Snake Valley – Côr Bach

“Happy and joyous.” “beautiful sound – a real treat.” “A very disciplined choir.” “Such a diverse range of music.” “melodies and resonance were wonderful as were the harmonies” “Faleiry held all those wonderful, strong voices in the palm of her hand!” “Great contrast of moods” “A heart-warming beautiful concert.”

On 6th October Côr Bach journeyed into Swagman territory to perform at the acoustically blessed Carngham Uniting Church as a fundraiser for the nearby Linton Historical Society. Their local publicity had obviously been very effective as the church was full with chairs even in the aisles. 

The first half comprised MC Drew Hopkins narrating extracts from Joseph Jenkins’ Diary of a Welsh Swagman, with Tony Davies as the Swagman and appropriate songs from our repertoire interspersing the narration. A total of fourteen complete and part-songs were sung, including standout performances of Wandering the King’s Highway by Barry McMahon and Working Man by Geoff Serpell.

After interval, old favourites like When the Saints gave the audience an opportunity to have a sing, and new challenging numbers like Yr Utgorn and Pemulwuy were successfully performed.

Tenors Rushan Hewawasam and Drew tugged at everybody’s heartstrings with the beautiful Irish song Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears. The musically appreciative audience definitely wanted to hear more from these two soloists and they did not have to wait long. Rushan’s mellifluous voice caught the emotion in Bring Him Home as part of the Les Mis medley; and hard-working compère Drew teamed with bass Geoff Serpell in the modern arrangement of Waltzing Matilda.

The church had not been this full for many a year and, judging by the immediate feedback after the concert, everybody did really go home (after the tea and scones) with a smile on their face and a glow in their heart.

Audience comments included:

Wonderful concert! Such an interesting account of Jenkins’ life. Really interesting and enjoyable to have solo performances. The duet by Drew and Rushan was really great.  I would love Drew and Rushan to do the famous duet from The Pearl Fishers ”Oui, c’est elle, c’est la déesse…..” etc.

Fantastic as always – third concert I’ve seen and will be there for the fourth.  ~ Thelma

Great work – especially without any music scores. Liked the narration of the Swagman’s Diary.

Loved every minute! Thank you.

The concert was so enjoyable. Beautiful singing and time went much too quickly.  Thank you, thank you for a wonderful afternoon’s entertainment.

Lovely voices, great acoustics – happy and joyous. Thank you.

A wonderful show.

As usual some beautiful sound – a real treat. A very disciplined choir. Working Man still a star!

Fantastic, enjoyed every item! Such a diverse range of music. Such a delight to watch Faleiry conducting. Diary of Welsh Swagman my “favourite book” so when I saw choir and DWS I wanted to come. So well done telling this story – both men so great. Thank you.

The melodies and resonance were wonderful as were the harmonies. I was drawn to one chorister who really looked to be enjoying himself – as I’m sure you all were.

Wonderful and uplifting. Faleiry held all those wonderful, strong voices in the palm of her hand!

Most enjoyable afternoon. Particularly liked the duet. Have seen Les Mis four times so enjoyed hearing those again. I’ve also read Diary of a WS. I think that was integrated well. Great contrast of moods.

Working underground – brilliant.

Brilliant.

Superbly memorable.

Wonderful relevance to Joseph Jenkins, who was a great pioneer of the region. A heart-warming beautiful concert.

Absolutely fantastic.

Absolutely wonderful. Church is amazing also.

An excellent concert. We enjoyed the afternoon – great selection of music. Excellent venue and acoustics.

Loved every minute of it. Wonderful voices.

Excellent. really enjoyed the singing.

As always the singing is stirring and wonderful.

It was very exciting and enjoyable. Thanks very much.

A wonderful birthday present, a lovely afternoon of song. 

Fantastic. I enjoyed The Saints, Les Mis and all of the beautiful music from the Swagman’s Diary.

Thank you for a most wonderful afternoon – enjoyed every minute of your fabulous singing. Well done!!

Absolutely marvellous concert.

Loved it! especially the Swagman’s Diary with narration – really felt connected with the music. Great for local people to have access to this.

A most wonderful concert. Beautiful programme. Conductor – great control of all. Made my day. Pianist and organist tops.

Fantastic! Enjoyed it all.