Deniliquin
Victoria Welsh Choir at Deniliquin Baptist Church
On Sunday 25 June, Victoria Welsh Choir returned to New South Wales, performing at the Deniliquin Baptist Church alongside local members of Sing Australia. This concert was part of the Deniliquin Conservatorium of Music’s Live Music Annual Series, with a sell-out audience in attendance.
After a very wet journey, the choir was warmly welcomed by series manager Gemma Rennie, followed by compère Drew Hopkins who introduced the music team: Lorna Ogilvie, Rushan Hewawasam, and Faleiry Koczkar.
Faleiry led the opening bracket of Welsh classics – Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, Cwm Rhondda (which got the audience singing enthusiastically along thanks to Songs of Praise), Ar Lan y Môr, Calon Lân, and Gwŷr Harlech – finishing with a rousing final verse.
Baritone Roger Bartlett and Drew then performed the duet Ti a Dy Ddoniau (You and Your Skills), a witty piece about discarded lovers, despite both men being in long and happy marriages.
Rushan stepped up next to conduct What Would I Do Without My Music, Pacem (featuring a lovely solo by John White), Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers), and St Clement.
Yarram bass Bob Ash followed with Shelter by Eric Bogle – a deeply moving tribute to Australia as an adopted home. The performance received sustained applause, even more impressive given Bob had lost the sole of his shoe just before curtain-up – a touching moment for all involved.
Faleiry returned to conduct Verdi’s Speed Your Journey before introducing Sing Australia, who joined the choir and audience for a spirited rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In, prompting a reprise and a buoyant end to the first half.
After afternoon tea, Sing Australia rejoined the stage for Battle Hymn of the Republic, a piece now viewed over 139,000 times on YouTube. Rushan’s earlier rehearsal with SA paid off with a stirring joint performance. This was followed by He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, which clearly resonated with the audience.
Rushan then introduced Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send an Angel), dedicating it to all those on the frontlines during the pandemic – a powerful moment of gratitude and reflection.
Drew then lightened the mood by announcing “police had been called” due to the length and volume of the intermission. Cue: the appearance of tenors Tony Hosemans and Geoff Roberts as comical French gendarmes, complete with props and a squealing toy pig, performing the ever-hilarious Gendarmes’ Duet.
Rushan conducted Land of My Song, a specially commissioned piece by Paul Jarman, with two verses sung by Rushan himself. Tony then led the choir and audience in Danny Boy, followed by Geoff and Roger’s rendition of The Green, Green Grass of Home – a Tom Jones classic that nearly brought the house down.
Barry McMahon, 86, took centre stage with a powerful solo in Working Man, with the audience happily joining in the reprise.
For the finale, Faleiry invited local Welsh expats on stage, including one fellow Ceredigion native. Joined by Sing Australia, the full ensemble launched into Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, counterbalanced by the audience and SA singing Waltzing Matilda. The choir exited to Men of Harlech, lined the aisles, and closed with a beautifully soft and haunting Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood – a fitting end to a shared afternoon of music and community.
Audience feedback:
A wonderful concert with a lot of variety. The local people obviously enjoyed it and wanted more. The soloists were really good as was the pianist and the two conductors. Every concert I have loved and look forward to the next one.
So good. Please come back to Deniliquin.
Thank you for a wonderful afternoon of sheer enjoyment!!
A wonderful concert, thank you!
Excellent afternoon, thank you.
Excellent, enjoyed all those wonderful voices. Thank you all very much including the pianist and conductors. Regards, Karen.
I have enjoyed every minute.
Extremely well-presented – really enjoyed it.
Please come again. Very enjoyable.
Excellent! Fantastic. Wonderful.
Superb concert – very much enjoyed. – Kelly
Absolutely wonderful. – Richard
Thank you – wonderful. – Eileen
Impressive compere, amazing pianist. – Sally-Ann