Bairnsdale

“the most moving experience of my life” “sublime moments. Wonderful conductor (fun singalong)” “Sublime singing, uplifting, wonderful harmonies. Can’t fault anything.” “Working Man – sensational and very moving.” “Pianist is brilliant. Harmony is Excellent.” “A beautiful presentation. We are blessed.”

Choristers eagerly looked forward to singing in St Mary’s Catholic Church, the famous ‘painted’ church in the main street of Bairnsdale, a town with an obvious connection to our fellow Celts.

The mini-cathedral was absolutely full with even the small balcony being pressed into service as overflow seating. Patrons were so eager to secure the best places, they began arriving an hour before the start time so that about fifty were happy to catch the tail end of the choir’s rehearsals. Armed with local knowledge, many arrived clutching individual cushions to increase their comfort on the solid wooden pews.

The first song What Would I Do Without My Music was so enthusiastically applauded that everyone knew instinctively that this concert was going to be something extraordinary.

Morte Criste was followed by O Gymru before Geoff Serpell’s animated rendition of Working Man elicited thunderous applause.

Another talented chorister soloist Roger Bartlett charmed patrons with Josh Groban’s lovely ballad You’re Still You. The love theme continued with The Rose, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi and Anfonaf Angel.

Then accomplished and multitasking compère Drew Hopkins was pleased to introduce a surprise guest, Year 11 student Emily Herbert who had received an impromptu lesson from our accompanist Lorna Ogilvie on the previous day. Keen to give an opportunity to a local, Emily was invited to come along to give a public performance of two songs which she was studying for VCE. The first one, Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera showcased her range with a very impressive final high note. Equally confident was her very fine a capella version of the spiritual Deep River.

Then we were into another promised land with Speed Your Journey from Nambucco and the rousing Battle Hymn of the Republic complete with spirited audience participation on the final chorus.

After a well-earned interval, the choir was back with the old favourites Calon Lân and Bells of Aberdovey, followed by Y Deryn Pur with a duet by mellifluous tenors Drew and Rushan Hewawasam, before Men of Harlech in Welsh and then English with more audience singing.

Welsh native speaker Stephen Pepper then settled the assembled company for a humorous but educational session on the easiness of Welsh pronunciation, focusing on the longest Welsh village name.

From the old country to the new with Shelter – Bob Ash masterfully channelling Eric Bogle’s heartfelt sentiments at ending up living in marvellous Australia, a feeling that many choristers and patrons no doubt shared.

As a finale, we launched into a medley from the worldwide triumph of Les Misérables.  As part of the bracket, Rushan caught the pathos of I Dreamed a Dream and Roger and the choir further tugged at the heartstrings on Bring Him Home. In Do You Hear the People Sing, the final words ‘When tomorrow comes’ reverberated around this astounding architectural gem and, just like the people of Paris in the show, the Bairnsdale audience rose up to salute the choir and music team with a powerful standing ovation.

After Fr Michael Willemsen thanked the choir and all the people who were responsible for the concert, we walked off stage to Men of Harlech, then surrounded the audience to sing our farewell with Sunset Poem. It was indeed a very special musical experience for everyone lucky enough to be there, as confirmed by the following comments from members of the audience:

I gave my mother a ticket to your concert for her birthday and have just picked her up. She is quite teary, when I asked her the reason she replied “that was the most moving experience of my life”.  Thank the Welsh Men’s Choir for giving her an extra special Birthday.  Shelly

Excellent, well presented. Most entertaining.  Great concert, very enjoyable.  Graham

Beautiful harmonies, lovely solos, some sublime moments. Wonderful conductor (fun singalong) Thank you for coming to Bairnsdale. X    Bronwyn

The concert was wonderful.   Pat

Excellent entertainment. Special mention – choir conductress with her great sense of humour which showed through the choir.   Beryl

“Working Man” is one of my favourites.   Zenith

Wonderful. I even found my voice. Well Done Everybody.

Most enjoyable. Loved being able to join in. Faleiry is a great conductor – great fun.    Frances.

Sublime singing, uplifting, wonderful harmonies. Can’t fault anything. Come back soon to Bairnsdale.        Elsbeth & Lois.

Really enjoyed the show. Selection of songs was really good. Working Man – sensational and very moving. Great to include the local lass.   Michael

Pianist is brilliant. Harmony is Excellent. Brings back memories of my childhood in Wales. Lovely to see quality performances here!

Just wonderful. Thank you for a beautiful afternoon.

Absolutely wonderful.   Glenda

A beautiful presentation thank you. We are blessed.

We love the choir. Lovely harmonies. We used to be in the Melb. Austrian Choir and sang together at concerts. Much preferred the lovely Welsh songs.  Inge & Willie

An afternoon of excellence.   Maida

Wonderful performance and delighted for it to be one of the very first activities we have joined in since moving to the area – very first time attending the Vic W Choir.