Cranbourne – Côr Bach

“Words cannot describe the amount of pleasure and enjoyment” “Absolutely beautiful!” “fabulous blend of voices” “Loved today’s concert” “Superb afternoon of brilliant, enthusiastic singing”

We were delighted to be back at St John’s after eight months as part of their music series. Our speciality was, naturally, Welsh and Celtic music and our program reflected this.

Congregation members Peter Giles and Tony Downey educated patrons about the various British national anthems, including the choir singing the refrain from Trelawny, and the history of the Celts.

Native Welsh speaker Stephen Pepper skilfully steered the proceedings throughout the afternoon.

The fiercely patriotic O Gymru was followed by the sobering Working Man with soloist Bob Ash.

Faleiry spoke about the distinctive four-part harmonies of Welsh male choirs as well as introducing the ‘love’ bracket of The Rose, You’ll Never Walk Alone and Anfonaf Angel.  Duettists Drew Hopkins and Rushan Hewawasam – who is also a worshipper at St John’s – told the story of the Irish emigrants to the US in Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears.  To close the first half, the audience enthusiastically joined in the sing-along with Cockles and Mussels and Loch Lomond’.

After interval and afternoon tea, Roger Bartlett tugged at the heartstrings with My Little Welsh Home before the choir took the audience through a Welsh medley including Gentle Dove (duettists Rushan and Drew).

As light relief and perhaps proving that domestic discord is not confined to the Celtic nations, Geoff Serpell and John Hales entertained the audience with Ah Still Suits Me from Showboat.

In the Celtic Kaleidoscope soloists were Ed Hughes (Danny Boy), Barry McMahon (Wild Mountain Thyme), Roger Bartlett (Carrickfergus) and Drew (Spanish Lady).

By this time patrons were ready for another sing-along to complete the concert with Cwm Rhondda and Auld Lang Syne. Non-singing chorister and St John’s local Joh Vis and the choir’s self-avowed number one groupie Joan Cullum were invited up on to the stage for Waltzing Matilda which seamlessly segues into the Welsh National Anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, a fitting finale for the afternoon. 

Comments from audience members included:

Words cannot describe the amount of pleasure and enjoyment that your choir has given to my husband and I. Thank you. Loris

A great performance. Ken

First time since I saw and listened to the Welsh Choir in Hamer Hall in the late 80s early 90s. Loved today’s concert. Only thing is to add would be a solo by Bryn Terfel.  Charles

Absolutely beautiful! A most enjoyable afternoon of music.  Veronica

Excellent. The duets and solos were lovely. The history bit was great and the poetry too.

Very enjoyable.  Verna

Lovely concert – great choice of tunes.  Thelma

Very nice – a most enjoyable afternoon.

Wonderful songs and harmonies – as always.  Sally

Today’s concert was wonderful, a fabulous blend of voices. Thank you for the enjoyment. Naree

Excellent.  Isabell and Aileen

Superb afternoon of brilliant, enthusiastic singing.  Priya and Sam

Very enjoyable – pleased to sing-a-long and have familiar music in the programme.  Jenny