Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre 31 May 2026

Last time we were at Wang – November 2022 – there were floods to navigate. This time the rain held off for the Sunday afternoon performance.

The capacity audience stood for the Welsh National Anthem (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau) before Ballarat tenor Lynton Wade made his debut as compère. He first asked how many people had seen us four years ago (only three) and whether this was their first time hearing VicWelsh (the majority).

He then explained the background of the Welsh choral tradition and the meanings of the words in the first three hymns – Rachie, Calon Lân (A Clean Heart) and Gwahoddiad (Invitation) which were all well received.

Before the second bracket he introduced accompanist Mary O’Driscoll and Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam.  After further insights the choir sang Ar Lan Y Môr (By the Seashore), Ar Hyd Y Nos (All Through the Night) led by tenor Drew Hopkin’s mellow solo and the rousing Sosban Fach (Little Saucepan) with the audience happily clapping

along.

Lynton introduced our second performance of the American song And Can It Be with words by Charles Wesley and Rushan mentioned that we will be singing this on Friday at a Bendigo chorister’s wife’s funeral, so this was dedicated to her. Next was Pacem (Peace) before Rushan stunned the audience with his passionate rendition of How Great Thou Art. Patrons were further thrilled to reprise the final chorus with the choir and Rushan to great acclaim.

The first half featured two songs by prolific Australian composer Paul Jarman. Firstly, the choir’s specially commissioned piece Land of My Song including a sensitive solo by Bendigo baritone John Adams. Secondly, the very popular Pemulwuy about a late eighteenth century freedom fighter in the Sydney area.

After interval the choir sang Anthem from the musical Chess, Love Changes Everything from Aspects of Love and Stars from Les Mis.  The next bracket was Anfonaf Angel (I’ll Send You an Angel), the poignant Prayer of the Children and Benedictus (Blessing).

Carly Simon’s Let the River Run from Working Girl came next. Before the next number He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, Rushan paid a special tribute to Ballarat group founding member John White who was on stage in his wheelchair for the first time since last year, following extensive health complications. Needless to say, all his fellow choristers were absolutely delighted to see their brother back in their midst.

After that emotional rendition, Rushan rehearsed the assembly in singing the final chorus of the next tune When the Saints Go Marching In. After the final Yay! and the inevitable reprise, the choir closed the show with the well-known Nessun Dorma (Let No-one Sleep). Nobody did and the final Vincero (I Will Win) echoed the success of the afternoon’s shared musical journey, rewarded by sustained applause from the very appreciative audience.

Comments

I am returning the feedback by email as I would like you to know how much I enjoyed the performance at Wangaratta yesterday. I was so impressed with your conductor Rushan.  What an absolute delight he is.  Such a beautiful man.

I have accompanied many choirs over the years and appreciate the talent of Mary.  

Many thanks for a wonderful day. (On her form she added: Fabulous music and singing. Love your conductor, Rushan. What a gem. Such a wonderful brotherhood of men. Elizabeth

Congratulations on a memorable performance – keep up the great work.

Never heard How Great Thou Art sung better and I’ve heard hundreds of tunes.

Congrats – one of the best concerts we have been to. Well worth coming from Shepparton to join you for a fine afternoon. The pianist was fabulous – Congrats. Thank you – bravo!

Amazing breadth of repertoire.

Very well-conducted and the introductions are well worth doing for the benefit of the audience.

How Great Thou Art – amazing!

In approximately 1986 the local choir I was a member of performed in Shepparton with Vic Welsh – it was an honour.

Loved the variation, bit of humour, sequence, time frame. Mary is a star xox. History and stories about the tunes😊

Enjoyed the MC, Rushan’s song and the variety of the music.

Enjoyed the variety of song selection. Also the information of the MC.  Thoroughly enjoyable

Excellent compère. Great details of songs and good humour. Superb program of songs – thank you.

Great passion. Conductor amazing.

Beautiful words in indigenous song. Thank you for asking/us inviting us to join in How Great Thou Art.

Just amazing to watch the men enjoy and sound fantastic. Wonderful to hear Rushan sing and us join in How Great Thou Art. Just loved it – many memories of my church days. Thank you all. Amazing – so much enjoyment 😊