Doncaster

The choir was pleased to present a short concert at the magnificently appointed Applewood Retirement Village. With all seats sold, the audience eagerly anticipated the opening number which was the rhetorical What Would I Do Without My Music.

Compère Bob Ash introduced the music team and gave information about the three next songs. The choir launched into the well-known Morte Criste, the lovelorn Welsh tune Yfory (Tomorrow) and then bass Geoff Serpell took up the cause of the Working Man in a splendid solo performance, aided by the choir and many audience members.

Tenors Drew Hopkins and Rushan Hewawasam combined beautifully on the tender Perhaps Love. Continuing our love theme, the choir performed The Rose, You’ll Never Walk Alone and the a capella lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi.

Next up was bass-baritone Roger Bartlett who showcased his amazing vocal range on Let Me Fall.

Speed Your Journey or the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco was next before a master class of singing and comic timing from tenor John Hales and bass Geoff Serpell with Ah Still Suits Me from the 1936 musical Show Boat.

In an impromptu step away from the program, Faleiry wondered how many patrons had heard Welsh actor Owen Teale sing Calon Lân (A Pure Heart) in the recent ABC series Pulse. After a moment’s hesitation from accompanist and choir alike, we sang the first verse and chorus of this iconic Welsh tune.

Then it was into the dramatic finale with the Les Mis medley with marvellous solos from Roger Bartlett and Rushan.

To end on a Welsh-Australian, we sang the final choruses of Waltzing Matilda with the Welsh National Anthem overlaid by half the choir.

We left the stage to the strains of Men of Harlech before surrounding the very appreciative audience and singing our farewells with Sunset Poem.

Audience feedback included:

Just a wonderful perfect concert. Mary

Enjoyable and very polished performance. Graeme

A real joy to hear every word.

Thanks for the memories of my mother (Welsh born), North Balwyn . Betty