Aireys Inlet

After a hiatus of six years, it was good to be back on the Great Ocean Road at Aireys Inlet on 15 October to present a fund-raising concert for the Anglesea Red Cross.

President Christine Walker welcomed the choir before they marched in to the tune of Men of Harlech. Compère Garry Salisbury introduced the music team — Faleiry Koczkar, Rushan Hewawasam, and accompanist Lorna Ogilvie — before they launched into the opening Welsh bracket: Cwm Rhondda, Ar Lan y Môr, Calon Lân, and Gwŷr Harlech, with the packed hall of patrons eagerly joining in on the English verses and choruses.

Baritone Roger Bartlett introduced and beautifully sang Homeward Bound, before the choir asked the rhetorical question What Would I Do Without My Music, followed by Pacem (Peace) from the Latin mass, featuring a beautifully modulated solo by Ballarat-based tenor John White. The peace theme continued with Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and the classic hymn St Clement.

Roger returned to the microphone, joined by tenor Geoff Roberts, for a warm and humorous rendition of the Everly Brothers’ hit Let It Be Me — rebranded for the day as the “Elderly Brothers”.

Moving to the world of opera, the choir performed Speed Your Journey from Verdi’s Nabucco. The final song before interval was When the Saints Go Marching In, with Faleiry first rehearsing the audience in their role in the final chorus. The double rehearsal paid off — the rousing John Rutter arrangement ended with a booming, joyful finish.

The second half began with the resounding Battle Hymn of the Republic, the choir’s 2020 rendition of which has amassed 141,000 views on YouTube. Then came a leap forward in time with The Hollies’ classic He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother. In honour of frontline workers during Covid, the next item — Anfonaf Angel (I’ll Send You an Angel) — was dedicated to them and received with heartfelt applause.

Something lighter followed, with a touch of French flair. Geoff appeared in a new cap and joined Tony Hosemans — also suitably attired — for a crowd-pleasing and humorous performance of The Gendarmes’ Duet, to great amusement from all present.

Ballarat tenor Mick Fenelon then delivered a touching Danny Boy, with the audience joining in the chorus. This was followed by Geoff and Roger’s bittersweet duet on Green, Green Grass of Home. The choir then performed the specially commissioned Land of My Song by Australian composer Paul Jarman, with tender solo work from Bendigo baritone John Adams.

The stream of solo talent continued with bass Barry McMahon, who defied his 86 years with a strong and emotive performance of the working-class anthem Working Man.

The Welsh favourite Myfanwy gave new member Michael Gooey the chance to showcase his striking countertenor voice, opening with a hummed verse before the full choir joined in this tale of failed romance.

For the finale, a visiting Welshman was recruited to step forward as the choir sang the Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of My Fathers). Rushan then countered with Australia’s unofficial anthem Waltzing Matilda, leading the audience while the choir cleverly reprised Hen Wlad in harmony.

After much applause and thanks, choristers made their way into the aisles and surrounded the audience with the haunting Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood. A memorable and shared musical journey was brought to a moving close.

Audience Feedback

During interval and after the concert, there were many warm and positive comments, especially praising the diverse and well-paced program drawn from a wide range of musical genres and traditions. Among the written feedback received:

Grateful thanks for another wonderful concert at Aireys Inlet Hall last Sunday. The audience enjoyed the wide range of your repertoire designed to present a well-paced programme and we greatly appreciated being included in the performance.

The total experience was relaxing, with an underlying sense of humour, as well as being musically stimulating. The talents of the Musical Director, her Associate Director and Pianist were wonderful, individually and together.

With best wishes for every future success.

— Christine Walker, President, Aireys Inlet/Anglesea Red Cross