Performance Feedback
Sylwadau Cyngherddau
Village Glen Retirement Village
27 October 2024
Photo by Glynis Rose
We were delighted to be invited back to the village after three years to entertain a capacity audience for this Sunday afternoon concert. The opening Welsh tune was Cwm Rhondda (Rhondda Valley) with the audience extremely eager to join in with the final chorus. The organiser Donna stepped forward to welcome us back and to thank the large crowd for their attendance.
Compère Tony Davies introduced the principal accompanist Lorna Ogilvie and the Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam.
The a cappella Ar Lan Y Môr (By the Seaside) was followed by the American/Welsh classic Gwahoddiad (Invitation) with a splendid solo English verse by Rushan. Next was Pacem (Peace) from the Latin mass with the opening verse sung by the entire first tenor section. Equally peaceful was a comparatively new Welsh tune, the ekphrastic Y Darlun (The Picture) followed by Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) which told the story of the bombing of Swansea through the eyes of the author’s pacifist parents.
Roger Bartlett came forward then to showcase his rich bass-baritone voice on Homeward Bound to great acclaim.
The next bracket was the famous American song Amazing Grace followed by African Prayer which included four languages to add to the three already sung. Moving musically back across the Atlantic teed up another iconic American tune When the Saints Go Marching In and Rushan told the audience how we had sung this special John Rutter arrangement in London in 2012 as part of a 500-male voice choir in a huge pre-Olympics concert. In the absence of a brass band, he thoroughly rehearsed the audience in their parts in the final chorus and after two or three reprises we were ready to go and choir and audience marched together into musical heaven very satisfactorily.
Coming down to earth, the choir rhetorically asked themselves What Would I do Without my Music (another American tune). A song made famous by Bryn Terfel was next – Hafan Gobaith (Haven of Hope) was written to raise funds for a local childrens’ hospice. Staying with the optimistic theme the choir launched into one of its favourite songs – Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send You an Angel), a Robat Arwyn song arranged by Ilid Anne Jones, a friend of the choir and who will be the Welsh Church’s guest conductor for the 2025 Gymanfa Ganu. Rushan dedicated this song not only to all the frontline people who looked after us during Covid but also to one of our very important choristers Col Evans who had suffered a stroke and was recovering in hospital. Always an emotional highlight, the song today had an extra poignancy and received lengthy applause.
As the choir sat down, Geoff Roberts (who took over as concert production manager from Col) then led the choir in the famous Green Green Grass of Home which was obviously very well-known by the audience.
Tony then told the assembly how the choir had commissioned the next song, Land of my Song, from the famous Australian composer Paul Jarman some years ago and how some of the lyrics came from various choristers. With two solo verses very sensitively sung by Bendigo baritone John Adams, the choir’s performance was generously applauded. This was followed by Paul Jarman’s most famous song Pemulwuy about the Aboriginal guerilla leader active in the 1790s around Sydney Cove and the emotive and powerful climax was very warmly received by all.
As choristers moved to surround the audience, Tony explained that the finale would be the Welsh national anthem (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau – Land of my Fathers) sung together with Waltzing Matilda with more audience participation. Then all was hushed as choristers chanted the farewell Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood with Tony mentioning that Dylan Thomas would have been very pleased to know that we were immortalising his words on what would have been his 110th birthday.
Comments from the audience
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Lovely that the choir came down amongst us. Very enjoyable and moving.
We loved the concert and the mix of selections! Mum (who is 97) was very impressed that you remember all the lyrics. We hope to see you again.
Very enjoyable, thank you so much.
What a treat to have you all here, thank you! ‘I will send an angel’ brought tears to my eyes. Two songs by Paul Jarman – fantastic!!
Very enjoyable, would like to hear the Welsh National Anthem.
Wonderful uplifting music! Inspiring Musical Director. Great pianist! Cleverly put together, with character and gentle humour. Thank you.
A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, thank you.
Very good program. Excellent pianist – thoroughly enjoyed playing. Love the harmonies.
A tremendous concert – so very entertaining, thank you.
Excellent performance! We missed Col as well L
Lovely voices, thank you J J. Lawrence
Wonderful enjoyed every minute. Beautiful voices.
