Sunbury Concert

The spacious St Mary’s Worship Centre – complete with a community store and an impressive café – was the venue for the church’s fundraiser.

The event was well-supported by nearly 200 patrons, who showed they were eager to be an active part of the afternoon by joining in singing the chorus at the end of the opening number Cwm Rhondda (Rhondda Valley). The Rev. Matthew Browne welcomed everybody before compère Tony Davies introduced principal accompanist Lorna Ogilvie and Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam.

The Welsh bracket continued with Ar Lan Y Môr (By the Seaside), a new song Y Darlun (The Picture), and the famous Gwahoddiad (Invitation), with a mellifluous English verse sung by Rushan.

With a view to a future concert, bass Barry McMahon (87 years young) had spoken to the church’s Manager of Operational Ministries, Narelle Riley, way back on 4 April after the conclusion of the funeral service for our long-serving Chaplain and fellow bass, Rev. Tom Morgan – and here we were. Coincidentally, Barry had been working on an arrangement of Ol’ Man River, which he then proceeded to perform with great confidence and feeling, and which was duly acknowledged by sustained applause.

The well-known Amazing Grace was next, before our prestigious international guests the De Lanerolle Brothers brought their amazing voices to lead the choir in Robat Arwyn’s beautiful Benedictus.

With tomorrow’s Father’s Day in mind, multi-talented Rushan then stepped up to the mic to dedicate his solo to all father figures in our lives, before showcasing his tenor voice on the lovely He Will Carry You written by Scott Wesley Brown – one of seven American songs in today’s program.

Compère Tony also spoke about his South Wales father with a memory of ‘walking home from the mine’ with his father, as in the next song Take Me Home, originally written for the London Welsh Choir in 1975.

The final song before interval was the iconic Battle Hymn of the Republic – a 2020 recording of which has had 146,000 views on YouTube.

Rev. Matthew popped back to the stage to welcome the congregation not only to afternoon refreshments, but also to visit the original church next door to inspect what had already been achieved and what else funds were needed for. Tony also reminded patrons to buy CDs and $25 tickets for next Saturday’s concert with our Sri Lankan guests at Bendigo’s Sacred Heart Cathedral.

After interval, the uplifting What Would I Do Without My Music preceded another Robat Arwyn favourite, Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send an Angel), led by the Brothers in possibly their world-first singing in Welsh – and which they performed magnificently and faultlessly. Now accompanied by Rushan, their very special fraternal harmonies then filled the church with the Australian standard Bless This House, followed by the momentous You Raise Me Up, which certainly did raise everybody’s spirits.

This elevated state continued with Every Time I Feel the Spirit and the multilingual African Prayer by Enoch Sontonga. From South Africa’s troubled history to nearer home, Tony outlined the story of the famous Eora nation’s guerrilla warrior Pemulwuy – who was finally killed in 1802 – his exploits remembered in the eponymous song penned by one of Australia’s most prolific composers, Paul Jarman.

Before the penultimate When the Saints Go Marching In, Rushan gave the background to the special arrangement, which we sang in London in the 500-strong international male choir in 2012. The audience’s input was essential and, to this end, three short rehearsals were required before choir and patrons closed out the concert with great gusto.

The Welsh National Anthem (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau – Land of My Fathers) was sung before the Brothers and audience were invited to sing Waltzing Matilda at the same time.

All that remained was for the choir to come down from the stage and surround the congregation to chant their heartfelt goodbyes with the lilting Sunset Poem. In the final silence, we were all moved by the sheer power of the combination of poetry and music.

Feedback comments

“Thank you, you’re brilliant.”

“Most uplifting – an amazing experience.”

“Loved your rendition of the National Anthem and Waltzing Matilda, but would have loved an opportunity to sing the full anthem. Being a Welsh speaker, I get little opportunity.”

“World class!”

“Wonderful – beyond my expectations. Thank you so much.”

“Very enjoyable, especially community participation.”

“A most enjoyable concert. Thank you for the extra special treat of the guests from Sri Lanka – amazing!!”

“I will be floating home on a cloud – thank you.”

“Ol’ Man River – excellent. Loved the De Lanerolle Brothers. Everything else was wonderful.” (Barry’s son)

“Thanks a lot for the beautiful entertainment and brilliant performances. Great show.”

“Thank you so much for such an uplifting performance. Best wishes to you all.”

Several other “very enjoyable, thank you” type messages were also received.