Echuca

“Lovely mix” “Inspiring and soul-filling” “uplifting and touching voices” “No changes needed.” “You can’t improve on perfection”

On 19th April the choir was delighted to head to the very northern boundary of Victoria to present an afternoon concert at the well-appointed Paramount Theatre. Compère Tony Davies understood that local residents were disappointed a second bridge over the Murray had not been funded but invited them instead to join the choir on a south-north musical bridge between Echuca and Wales.

After the stirring Gwŷr Harlech, the pace was sustained with the opening bracket of Rachie, Morte Criste, Amazing Grace and Cwm Rhondda where the capacity audience had a chance to join in with the rousing choruses.

Ambrose Morgan kept spirits up by recounting an amusing story with Hymns and Arias before the choir sang the beautiful love song Ar Lan Y Môr, followed by the stunning Australian-penned  Pemulwuy.

The mood changed as we remembered the experiences of WW1 at this poignant time of year. Bendigo bass Rob Hopman, accompanying himself on guitar, sang the heart-aching Scots of the Riverina. Continuing the theme, Bob Ash sang unaccompanied the acerbic And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda which visibly affected everyone in the theatre. Then we launched in to a medley of WW1 songs with the audience happy to join in with the familiar words.

The second half launched with the self-affirming What Would I Do Without My Music followed by the lilting Anfonaf Angel and the uplifting Hafan Gobaith and the fiercely patriotic O Gymru.

Bass-baritone Roger Bartlett captivated the audience with the love song You’re Still You, made famous by Josh Groban.

The final presentation was the popular Medley from Les Misérables with Roger soloing on I Dreamed A Dream and Bring Him Home. As the final optimistic cry echoed round the theatre the palpable feeeling was that the musical bridge had been successfully and emotionally crossed during the afternoon.

There only remained a vote of thanks from local chaplain Alan Corby and an upstanding Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau to bring a very satisfying concert to an end.

Comments from the audience included:

Lovely mix of choir and soloists. Great singing – thank you.

Absolutely splendid! So pleased to see and hear a wonderful choir, wish I could more regularly. Music means a great deal, especially choir, orchestra, musicals and traditional styles.  Yolanda

I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation. The end was especially warming and much appreciated for every song. Thanks for coming to Echuca.

It was fantastic. You can’t improve on perfection. Diolch!!!  Gwyneth

Inspiring and soul-filling, great to hear men’s voices, especially Welsh. Great individual items and story telling through song – come back again.  Ruth

Thank you all for an inspiring, uplifting afternoon. God bless.  Mary

Last year we travelled from Deniliquin to Kyabram. This year to Echuca. Next year four of us will be there. Sensational.  Sally-Ann

A great concert thank you. Impressed by the clear diction and fantastic memory of all the choir. The soloists all added something special too.

Fab! Great, we loved it. No changes needed.  Sandy T (member of Sing Aust Deniliquin)

Thank you for a great afternoon. Thoroughly enjoyed your performance.  Judy

Absolutely wonderful. Keep up your so uplifting and touching voices. Amen.  Vicki

It was great music. Good job by compere and the solo artists.  Rob

Wow! Fantastic! Thank you, come again.  Beryl

Lovely singing. Thank you.  Grace and John

Extraordinary, excellent. Susan

Loved it, loved it and loved it. Diolch yn fawr.  Anna

It was a brilliant concert. You all seemed to enjoy what you do so much, the audience can’t help but catch the enthusiasm. Well done!!  Pam

Fantastic! So many powerful voices. They blended so well and in unison. Great to listen to.  Lola

Excellent. Thank you.  Aileen

Beautiful, heart lifting, emotional. Wonderful choice of music.   Rosemary

Once again a wonderful afternoon of beautiful music. Thank you.  Beth