Ballarat Choral Festival

St Patrick’s Cathedral – Ballarat Choral Festival Performance

On Sunday 30 July, a combined Ballarat/Bendigo choir performed at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat, as part of the local Choral Festival organised by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Eight local choristers were joined by nine from the Bendigo chapter and one from Melbourne, bringing the ensemble to 18 members in total. Under the direction of Associate Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam and accompanied by Mary O’Driscoll, the choir began with What Would I Do Without My Music, delivering it to stunning effect.

Following the line “To give me hope,” Rushan held a dramatic pause and, befitting the ecclesiastical surroundings, the name of the second theological virtue reverberated through the nave. The audience held its collective breath before the release, and the performance was met with sustained and well-deserved applause.

The second piece, Gwinllan (The Vineyard), showcased the choir’s lyrical range. Then, with characteristic flair, Rushan turned to the audience, rehearsed them briefly, and led both choir and patrons in a spirited rendition of Waltzing Matilda. For the rousing finale, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of My Fathers) echoed through the cathedral – a stirring moment unlike anything the festival had seen before.

The warmth and enthusiasm of the audience were evident as the choir departed to heartfelt applause, marking a memorable end to the festival performance. And, fittingly for our green jackets, July’s liturgical colour was also green.