Cranbourne – Côr Bach

“Beautiful harmonising and so evocative” “spine tingling” “most smoothing” “Words couldn’t describe the beautiful music” “soloists showed joy and feeling in all they sang”

On 25th October the choir was pleased to present an afternoon concert in Cranbourne at St John’s Anglican Church, whose congregation includes two of our own choristers.

The opening bracket comprised traditional hymns like Gwŷr Harlech, Rachie, Morte Criste, Gwahoddiad and Cwm Rhondda with the very musical audience joining in with the chorus.

Despite Wales losing out at the Rugby World Cup, Ambrose Morgan entertained everybody with a humorous tale of woe on the rugby theme.

Despite the mounting heat, the choir successfully delivered the a capella Myfanwy on pitch, followed by the carefree Dashenka complete with sound effects by John Evans.

The medley from Les Mis completed the first half, with wonderfully acclaimed solos by Rushan Hewawasam and Roger Bartlett.

The glorious harmonies of What Would I Do Without My Music opened the second half followed by Guardian Angel with a sensitive tenor solo by Rushan. The patriotic O Gymru then prefaced the iconic Battle Hymn of the Republic, where the audience were very happy to participate in the final choruses..

Rushan and Drew Hopkins combined beautifully on Isle of Hope, Isle of Dreams before the whole choir launched into a Celtic medley.  Another patriotic song Anthem Geltaidd was followed by Roger in the lilting Carrickfergus, Barry McMahon in Wild Mountain Thyme, the very soft Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi and then Drew in the spirited Spanish Lady. All soloists received heartfelt applause, and then Roger and Geoff Serpell took everybody through the story of Waltzing Matilda segueing into the Welsh National Anthem with a very enthusiastic audience all up on their feet.

The great afternoon’s musical experience for choir and patrons alike gave way to a fitting end with Eli Jenkins’ Prayer and a fainting tenor, overcome by the relentless heat and by the emotion of the Anthem.   

Postscript: The chorister was ably attended to by the choir’s very competent first-aid officer and by a team of ambos. After an overnight stay for observations he has recovered well albeit with a bruised back. Other choristers and patrons were suitably revived by a generous afternoon tea in the old church. Thanks to all involved in both areas of recovery.

Audience comments included:

Wonderful experience – made me think of my Welsh ancestry. Beautiful harmonising and so evocative.  Malcolm/Stephanie

Beautiful harmony – delight to attend this concert.  Patricia

Many spine tingling moments, beautiful, thank you.

It’s great to listen to people who really know how to sing and understand the words. Good strong voices, pleasure to hear them sing.  June

Loved every minute of it. Keep going – congratulations.  Beryl

Just absolutely fabulous. Words couldn’t describe the beautiful music, the different part singing, from the soloists to the full choir.  Just wonderful!  Looking forward to your next concert. Marina

Very enjoyable concert.  Thelma

Just wonderful – I have heard you perform before.  Mabel

A brilliant performance with soloists who showed joy and feeling in all they sang. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Loved the harmony.

I always like the Welsh choir.

Very enjoyable listening to the wonderful harmonies. The unaccompanied singing is a true test of a choir – it was fantastic.  Love songs in Welsh – you can see the enjoyment on the men’s faces.  Linda

Olé as usual.  Yvonne

Beautiful, most smoothing. Thank you.  Edna

I always enjoy the VW Male Choir. I have heard them on a number of occasions.  Dorothy

Thank you all for singing beautifully in the heat yesterday 25 Oct in Cranbourne, hope all is okay, we all struggled with the heat. Many thanks.  Sandra