Sylwadau Cyngherddau

It was a real treat for the Victoria Welsh Choir to perform on a Saturday afternoon in Templestowe at the beautiful Manningham Uniting Church. The audience enjoyed a rich and varied program in a concert that celebrated music, memory, and heartfelt farewells.

The opening Welsh bracket featured the rousing Cwm Rhondda (Rhondda Valley), with the audience joining enthusiastically in the Songs of Praise chorus. This was followed by Ar Lan Y Môr (By the Seaside), a piece celebrating the natural beauty of Wales, and then the moving Gwahoddiad (Invitation), with the English verse sung with great sensitivity by Rushan Hewawasam.

Compère John White introduced music team members Lorna Ogilvie (accompanist) and Rushan (Associate Musical Director), who then led the next bracket. This opened with Pacem (Peace), featuring a melodious solo from John himself. The set continued with Benedictus by Robat Arwyn—who was recently in Melbourne—and the beautifully melodic Y Darlun (The Picture).

 Tenor Drew Hopkins and baritone Roger Bartlett combined wonderfully for Ti a dy Ddoniau (You and Your Skills), followed by beloved classics Amazing Grace and the multilingual African Prayer. The audience then joined in for the upbeat When the Saints Go Marching In, rehearsed by Rushan and arranged by John Rutter.

 A poignant moment followed as John White announced the retirement of Roger Bartlett and Lorna Ogilvie. As his swan song, Roger performed Homeward Bound by Marta Keen. At the conclusion, the choir gave him a standing ovation in a moment filled with emotion and gratitude for his 28 years of dedicated contribution.

 Emotions remained high during What Would I Do Without My Music, followed by Hafan Gobaith (Haven of Hope), originally performed by Bryn Terfel as a hospice fundraiser. The next piece, Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send an Angel) by Robat Arwyn, was especially touching. Its arranger, Ilid Anne Jones, is scheduled to conduct the 2025 Cymanfa Ganu at St Paul’s Cathedral and will also guest conduct VicWelsh’s St David’s Day concert at Monash University next March.

Bringing lightness back to the stage, John White introduced the Gendarmes’ Duet, humorously performed by Geoff Roberts and Geoff Serpell to great laughter and applause.

Rushan then gave a heartfelt tribute to Lorna Ogilvie, speaking about her impact on him during his 12 years with the choir. He then performed Wind Beneath My Wings, directing its words and meaning to Lorna. As the song ended, Lorna joined Rushan at the high keys for a short duet before the two embraced, prompting another emotional standing ovation from the choir and audience.

The concert continued with two powerful works by Australian composer Paul Jarman: Land of My Song, featuring soloist John Adams, and Pemulwuy, a dramatic and stirring piece that drew extended applause.

For the finale, the choir split in two, with one half singing the Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of My Fathers), and the other half singing Waltzing Matilda. The afternoon concluded with Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood, as choristers surrounded the audience in a touching farewell.

A moment of stillness followed, as audience and choir alike reflected on an afternoon of powerful music and emotional farewells. This concert was not only a musical journey but a heartfelt goodbye to two cherished members of the VicWelsh family.

“And to the sun we all will bow

And say, goodbye – but just for now”

Audience Feedback

“Refreshing to be entertained this way after all the doom and gloom of today’s press. We enjoyed a delightful afternoon.”

“Love the last blessing.”

“A wonderful afternoon. Thank you. 

“Well done, most enjoyable. Enjoyed group sing-along.”

“Loved the interaction with the audience and the variety with solos and duets. The performance was wonderful!”

“Very enjoyable concert – program and presentation.”

“Excellent.”

“Thank you very much!”

“Wonderful performance, thank you.”