Kyneton Sings Praises

Based on a Cymanfa Ganu/hymn-singing format sung in Welsh churches, the Geelong Welsh Ladies combined with the Victoria Welsh Choir to lead the singing at this important event in the beautiful Our Lady of the Rosary Church.

The 250-strong congregation and all the singers and musicians were warmly welcomed by resident priest, Fr Declan O’Brien.

All stood to sing the Australian National Anthem before the main organiser (and member of the Geelong Choir) Ruth Williams, aided by Alexander Maher, gave the historical story of Kyneton and how the concert came about with the support of many churches, before devotions and a welcoming prayer.

Musical directors Jeanette John and Rushan Hewawasam equally shared conducting duties and followed the Gymanfa tradition of introducing both their own choirs’ contributions as well as the congregational songs. Choir pianists Victoria Hay and Lorna Ogilvie also shared their accompanists’ duties, with extra accompaniment by Alexander Maher (French horn), Elizabeth Maher (harp), and Rachel Williams (violin).

The first joint choral item was the dynamic opener Let Us All Sing and the first two congregational hymns were Praise My Soul and Love Divine, eagerly sung by the full assembly and accompanied by piano, French horn, harp, and violin.

The Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir then took the stage to perform the beautiful Y Darlun and a special arrangement of Calon Lân.

The congregation and the choirs next sang Abide with Me and Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, followed by There is a River and I Found Grace, performed by The Couriers male quartet.

The very well-known Cwm Rhondda and Great is Thy Faithfulness followed before VicWelsh stepped up. Rushan’s dedication of Anfonaf Angel to all frontline workers naturally elicited a very emotional response by many in the church. Then a change of mood as Rushan quickly rehearsed everyone in the pews with the final chorus before launching into the very popular When the Saints Go Marching In.

Back came the Geelong Ladies to join VicWelsh on another favourite Robat Arwyn song, Benedictus. The congregation then joined them to sing Crown Him with Many Crowns, before a vote of thanks and presentations by Ruth Williams and a benediction by Fr Declan O’Brien.

The final hymn for the afternoon’s triumphant singing festival was the rousing To God Be the Glory.

As befits a country concert, all were invited into the hall next door for a very well-provided afternoon tea.