Lancefield

For the last concert of the year, the choir returned to the splendid Mechanics Hall in Lancefield for a fund-raiser for the local Anglican church.

The opening number Men of Harlech, was sung in Welsh first and then in English with the capacity audience joining in with the words printed in the program.

Compère Keva Lloyd from our Bendigo branch introduced the music team and the first two Welsh hymns – the ever-popular Calon Lân followed by Rhys Grant Me the Peace). The spirit of miners, past and present, was then invoked by bass Barry McMahon confidently leading the choir in the iconic Working Man to great applause.

Local bard and nonagenarian Laurie Thomson then astonishingly recited the 120-line Henry Lawson poem The Fire at Ross’s Farm, a feat of memory deservedly rewarded by huge acclaim.

Cwm Rhondda was next with patrons eagerly singing the final chorus of Bread of Heaven. Next was another Welsh choral favourite Diolch I’r Iôr (Thanks to the Lord) featuring a brilliantly sustained top tenor solo by Drew Hopkins. Verdi’s Speed Your Journey speedily followed before Romsey resident the Rev Tom Morgan, a contemporary of Laurie, stepped forward to deliver a stentorian performance of Highland Cathedral.

The choir then loosened up with a medley of American Gospel Songs – Every Time I Feel the Spirit, Little Innocent Lamb and the animated Gospel Train complete with some inventive steam train noises from choristers and the audience which was a fun way to finish off the first half.

Another Welsh song Unwaith Eto’n Nghymru Annwyl (Once Again in Dear Wales) recommenced proceedings with a finely modulated solo by tenor Rushan Hewawasam.

The compère then explained the stories behind the two Paul Jarman songs – Land of My Song (soloists John Adams and Geoff Roberts) and Pemulwuy which the audience especially enjoyed.

Tenors Drew and Rushan next harmoniously combined on Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears before Faleiry introduced first time choir soloist Paul Ash who led the choir in a very convincing channelling of Nicely Nicely Johnson in the Guys and Dolls number Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.

During the interval, an audience member had told Faleiry that her father had been a founding member of our choir, along with our still active tenor Reg Hazell, and she had requested his favourite Welsh song Myfanwy. The choir was very happy to pay their respects to a past member and beautifully sang the love song, without accompaniment, which drew many a tear from patrons and choristers alike. It was a very special moment.

For the finale, the choir girded itself together for the medley from Les Misérables with sensitive solos from Rushan on I Dreamed A Dream and by baritone Roger Bartlett on the heart-wrenching Bring Him Home. It also occasioned another debut by baritone George Dingli with his and our first performance of Master of the House which was hugely appreciated.

Marching off to the tune of Men of Harlech, the choir repositioned themselves to surround the audience to bid their farewells to a sunny Lancefield and a marvellous audience with the evocative and emotional Sunset Poem.

Lancefield Feedback

My family are from Morriston, South Wales – I love their music, 

Therefore I’m thrilled when you visit this area. Many thanks for your wonderful music. 

I loved the entire concert,the soloists’ voices were beautiful and the newbies soloists were most enjoyable. Sandra

Wonderful. Pat

Unadulterated joy.

The first concert I have attended – fabulous!! Ruth

The choir were generous in their giving. They sang from the heart and spoke to head, heart and gut. Thank you. Heather

Brilliant voices. Jenny

Absolutely fantastic. Very emotional feelings as a response to the 

beautiful voices. Well done.

Absolutely fantastic. Enjoyed every minute.

Most enjoyable. Good idea to showcase soloists. Speed Your Journey – wonderful. John

The voices and choir are the simple/pure things of a good life to 

cherish and enhance and preserve. They have blessed our little town with their presence. Gordon

Gordon Meyer I can only humbly thank you all for the gift you gave to us all who came to listen, Lancefield is the better for your presence, and left us in total admiration for your dedicated and uplifting talents. Thank you one and all.