It was a wonderful day. It was like winning the lottery. Next time you come you must drop into unit 279 and I’ll make you a cup of tea.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo concert
7 September 2024
Photo by Ken Toomey
At the beginning of September, the long-established Bendigo chapter organised a Sunday afternoon concert called Voices Unite A Choral Extravaganza. With the sunshine streaming in through the stained-glass windows, the choir launched into the well-known hymn Cwm Rhondda (Rhondda Valley) complete with organ accompaniment. Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam thanked the Cathedral’s resident organist Dr Paul Taylor for agreeing to step in at short notice to replace Bendigo accompanist Elizabeth Paton due to a health issue. Compère Drew Hopkins then introduced the rest of the musical team which comprised of principal accompanist Lorna Ogilvie and Ballarat accompanist Mary O’ Driscoll. As the congregation showed early promise in singing, Rushan got them to reprise the Bread of Heaven chorus from the opening hymn to everyone’s satisfaction.
The choir then sang a cappella Ar Lan Y Môr (By the Seaside) followed by Gwahoddiad (Invitation) with the English verse sung by Rushan. Throughout the concert accompanists Lorna and Mary shared their keyboard talents with the magnificent pipe organ enhancing selected tunes. With the organ loft at the farthest point away from the choir, Mary was very nimble in scooting down the north side of the nave before ascending to the organ loft to help synchronise the beat. We are yet to find out if this musically inspired activity might be considered as a new event for the more show-business minded Los Angeles Olympics.
The choir then performed a new song Y Darlun (The Picture), Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and, in Latin, Pacem (Peace). Our guests from Sri Lanka the De Lanerolle Brothers then took the stage, showcasing their magnificent voices with I Walk with God before Ishan impressed the assembly – and the choir’s bass section particularly - with a marvellous basso profundo performance of Ol’ Man River. The choir then sang the famous Amazing Grace, the multilingual African Prayer and the animated Every Time I Feel the Spirit featuring Ishan. Rohan came forward to sing the solo aria Ombra mai fu from Handel’s Xerxes before the brothers combined the special gift of fraternal harmonising on God Will Take Care of You and Ave Maria.
Before interval Rushan rehearsed the congregation in the last choruses of When the Saints Go Marching In, the performance and reprise of which filled the cavernous spaces.
The second half opened with the rhetorical What Would I Do Without my Music, Gwinllan a Roddwyd (A Vineyard Given to my Care) and Hafan Gobaith (Haven of Hope)
The Brothers then showed their linguistic versatility in leading the choir in Welsh on Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send an Angel) and in Latin on Benedictus. They then duetted on Watchman! What of the Night? before Rohan thanked all those who had organised and taken part in this concert – the choir, Rushan, all three accompanists and members of the Sri Lankan choir Euphony who had come up from Melbourne. Rohan was then joined by his son, Ishan was joined by his daughter and, accompanied by Rushan on the keyboard, this supremely musical family then proceeded to give a bravura performance of The Prayer in English and Italian which moved everybody in the cathedral so much that it received a heartfelt and instantaneous standing ovation. After the applause had subsided, the Brothers remained on stage to offer up How Great Thou Art with Rushan joining in on the last verse with a well-modulated descant to huge acclaim.
Compère Drew introduced the next two numbers by prolific Australian composer Paul Jarman, giving the background to the commissioned work Land of My Song and the backstory of the guerrilla fighter Pemulwuy, both of which were amply appreciated.
The finale - with the De Lanerolle Brothers and the entire audience - was a special arrangement of Waltzing Matilda segueing into half of the choir concurrently singing the Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers).
There only remained the choir’s farewell as they moved down the aisles to surround the audience and deliver Sunset Poem from Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood. The afternoon sun now streamed more palely as the choir intoned,
‘And to the sun we all will bow
And say, good-bye – but just for now!’
Sunbury Concert
31 August 2024
Photo by Glynis Rose
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 his 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 us 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 also 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 guerilla 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 National Anthem & 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.
Old Man River, Excellent. Loved the Delanerolle 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.
Echuca Uniting Church
21 July 2024
Photo by Glynis Rose
For our return visit to Echuca on Sunday 21 July, and with a change of venue, saw us perform in front of a capacity audience in the acoustically blessed space of the magnificent Uniting Church. Local organiser Ann Peace had obviously been very successful with forward planning and publicity, as witness the full turnup.
Compère Garry Salisbury (one of our three Echuca members) introduced the music team of Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam, principal piano accompanist Lorna Ogilvie and Bendigo accompanist and organist Liz Paton.
The first Welsh bracket comprised the famous Cwm Rhondda (Rhondda Valley) with the audience eagerly joining in on the Songs of Praises chorus. This was followed by Ar Lan Y Môr (By the Seaside) before the very tuneful new song in our repertoire Y Darlun (The Picture) and the classic Gwahoddiad (Invitation) with the English verse sung by Rushan himself. The famous Amazing Grace was followed by St. Clement and Robat Arwyn’s classic Benedictus.
