Dunkeld Festival
“Absolutely loved the tone, strength, harmony” “Powerful … really ensnared the audience” “Bob’s ‘Working Man’ is AWESOME – people in tears” “Absolutely loved the tone, strength, harmony” “the best thing I have been to for a long time”
On 18th October Victoria Welsh Male Choir was delighted to be chosen to present a concert to launch the Dunkeld Mosaic Festival. The venue was the biggest shearing shed most of us had seen and there were naturally a few problems in setting up an appropriate sound system. But, as usual, our techies got it sorted out and all was well, particularly when the capacity audience arrived in coats and scarves to enjoy their wine and canapés before settling down to the concert.
In probably another first, choristers and their partners were supplied with soup and rolls at the nearby magnificent farmhouse and choristers were able to change in the most well-appointed rooms made available to us for many a year. Our host, Mrs Suzie Clarke was wonderfully welcoming despite being stricken with pneumonia which, alas, rendered it impossible for her to attend the concert. Our thanks go out to her and the Dunkeld Festival organisers.
An opening bracket of Welsh favourites finished with an opportunity for the audience to warm up their voices with the Songs of Praises chorus.
Ambrose Morgan gave a polished performance of Hymns and Arias and a specially written new verse which was particular to Dunkeld residents, hit the mark. The next bracket culminated with a fine rendition of Working Man by Bob Ash. This was followed by a beautifully modulated duet by ever-busy compere Drew Hopkins and Rushan Hewawasam with Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears.
The first half closed with patrons being able to join in once again with numerous choruses of When the Saints.
The second half featured a veritable smorgasbord of musical talent drawn from members of the choir. Tom Morgan, Alex van Mens and Colin Edwards strongly stirred up the Scots with Highland Cathedral and Stephen Pepper involved and amused the audience with a well structured Welsh lesson.
Barry McMahon was a suitably Stout-Hearted Man, Gordon Parsons skilfully guided us All Through the Night and Ed Hughes got everybody rocking with Little Deuce Coupe. John Hales and Geoff Serpell charmed everybody with the clever and droll Gendarmes’ Duet, complete with articles designed for corporal punishment.
In the Les Mis medley, the choir was joined by Rushan once again with the emotional Bring Him Home. Finally, Drew and Geoff and the choir surprised but delighted many patrons with a modern arrangement of Waltzing Matilda segueing into the Welsh National Anthem. And what more fitting surroundings when singing about a jumbuck than the choir proudly standing up in front of half a dozen shearing machines.
The sold-out venue was, by this time, a little chilly but instead of the swagman jumping up, the whole audience rose to give the choir and music team a well-deserved standing ovation. Another really marvellous concert, according to everyone there.
Audience comments:
Just the best evening ever. Hope to see and hear you in Penshurst in the future. Thanks. Margaret (P.O Box 86, Penshurst 3289)
Powerful opening songs and familiar tunes really ensnared the audience. The audience loved singing along. Bob’s Working Man is AWESOME – people in tears everywhere! Anfonaf Angel and Isle of Hope duet were lovely. People love the harmonies, the powerful choruses and the pathos/passion of the songs. This was a very good programme.
Great ending with EJ’s Prayer. ~ Ann
Absolutely marvellous evening. ~ Zilma
Absolutely loved the tone, strength, harmony. The last part from positions within the audience was a perfect ending to the night. THANK YOU! ~ Iris
Wonderful – the best thing I have been to for a long time. Please come again soon. ~ Sally
Fabulous. Thank you. ~ Robin J.