

Thoroughly enjoyed the performance- thank you all.

Fantastic – Very entertaining. Loved the compere as well as his humour. Loved appearance – dress of all – Classy! Very polished overall performance. (new patron)

Very uplifting and very interesting combination of music.

We enjoyed the varied range of familiar songs. The strong united voice of the choir is perfect for the stirring songs and hymns.

Each new concert attended provides a new and delightful surprise of equally excellent quality. Thank you very much.

The choice of solo artists I consider were very good, professional to say the least. Both Kyneton and Bendigo venues are perfect for us and add a further enjoyment. Thank you again for putting on such an enjoyable afternoon. It always takes me back to my early chorister years.

We came out with “a smile on our faces and a glow in our hearts.” Dioch-yn-fawr.

A very professional outfit.

Best concert I’ve been to – lots of strong chorus work and great harmonies. Brilliant guest artist & bagpipes was a bonus. Audience participation & choir soloists very good.

Thoroughly enjoyed the entire performance. Major problem – I wanted to get up and sing along!  Wonderful birthday present – unforgettable.

Special accolades to Faleiry and Lorna and the soloists.

We enjoyed a great concert put on by such professional people. Congratulations!

There was a great variety of duets, which I loved. It was great to see the pianist.

An excellent concert in every respect – unbeatable value for money. Loved it and still singing.

I really enjoyed the repertoire – a good mix.

Venue – easy to book, comfortable, good parking.  Program – Excellent, varied, loved the different styles. Soloist – Amazing, audience loved her.

Outstanding concerts – best concerts I’ve been to. I like the other artists as well as wonderful choir. Janelle outstanding in every way.

Well worth the trip from Melbourne and great excuse for short stay in Bendigo. Rob Hopman did an excellent job as MC and Janelle sang beautifully. My sister and two teenage children took our mother (aged 88 and in a wheelchair) and all enjoyed the concert. Thank you. ~ Lyn

We enjoy the delightful blend of voices & the variety of items. We usually attend the Castlemaine performances. The intimacy of the smaller venues is a real plus although the Capital was excellent too.

Wonderful accompanist.

The entrance of the Scottish Bagpiper was very well received.

Please come annually. Most enjoyable, especially for older people who do not go out at night.

Pemulwuy was incredible, we loved it, well done everyone.