Leighmoor Uniting Church
Starting off the concert on a windy, rainy afternoon seemed somewhat apt as the choir saluted Land of My Fathers (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau) with the Welsh National Anthem, followed by stirring renditions of Cwm Rhondda, Myfanwy, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech, with the packed-out church congregation joyfully singing along to the well-known choruses.
Compère Tony Davies introduced the music team – the familiar face of Lorna Ogilvie on piano, regular Leighmoor accompanist; Rushan Hewawasam; and Faleiry Koczkar.
Rushan then joined first tenor Drew Hopkins to deliver a moving rendition of John Denver’s Perhaps Love, followed by a bracket of peace-themed works. Opening in Latin with Pacem – featuring a sensitive solo from John White – the bracket continued with Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and the gently uplifting St Clement.
Returning to the spotlight, Drew and Rushan brought the story of Irish immigrant Annie Moore to life with a poignant performance of Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears. The first half concluded on an operatic note with Speed Your Journey from Verdi’s Nabucco, and the rousing Rutter arrangement of When the Saints Go Marching In, complete with full-throated audience participation.
After the saints and Hebrew slaves came a rousing start to the second half with Battle Hymn of the Republic – the choir’s video version of which has been viewed over 138,000 times since March 2020. This was followed by a trio of uplifting pieces: Hafan Gobaith (Haven of Hope), He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, and Anfonaf Angel (I’ll Send You an Angel).
Adding a theatrical flair, tenor duo Tony Hosemans and Geoff Roberts brought along a Morse code machine as they combined beautifully for The Proposal/The Night Was Alive from Titanic – The Musical, marking 111 years since the ship’s fateful sinking.
With Roger Bartlett regrettably indisposed, Geoff Roberts stepped up for a solid solo of Green, Green Grass of Home, providing a heartfelt contrast to the maritime lament that preceded it.
Special guest Geoff Serpell, a former VicWelsh bass and long-time Leighmoor favourite, delivered a deeply emotional performance of the miners’ anthem Working Man, with the audience joining in for the final choruses. His appearance stirred fond memories among many choristers of his late duet partner John Hales, whose funeral had been held at Leighmoor the previous September.
Concert convenor Jenny Longmuir took the lectern to thank the church’s volunteers and the choir, presenting flowers to Faleiry and Lorna in appreciation.
The finale was a joyful dual chorus: Rushan began Waltzing Matilda, with the audience continuing while half the choir simultaneously layered in Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, creating a rousing conclusion. The choir then moved off stage to Men of Harlech, circling the congregation to deliver a farewell in the form of Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood, as the earlier rain gave way to sunshine.
As the Welsh lyrics in Hafan Gobaith remind us – Heulwen wedi’r glaw – sunshine after the rain.
Audience Feedback:
Just brilliant. Excellent.
One of the most pleasurable afternoons I’ve had in years. – Dorothy
Thank you for performing for the Leighmoor Church and friends.
Brilliant – Loved it all! Such wonderful talent.
Loved every minute of the performance.
Being ½ Welsh, (2 Welsh-born grandparents), couldn’t believe how Welsh I felt. Loved every moment and shed a few tears. Thank you.
Fantastic concert, keep up great work.
Thank you for your beautiful music and incredible performance.
Wonderful as usual. – jkn 01
Much appreciated, brilliant performance.