Wonthaggi concert

After a number of years, the choir was glad to be reacquainted with the Union Community Arts Centre for a Sunday afternoon concert, organised by the churches as a fundraiser for the local hospital. 

After the first Welsh verses of Gwŷr Harlech, Faleiry turned to the audience to draw their attention to the English words which they could read and use to sing along with the choir – which they did, with gusto.

Compère Drew Hopkins introduced the music team and the opening bracket of the uplifting Let Us All Sing, the classic Calon Lân, the patriotic O Gymru and the inspiring How Great Thou Art (led by second tenor Rushan Hewawasam) which was very much appreciated.

Next was the Newhaven College Senior Vocal Ensemble, simultaneously accompanied and conducted by Paul Keelan. With various lead solos, the mixed choir entertained the assembly with The Beauty of the Earth, Shallow, Seasons of Love and Joy.

Faleiry came back to the podium to conduct VicWelsh singing Ar Lan Y Môr a cappella followed by the mining classic Working Man with a fine solo by bass Bob Ash, greeted by great applause.

Before the last number before interval, Faleiry ran the audience through their part in the final choruses before the choir launched into the iconic Battle Hymn of the Republic.

After the break, it was time for the operatic Speed Your Journey chorus from Verdi’s Nabucco, followed by Rushan soloing on the Welsh expatriates’ welcoming song Unwaith Eto’n Nghymru Annwyl.

The second guest singer was bass Ben Braggins from Leongatha Secondary College, accompanied by Annette McMaster on piano, Chris McLeod on trumpet and Patrick Bier on drums. His confident renditions of I Won’t Send Roses and Basin Street Blues were met with much acclaim.

The choir’s next bracket was the emotional Anfonaf Angel followed by Keva Lloyd leading on Ivor Novello’s We’ll Gather Lilacs.

Compère Drew set the apocryphal scene for the next number, a duet by tenors Geoff Roberts and Tony Hosemans with a hugely effective song from the musical Titanic which elicited prolonged applause.

The choir’s next song was the haunting Goin’ Home by Dvořák before Ben returned to lead the choir in a magnificent performance of I’se Weary of Waiting, again rewarded by much clapping.

Next was another presentation featuring choristers Bob Ash and Ed Hughes in the excellently sung comic number The Gendarmes Duet complete with moustaches, caps and breadsticks. 

Bev from the organising committee stepped up to the microphone to thank everybody for attending. Drew, in turn, also thanked the audience for being enthusiastic participants in the afternoon’s musical journey before joining with bass Graeme Sanderson on the modern version of Waltzing Matilda. In the final choruses, as the Welsh National Anthem words were sung simultaneously against the English words, a few Welsh patriots rose to their feet to lustily sing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau as the Welsh flag was proudly waved from the stage.

But more was to come. Faleiry announced that a request had been made for Sunset Poem and, thus primed, the choir took their first notes from the piano and chanted their farewell to the hugely appreciative assembly.