St. David’s Day
This year’s St David’s Day Concert was outstanding in every way. It marked the first time we welcomed six instrumentalists on stage alongside two accompanists and two conductors—with the joyful return of our Musical Director, Faleiry Koczkar.
The afternoon began with a regal flourish as trumpeters Bruno Sitaka and Tony Frantz sounded a royal fanfare to wake the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. The audience, expectant and already buzzing, stood as one for the Welsh National Anthem – Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Compère Drew Hopkins took the microphone to introduce accompanists Lorna Ogilvie and Mary O’Driscoll, Associate Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam, and the radiant Faleiry Koczkar—leading the choir once again after a period away.
Faleiry conducted the opening bracket of Welsh classics: Cwm Rhondda, Myfanwy, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech, with the audience joining enthusiastically in the English choruses. The rousing applause confirmed that this would be no ordinary concert—it was going to be something very special.
Rushan followed with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the challenges of the past year, from coordinating an inaugural orchestra for the choir’s latest CD Songs From the Heart, to learning how to write arrangements and conduct both choir and orchestra. He formally presented a copy of the CD to Faleiry in recognition of her mentorship, to generous applause.
The concert flowed seamlessly as Lorna and Mary alternated at the piano, instruments entered and exited, and conducting duties rotated. Rushan led the next set with Mary at the keys, opening with the gentle strains of Pacem (Peace), featuring a beautifully controlled solo from John White and violinist Marianne Rothschild. This was followed by Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and St Clement.
Musicians Roxy Kavanagh (flute), Jill Griffiths (double bass), and Jeremy Hopkins (drums) added rich texture to the soundscape—yes, keeping the musical talent in the family.
We were then delighted to welcome guest artists Bhán Tré—Melbourne’s Celtic trio of Sue Foley, Geraldine Davis, and Rebecca Humphreys—who lifted the tempo with Shularoon, Ride On, I’ll Tell Me Ma, and Geraldine’s original By the Liffey. Sue led Loch Lomond with the choir and audience joining in the chorus.
Faleiry and Lorna returned to lead the choir in another bracket of Welsh gems: Arwelfa, Ar Lan Y Môr (Beside the Sea), and Diolch I’r Iôr, with a graceful solo by Drew Hopkins, bringing the first half to a rousing close.
After interval, Faleiry rehearsed the audience for the lively ending to John Rutter’s arrangement of When the Saints Go Marching In, complete with full-throated participation.
And then—completely unannounced—came a magical moment. A concert harp and chair appeared. Rushan explained to the hall that this was a tribute to Faleiry, honouring her return after two major surgeries. The two performed Unwaith Eto’n Nghymru Annwyl (Once Again in Dear Wales), a song of homecoming sung at the National Eisteddfod. The delicate harp and Rushan’s warm tenor created a spellbinding duet. As the final note fell, the hall erupted with a standing ovation.
After a heartfelt thank-you from Faleiry, Rushan led the choir through the nostalgic Take Me Home and Hafan Gobaith (Haven of Hope).
Bhán Tré returned with crowd favourites Raggle Taggle Gypsy, Belfast Mill, and a foot-stomping Whiskey in the Jar, complete with audience clapping and singing.
The concert still had more to give. Rushan and Lorna led the choir in Paul Jarman’s commissioned work Land of My Song, featuring soloist Keva Lloyd. Roger Bartlett followed with the new piece Gwinllan (A Vineyard), and then the stirring Pemulwuy, performed with passion and rewarded by thunderous applause.
Faleiry returned for the closing chorus of Hymns and Arias by Max Boyce before the final crossover: Rushan began Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau and, joined by Bhán Tré, the audience and choir seamlessly blended into Waltzing Matilda—a truly Australian-Welsh finale.
And with that, an unforgettable afternoon came to a close—an emotional and musical triumph, marking a remarkable return and celebration.
Patron feedback:
Wonderful performance / loved every minute. Absolutely loved “Pemulwuy” and the audience response! Congrats Faleiry on your return & to everyone who took part!
Marvellous to have Faleiry back again. Her duet with Rushan was DIVINE.
Outstanding choir. Enjoyed all aspects—from the Music Team, to the soloists, to the two MDs. Made my day.
Lovely to hear Faleiry sing and play harp. Duet with Rushan was excellent.
Beautiful harmony on Myfanwy and Calon Lân. The duet was a highlight.
Fantastic experience—moving, powerful, and joyful.
Each concert feels like the best. This one truly was.
Loved the variety—Orchestra, Trio, and Choir were all excellent.
Professional, inclusive, diverse. Proud to bring friends. Thank you!
Orchestral backing added so much.
Great venue, great acoustics. Drew was a fabulous compère.
Email to Tony Davies from Euan Thomas:
I just want to thank the choir for a wonderful afternoon yesterday. My daughter Siobhan loved hearing the songs in Welsh and is now determined to learn the language—quite something, as she’s a mix of Chinese Malay from her mum’s side and Welsh-Irish from mine.
Email to Tony from Sue Foley (Bhán Tré):
Wow, what an afternoon of music. My friends loved it. You guys are amazing. We truly enjoyed being part of the event—thank you sincerely for the invite. See you on March 17th! – Sue