Bairnsdale Concert
After two years, we were once again in the beautiful painted St Mary’s Church for a fundraiser organised by the Rotary Club of Mitchell River.
The concert opened with the traditional Gwŷr Harlech, sung by the choir in Welsh and, amazingly, a Scottish lady in the audience who knew all the Welsh words as she had learned them at school. This was followed by the English verses with the audience encouraged to sing along reading the words printed in the program.
Compère Drew Hopkins introduced the music team and gave the background to the opening bracket of Rachie, Amazing Grace, Yfory (Tomorrow) and the stunning What Would I Do without My Music.
Baritone Roger Bartlett followed with a mellifluous solo rendition of Marta Keen’s Homeward Bound which was also thoroughly enjoyed by the patrons.
The choir then ratcheted up the tempo and the choirography with a medley of Afro-American gospel songs – Every Time I Feel the Spirit, Little Innocent Lamb and The Gospel Train accompanied by percussion and whistles from choristers, much to the delight of everyone in the church.
Tenors Drew and Rushan Hewawasam next combined beautifully to duet on the John Denver romantic song Perhaps Love.
Bass Bob Ash stepped forward to introduce a mining and marching bracket with him first of all magnificently soloing on Prince Amongst Men by Andy Irvine to great applause. This was followed by bass Geoff Serpell’s powerful rendition of Working Man as he led the choir to the final rousing chorus to equally heartfelt acclaim.
Faleiry then put the audience through its paces with a solid rehearsal on the chorus from When the Saints Go Marching In which formed the resounding climax of the first half, with choristers and patrons singing lustily.
After the break, they were invited once again to sing along with the choir on Cwm Rhondda with the final chorus of Songs of Praises, Songs of praises, I will ever give to thee.
Drew returned to give the background to the next two songs by Australian composer Paul Jarman – first the specially commissioned work Land of my Song with solos by Bob Ash and Geoff Roberts and then the startlingly effective Pemulwuy.
Bass Barry McMahon was up to the microphone next to channel Frank Sinatra in a tour de force performance of the iconic That’s Life which the audience thoroughly enjoyed.
Given the centenary of the end of WW1, the choir led the audience into It’s A Long Way to Tipperary, Roses of Picardy, We’ll Gather Lilacs, Over There, Keep the Home Fires Burning and Pack up your Troubles with the final exhortation to Smile, smile, smile.
As the concert had started with a Welsh tune, we finished with the popular Waltzing Matilda but with the twist of a modern arrangement, with solos by Drew and Geoff Serpel,l ending with part of the choir concurrently singing the Welsh National Anthem Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
For an encore and as a complete contrast, Faleiry then moved closer to the choir to lead them in the a cappella lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi.
After a very satisfying afternoon’s concert it only remained for the choir to file off singing Men of Harlech while the audience clapped their appreciation.