Melbourne Celtic Festival – 17 March 2026 

On St Patrick’s Day the choir was once again honoured to present a short concert at the Mission to Seafarers, Docklands as part of this annual celebration.

Proceedings started with the capacity audience standing for the Welsh National Anthem – Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers).

VicWelsh, conducted by Rushan Hewawasam and accompanied by Janice Hayoon Noh, launched into the first bracket consisting of five Welsh songs.

Rachie was followed by Calon Lân (A Pure Heart) and Ar Hyd Y Nos (All Through the Night) with a sensitive solo by Drew Hopkins.

Multitasking Rushan led the choir on Ar Lan Y Môr (By the Seaside) before explaining the chaos behind the comic song Sosban Fach (Little Saucepan).

The next bracket featured songs from musicals:- Anthem from Chess and Love Changes Everything from Aspects of Love.

Rushan stepped forward to explain that the choir dedicated the next song to all the children suffering in the world right now, with the poignant Prayer of the Children.

Next was Benedictus (Blessing) by the Welsh composer Robat Arwyn who had recently conducted all the local Welsh choirs in St Paul’s Cathedral, as part of the celebrations for Wales’ patron saint St David.

Finally, the stunning Stars from Les Misèrables and the even more stunning showstopper Nessun Dorma (None Shall Sleep) which elicited huge applause from all who had assembled in the wonderfully acoustically blessed Dome.

Nessun Doma perhaps.