Shepparton

“it’s like I have died and gone to heaven” “stirs your heart” “giving me goose bumps” “uplifting singing” “remarkable harmony” “Musical director – a delight”

This concert on 26th September was specifically organised as a musical tribute to the ANZACS at the Riverlinks Eastbank theatre in Shepparton.

After an opening bracket of Welsh favourites, guest artist Sarah Lynn enchanted the audience with Come By the Hills and As If We Never Said Goodbye. She then joined the choir in Benedictus.

Compere Bob Ash launched into the WW1 bracket with the sobering And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda.  In contrast, 90-year-old baritone Bill Denholm amused the ‘troops’ with I Hate Getting Up In The Morning and then the choir and audience ran through some well-known songs from that era.

Rob Hopman accompanied himself on guitar in the haunting tale of The Scotts of the Riverina.

The second half included a WW2 set with Carrickfergus (solo by Roger Bartlett), Wild Mountain Thyme (Barry McMahon) and Spanish Lady  (Drew Hopkins with flamenco dance by the versatile Sarah). Graeme Sanderson finished the bracket with a stirring and patriotic There’ll Always Be Australia.

Sarah also sang by herself in the wistful Lili Marlene and a spirited Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. She joined the choir in Guardian Angel, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, White Cliffs of Dover and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

During the concert the audience was able to watch a continuously changing photographic show on both sides of the stage. With the choir’s and the soloists’ specially chosen songs, it was a particularly effective themed concert, much appreciated by all, as can be read in these comments:

You were all in excellent form – remarkable harmony throughout. Envied the pianist and your inspiring conductor!! Sarah is a STAR – A wonderful afternoon.  Arthur and Lurline

Enjoyed every minute. Beautiful choir – Sarah has a magnificent voice. Would love to see her dance! Musical director – a delight. Please come again.  Jan

I saw them at St Augustine’s Church last time they came and was so happy to have them come back again – it’s like I have died and gone to heaven. Thank you all so much.  Irene

Thoroughly enjoyed the singers and the lovely program.

Excellent show – would love you to come back.  Betty

Very enjoyable and friendly.

Absolute pleasure to hear the rich blend of the men’s voices. Wonderful selection of songs. A lovely afternoon’s entertainment.  Dinah

Wonderful performance – thoroughly enjoyable and moving. The humour of the MC added to the entertainment.

Bringing back my childhood when my mother was ill and I went to Wales.  Anne and Jean

Loved the selection.

Great concert.  Astrid

Conductor good. Singer good.  Julia

Most enjoyable. We are grateful to you all for coming this far away from home. Do you ever perform for schools? It would be a good way to introduce kids to good choral music.  Jill

Most enjoyable – love the laconic laid-back manner of your compère – Bob Ash. Your musical director Faleiry is very inclusive -and well, the choir? Just marvellous – harmony and volume – stirs your heart.  Gail

Fantastic concert. The singing is giving me goose bumps – beautiful melodies and a great master of ceremonies.   Mary

Very very enjoyable.  Margaret

Excellent presentation – uplifting singing and well rehearsed – well done. Enjoyed soloist and compère fun! Thank you for lovely music and memories.  Elizabeth

Excellent concert.  MC is entertaining.  Madeline

A lovely concert. The female soloist was delightful. Some items were very moving. Good to have audience involvement.  Helen

A great experience. Well worth hearing. I grew up with the songs being sung.  Pat

Thoroughly enjoying it.  Val

It is a wonderful concert. We have Welsh ancestors and love to hear Welsh songs sung by a Welsh choir. Thank you for coming to Shepparton.  Margaret

Excellent – beautiful voices and music choices. Please come back to Shep and please bring Sarah too – gorgeous voice.  Lynette

Absolutely wonderful afternoon’s entertainment – any music at any time would be perfect.

Wonderful singing and all round production. Enjoyed the light and shade. Thank you.