Ballarat

St Patrick’s Cathedral Concert – 19 August 2023

The magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral was the imposing setting for a Saturday afternoon concert organised by VicWelsh’s Ballarat chapter on 19 August. The full music team was once again gathered in one place – Musical Director Faleiry Koczkar OAM, Associate MD Rushan Hewawasam, Principal Blackburn Accompanist Lorna Ogilvie, supported by Mary O’Driscoll (Ballarat) and Liz Paton (Bendigo) on organ. The occasion was further elevated by the appearance of international singing stars Rohan and Ishan De Lanerolle from Sri Lanka.

Faleiry led the choir in a rousing Welsh opening bracket – Cwm Rhondda, Ar Lan y Môr, Calon Lân, and Gwŷr Harlech – with the enthusiastic audience joining in the English verses.

Local chapter leader and compère John White welcomed everyone and introduced the music team and the De Lanerolle Brothers. Fittingly for the venue, their first item was the well-known Ave Maria, with Rohan’s tenor blending effortlessly with Ishan’s deep bass timbre. Their masterful diction and breath control resonated beautifully through the cathedral’s vaulted acoustics. They followed this with Handel’s Where’er You Walk from Semele and I’ll Walk with God, made famous by Mario Lanza.

Rushan then took to the podium, embroidered with a red Welsh dragon on his back, to conduct the choir as the brothers led Pacem from the Catholic Latin mass. This was followed by What Would I Do Without My Music, with a dramatic pause five bars from the end on the word “hope,” which left the audience breathless. The bracket closed with Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and the hymn St Clement (The Day Thou Gavest), ending the religious set with grace.

The Brothers returned to the stage for I Dreamed A Dream from Les Misérables, joined seamlessly by Rushan for a harmonious trio. They then delivered a commanding Watchman, What of the Night?, followed by a solo showcase as Ishan stunned the audience with Ol’ Man River – a true show-stopper.

Returning in good humour, Ishan declared I’se Weary of Waitin’ before joining the choristers on Every Time I Feel the Spirit, lifting the energy in the room. Rushan rehearsed the audience in the final chorus of When the Saints Go Marching In, which was so uplifting it set the tone for the break.

The second half began with the stirring Battle Hymn of the Republic, followed by He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, paying tribute to the bond between the choir and the brothers. Rushan then dedicated Anfonaf Angel (I’ll Send You an Angel) to all those who made sacrifices during the pandemic, with Rohan and Ishan leading the opening in Welsh – one of the concert’s most emotional moments.

For the finale, both brothers joined Rushan at the piano to perform How Great Thou Art.

Faleiry returned to the podium as Michael Gooey made his solo debut, his counter tenor voice soaring in the classic Myfanwy.

John White offered thanks and presented gifts to the guests and music team. The concert concluded with a communal rendition of Waltzing Matilda, led by Rohan and Ishan, which transitioned seamlessly into Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau by half the choir.

To close, the choristers marched out to Men of Harlech and lined the aisles. As silence returned, Faleiry led the Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood, leaving a reflective and lasting impression.

“And to the sun we all will bow,

And say goodbye – but just for now.”

Audience Feedback:

“Fantastic. My Welsh blood longed to sing. My grandfather Emrys Hopkins was Secretary of the Tredegar Welsh Choir.” – Sandra

“Thank you very much.” – Shane

“A perfect way to spend Saturday afternoon – thank you.”

“Excellent concert.” – Yvonne & Glenda

“Excellent and very entertaining.” – Jean

“Wonderful afternoon of the highest quality singing. Thank you.”

“All excellent – thanks.” – Jan

“Fabulous – thank you for coming to Ballarat. Great venue for a concert. Rohan truly amazing.” – Jeanette

“A wonderful concert from wo-go! The choir looked so dapper in dinner suits. The acoustics were wonderful. Loved the brothers, especially How Great Thou Art.”

“Loved it – you exceeded my expectations.” – Joan

“The voice is a wonderful instrument – loved the harmonies.”

“Thank you. Heart-warming.” – Ali

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