St John’s Church Bentleigh

Hallelujah! Our first concert since March 2020 took place at St John’s Anglican Church in Bentleigh on Sunday, 21 November.

There was a palpable sense of jubilation and liberation as masks were abandoned (much to the relief of those of us with beards) and we were able to sing to a real audience, also unmasked and keyed up for the performance.

Marching in to Men of Harlech and finding our seats was successfully wrangled and the  congregation eagerly joined in to sing the second verse by following the English words on the two screens.

Compère Drew Hopkins spoke for us all by saying how pleased we were to be presenting a concert again. After introducing the music team of Faleiry, Lorna and Rushan, the choir launched into Cwm Rhondda and Rhys.  Next was You’ll Never Walk Alone and then Associate MD Rushan Hewawasam took over the baton to conduct Benedictus (flute accompaniment by Bendigo baritone Nigel McGuckian) and Amazing Grace.

The choir and congregation were next treated to a bracket of organ solos by resident Parish Musician Alexander Scott. Intricate arrangements of All Through the Night (Welsh tune), Shenandoah (American) and On the Street Where You Live ( Alex’s homage to the Covid restrictions) were warmly received.

The choir then rose to sing Morte Criste and Speed Your Journey (from Nabucco) before Bendigo second tenor Garry Salisbury sang the first verse of the a capella lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi. 

Drew then introduced the last bracket and Rushan took over once again with Yfory (Tomorrow) and Anfonaf Angel ( I Will Send an Angel), both sensitively accompanied by Nigel.  Faleiry took back the baton to conduct How Great Thou Art with a fine solo by the third Bendigonian of the day, baritone Barry Leviny. He also claimed another record by being the first chorister to sing his first solo at his very first concert. 

Glynis Rose ( organising churchwarden and also a chorister’s wife) presented Alex Scutt with a gift for his important contribution to the concert and thanked VicWelsh for their performance which was heartily endorsed by the audience.

The final number started as Waltzing Matilda before segueing into the Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, culminating in half the choir singing the Welsh and the other half leading the audience in Matilda.

To cries of “More” the choir moved offstage to Men of Harlech before surrounding patrons to sing their farewells with the haunting Sunset Poem from Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood.

Patrons’ feedback appears below:

Beautiful singing. Lovely with flute, plus combined organ and piano.

Wonderful soloist from Bendigo. ~ Lyn

Absolutely delightful.~ Carolyn

Love the traditional (Welsh) singing. Have very fond memories of watching the choir about 20 years ago singing to the movie ‘How green is my valley’ at The Astor cinema in South Yarra. Mix of soloists and accompany flautist a great addition. Great presentation and humour. ~ Ann

Brilliant! On a par with the Treorchy Male Voice Choir – when live. ~ Marion

Excellent! ~ Michael

We loved listening to VWMC again – you were all superb. ~ Chris

Your finale was wonderful surrounded by voices I felt wrapped safely in

a blanket of safety and song. ~ Susan

Enjoyed new songs – will look forward to your next performance – come to Glen Waverley sometime! ~ Jim

Excellent recital.

Wonderful music!!

Great! Loved it. 2 comments only – loved it when you joined the audience. Would love to hear more a capella. ~ Marianne

Lovely blend of traditional and contemporary songs. Instrumental support

great. Good ‘new’ soloists. Great re-start aft6er long lockdown. ~ Geoff

Fantastic – male four-part harmony – tops. ~ David