Melbourne Celtic Festival

In the cosy confines of the Mission to Seafarers’ chapel, the choir launched into the Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of My Fathers), segueing into the old favourite We’ll Keep a Welcome.

Compère Drew Hopkins then introduced the music team for the day – accompanist Lorna Ogilvie and conductor Mary O’Driscoll, clad in a suitably emerald-green dress.

The choristers’ darker green jackets had to be removed due to the heat given off by the powerful lighting, as well as a more-than-capacity audience with standing room only.

The first Welsh bracket included the well-known Calon Lân (A Pure Heart), the gentle lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi, and the rousing temperance hymn Rachie – which, as Drew noted, is more likely to be heard in pubs these days.

The next set turned to the New World with the apocryphal Amazing Grace, followed by the uplifting He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother. Baritone Roger Bartlett then mellifluously led the choir in Green, Green Grass of Home before the audience joined in heartily for the beautifully apt When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. Tenor Tony Hosemans delivered a splendid solo while strolling up the aisle, with the crowd enthusiastically joining in on the choruses.

Returning to the old country to close, the choir performed O Gymru (Oh Wales), the heart-wrenching Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send You an Angel), and the stirring finale Gwŷr Harlech (Men of Harlech).

Everyone enjoyed a rollicking singsong, working up quite a thirst – so, understandably, there was a fairly swift “exit march of the Men of Harlech,” patrons included, in the direction of the bar and liquid refreshment.

Sláinte and Iechyd da!