Ballarat with David Hobson

“skill and professionalism” “such a good show” ” I let the music transport me” “Could have listened all night” “David is a real Ballarat treasure” ” What an amazing, beautiful, musical and emotional night. We were rapt!”

The choir was delighted once again to be singing with Ballarat’s favourite son, David Hobson on 17 October at the Wendouree Performing Arts Centre. Some 500 people came to be entertained by David and by the choir.

The opening bracket kicked off with Men of Harlech in Welsh, the old favourite hymn Morte Criste, the modern patriotic song O Gymru and the rousing Battle Hymn of the Republic, with the enthusiastic audience joining in with the final choruses.

Thoroughly warmed up, they welcomed David on to the stage with great applause before he dazzled all with his wonderfully wide repertoire. Starting off with the fiery Mattinata by Ruggiero Leoncavallo, written for Caruso, his beautiful tenor voice enhanced the intricacies of  Benjamin Britten’s arrangements of British folk songs, made up of The Salley Gardens, The Ash Grove, O Waly Waly, and Oliver Cromwell.

The choir then joined him as backing to his lullaby Suo Gân before Faleiry positioned herself at the harp to accompany him on classic folk song Dafydd Y Garreg Wen.

The four-part harmonies of What Would I Do Without My Music gave many patrons goose-bumps, as reported later.

There followed a choral WW1 Medley including David’s beautiful rendition of Roses of Picardy. The audience willingly sang along to the choruses and finished the first half with Smile, Smile, Smile.

To open the second half David surprised all his fans by flamboyantly leaping straight on to the piano to mock-seriously tell the sad tale of Little Miss Muffet – with acknowledgements to Dudley Moore, Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears. He then thrilled the audience with his sheer versatility in presenting first an Irish folk-song – The Maid of Culmore (his own arrangement) and then Granada by Agustin Lara, accompanied by some nifty choreography. Drawing on his recent Broadway to La Scala concerts, David entranced everybody with a finely modulated rendition of Bring Him Home from Les Misérables.

Melanie Ash’s bell-like soprano voice was magnificent as the soloist in Sanctus and then the choir showed how they could sing, not only without music but also without accompaniment in Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi. Then it was time to showcase another soloist, this time the melodious baritone of Roger Bartlett in Guardian Angel, to great acclaim from the packed theatre.

The choir launched into Anthem Geltaidd before David joined them in the Celtic medley with exemplary diction and panache in Shenandoah, Danny Boy, a thumping Wild Mountain Thyme, All Through The Night and a very spirited Spanish Lady with David on a retuned flamenco guitar and a few fancy moves, harking back to his Dancing With The Stars days.

Throughout the concert David had been chatting with the audience, many of who knew him personally, of course. But such is his popularity the concert also attracted quite a few people from other parts of Victoria including many from Melbourne. One couple even came over from Adelaide.

Another Welsh favourite Cwm Rhondda saw David once again joining with the choir for a brilliant finale with patrons joining in with the final strains of Bread of Heaven just like our very own rugby crowd.

Off David went, but his devoted audience had not heard enough. Thankfully he reappeared and, with the choir, reprised the song which he sings at Carols by Candlelight every year, the wonderful Holy City.

As the final soaring lines echoed out, the theatre responded as one and rose to their feet in thunderous acclamation for a totally absorbing and wonderful evening of musicianship. David was equally generous in his inclusive appreciation of the superb music team of Faleiry and Lorna.

Audience feedback included:

What an amazing, beautiful, musical and emotional night. We were rapt!  Rosie

A wonderful night’s entertainment from David Hobson and the choir.

More harp playing please. It was wonderful that David made himself so available to the audience.

My admiration of the skill and professionalism of your wonderful conductor and pianist; Drew Hopkins is pretty good too.

This was the best concert yet. We really enjoy hearing David sing along with the choir. Conductress is excellent too.

Thank you so much for such an enjoyable evening. Thanks for all the work you do to deliver such a good show.

A most joyful evening of song and music. Rave reviews always for David. Wonderful pianist and director. The choir give so much, they were so brilliant. Loved every minute.

We came from Pontypridd in 1956. I always took my parents to see the choir. My Dad was a lovely tenor singer himself. He passed away at 81. Mum, my brother and myself attended the concert. We all felt Dad was with us there.

I thoroughly enjoyed the concert. The choice of music very “audience friendly.” I closed my eyes a few times and let the music transport me. The camaraderie between the choir and David and bits of laughter was a joy.

I really enjoyed the show – excellent.

The first concert we attended in Wesley Church, we talked to Faleiry after, I said never seen a woman before have control over so many men, she just laughed. At least you can understand what they’re singing. Not like today’s singers who just yell.

We just loved it . Could have listened all night. Loved the sing-along.

I am in the U3A choir so appreciate the work that goes into a performance.

Fabulous concert!!!!

David H great as usual.

Would like more programs in west of Melbourne. I won the hamper – very good, many thanks.

We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and left feeling uplifted. Many thanks and all the best.  Wendy

Loved pianist and conductor. Important for involvement of audience. Enjoyed David very much.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening. The choir looked amazing and sounded beautiful. David is a real Ballarat treasure. I hope they all return sooner rather than later.Excellent all round. Loved the Guardian Angel choir member’s voice. Well done.

An extremely entertaining evening. Loved seeing the choir members having fun.

A very intimate concert. Great audience interaction. A really “feel good” event. Loved the harmonies! Loved the harp and the soprano – can’t forget the baritone! All kept the same high standard.

Always good concert when you wish it had gone on longer. Excellent performance.

The choir was very good but the highlight was David. He added some fun into the program and has a superb tenor voice.

Fantastic evening. Balance of music was lovely – some brought tears to my eyes. A truly memorable evening.

What a lovely night. I bought the tickets for my Father-in–Law for Father’s Day and took my Mum too. It was lovely to hear the men’s voices. It was stunning. The shared love of music by all the men from all walks of life was amazing. David Hobson was just a bonus. A fantastic night.

My Grand-daughter and I were thrilled with the concert. We know David of course but the whole concert was a wonderful “feast of music”. Congratulations to everyone involved including the beautiful pianist. My late husband was a musician and came from a Welsh background.

It was all very enjoyable. The relaxed, informal style was very good and I think the audience felt part of the performance. Music choice was good too.