With David Hobson
It had been three years since David had sung with VicWelsh at Melbourne Recital Centre so it was no surprise that the concert was a complete sell-out with fans waiting in the foyer just before the concert to snap up any returned tickets.
The choir got off to a traditional rousing start with Gwŷr Harlech (Men of Harlech) before compère Drew Hopkins welcomed the full house and introduced the opening bracket.
The well-known Morte Criste was followed by a modern song Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) before Faleiry stepped away from the podium, closer to the choir, to lead them in a stunning a capella version of the romantic Ar Lan Y Môr. Singing unaccompanied begged the question What Would I Do Without My Music, which was answered very satisfactorily if the audience’s applause was anything to go by.
The star of the show, David Hobson, then strode on to the stage and, with his inimitable warmth and engaging personality, explained the operatic context of his opening four songs from his formidable repertoire. Accompanied by our hugely talented pianist Lorna Ogilvie, the first two were by Handel – Where’er You Walk and Silent Worship. These were followed by E La Solita Storia Del Pastore from the opera L’arlesiana and Leoncavallo’s Mattinata, first recorded by Caruso in 1904.Switching easily from Italian to Welsh, he then led the choir in singing the lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi.
Continuing the opera theme, the choir boldly sang the Soldiers’ Chorus from Gounod’s Faust and then switched into Italian for the Anvil Chorus from Verdi’s Il Trovatore, complete with Col “Blacksmith” Evans on anvil. Linguistic dexterity continued with David leading the choir in the French March of the Toreadors from Bizet’s Carmen with Faleiry encouraging patrons to join in with the chorus. From French/Spanish bull fighters, it was no musical stretch at all for David to grab his guitar to tell the spirited tale of the Spanish Lady roaming around Dublin’s fair city. Choristers (some with castanets) and audience alike had great fun combining on enthusiastic but synchronised clapping right up to the final Olé!
Right after interval, David came on holding a mysterious striped plastic bag. Observing that the choir is made up of men from a remarkable diversity of backgrounds and careers, he proceeded to empty the contents to reveal his personal collection of vintage Jethro Tull LPs and asked our John Evans, ex-keyboard player for that UK group, to step forward and join him. After a bit of banter, David was very pleased to get John to autograph one of his records.
David spoke a little about his own start in a band and, accompanying himself on piano, sang one of his own compositions Tomorrow, Tomorrow.
Gearing up once again with the Welsh language, David’s soaring tenor voice led the choir on Ar Hyd Y Nos (All Through the Night) and on the welcoming song Unwaith Eto’n ‘Nghymru Annwyl (Once Again in Dear Wales) which we had sung with him on last Friday’s ABC 774 radio show The Friday Revue.
Drew explained the background to the two Paul Jarman songs before we emotionally engaged with the wonderfully nostalgic Land of My Song with fine solos by bass Bob Ash and tenor Geoff Roberts. This was followed by the confronting tale of Aboriginal guerrilla fighter Pemulwuy with its war cries and co-ordinated clapstick work from choristers.
David came back on stage to deliver the nationalistic Anthem from Chess followed by the lovely If I Loved You. Referencing another musical, David’s magnificent tones filled the hall with the assertive I Don Quixote from Man of La Mancha. After sustained applause, David nimbly changed continents once again to stride the stage with a suitably dramatic tour de force on Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat, backed up by the choir Guys if not the Dolls.
With this great flourishing finish, the whole theatre gave David a cacophonous and heartfelt acclamation for his star performance this afternoon.
The choir’s finale was the iconic medley from Les Misérables with a lovely sympathetic solo from Rushan Hewawasam on I Dreamed a Dream. The musical’s showcase solo Bring Him Home was exquisitely and sensitively sung by David alone to huge applause. The choir finished with the rousing chorus and David, Rushan and the choir were generously and noisily acknowledged.
There only remained the intricate and clever pairing of the Welsh National Anthem (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau) with Waltzing Matilda and this epic and wonderfully musical afternoon came to a fitting end.
Audience comments included:
Thank you for the tickets to today’s spine tingling concert. Ann
Thank you for a great afternoon’s entertainment. My friends and I appreciated the venue ie. Recital Hall and great acoustics.
Your concert this afternoon was delightful! A perfect mix of traditional and Welsh favourites, operas, casual favourites and classic musical theatre. Congratulations to all involved – we thoroughly enjoyed it. The afternoon time slot was great for this time of year and the smooth flowing program perfect for the audience dominated by older citizens. David Hobson was the perfect guest – he is relaxed, charming without being patronising, and a musical and entertaining delight.
I particularly enjoyed the traditional Welsh songs. However, I enjoyed Pemulwuy very much.
With Welsh heritage I love any song especially sung in that language. Hwyl fawr.Love hearing any solo voices, loved David Hobson’s humour.Just loved recital centre concert today and wanting more!! Judy
We have been fortunate to attend many concerts and hymn singing afternoons. We appreciate the opportunity to attend afternoon performances as it has become difficult to go out at night.
This afternoon’s version of “Les Misérables” was far superior to previous versions. Always great entertainment & I just love men singing Welsh songs – they transport me.
The pianist was excellent.
It was a very relaxed, enjoyable, fun afternoon but also very professional – thank you.
What a wonderful choice of songs by both parties.
It would be wonderful if you could perform here on the Mornington Peninsula.
Admired the discipline, precision and diction of the choir, and of course the beautiful sound. Good compere- brief and to the point. Isabel
Great day. Choir excellent. Venue great, 1st time there, would go again.
The comperes are also well worth applauding, always humorous but appropriate.
1st time in the Hall and concert but it won’t be the last. Lovely afternoon!
A great mix of awesome singing, culture, humour and Australiana!
Thoroughly enjoyed the concert on Sunday.
Absolutely beautiful afternoon’s entertainment. I adore David Hobson.