Rushan then invited Liz to perform a solo item on the magnificent organ and the roof soon reverberated with another Welsh classic Bryn Calfaria (Calvary Hill). This magnificent rendition was followed by a nine strong group of choristers including the three Echuca residents, singing the stirring Be Still my Soul by Sibelius from the symphonic poem Finlandia.
Somewhat prematurely the choir then moved into Take Me Home before the ever-popular Battle Hymn of the Republic, the VicWelsh version of which has been seen on YouTube by more than 146,000 people.
After interval the opening number asked the somewhat superfluous question What Would I Do Without my Music before tugging at the heartstrings with another Robat Arwyn hit Anfonaf Angel (I will send an Angel). Coming right down to ground level we next sang about protecting Wales from marauders in Gwinllan a Roddwyd (A Vineyard Given to my Care).
Turning our humourous eyes and ears towards Olympics-ready Paris, ‘Geoffs de mission’ Roberts and Serpell came on stage avec batons and kepis to delight the audience with a warmly appreciated comic rendition of Offenbach’s Gendarmes’ Duet.
Allez Aus, as they say.
Musically moving genres and countries we then launched into the animated spiritual Every Time I Feel the Spirit before, once again, crossing the Atlantic to perform the triumphant anti-apartheid African Prayer. Next was the famous Australian composer Paul Jarman’s Pemulwuy which told the story of the courageous Aboriginal guerilla fighter in the Sydney area at the end of the 1700s.
The last upbeat song was When the Saints go Marching In but, before this, Rushan rehearsed the audience several times to make sure that they had the final choruses securely tucked away. And so it came to pass - with fulsome audience participation and mass choral singing at the end which was so good it had to be reprised so that everyone was satisfied they’d sung their hearts out.
There only remained the singing of the Welsh national anthem (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau – Land of our Fathers) which cleverly interpolated the Australian unofficial anthem Waltzing Matilda.
The Reverend Michele Lees stepped forward to thank all the organisers and the choir very much and made presentations to the music team.
As a final musical treat, all choristers left the stage and surrounded the audience to chant their farewells with the hauntingly beautiful and emotionally affecting Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood. United in the contemplative silence at its completion, cemented a wonderful afternoon’s musical experience for both patrons and choristers.
Comments
· Amazing – wonderful.
· Lovely selection of songs. Favourites – Cwm Rhondda, Benedictus, Take Me Home and the whole 2nd half. The dynamics were excellent, loved the attention to detail. Really beautiful singing. Surpassed my expectations.
· Wonderful to experience culture. Very emotional and enjoyable.
· A superlative experience. Beautiful harmonies!
· Loved the performance – great program. A brilliant sound - thankyou.
· Having never been to a concert by this choir, I was so pleased I attended. It was marvellous, the harmonies great. What a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon. When will you return?
· A beautiful performance. A wonderful performance – great harmony! Mostly enjoyable. Very good. Loved the conductor XX.
· We have contacts and would never miss a chance to hear you.
· Love love love it all!! God Bless you all for the pleasure you bring!
· Beautiful entertainment. Musicology with thanks.
· Amazing harmonies. Well done.
· Excellent! Thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Thank you.
· Love Rushan’s work!
· Garry Salisbury reported: I friend of mine who is a trained musician and has attended multiple performances said he thought the choir had never performed better. His highlight was Sunset Poem. It was the best crowd the church has had in their monthly concerts with a variety of performers.
The Potato Shed, Drysdale
30 June 2024
Photo by Glynis Rose
Joint concert with Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir at The Potato Shed, Drysdale
Geelong Welsh hosted VicWelsh on this occasion so they opened the concert after an introduction by compère Janice Wilding. Conducted by their Musical Director Jeanette John and accompanied by Victoria Hayes, their first bracket was All That Jazz, What’ll I Do, Y Fory (Tomorrow) and the well-known Calon Lân (A Pure Heart) sang beautifully to the tune of The Rose.
As the ladies exited, VicWelsh took the stage as compère John White introduced accompanist Lorna Ogilvie and Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam before we swung into our first bracket of four Welsh songs. The first was the famous Cwm Rhondda (Rhondda Valley) with the capacity audience eagerly joining in on the Bread of Heaven chorus. This was followed by Ar Lan Y Môr (By the Seaside) and then the choir’s very first performance of Y Darlun (The Picture) which was warmly received. The bracket finished with Gwahoddiad (Invitation) which included an English verse sung by Rushan in his peerless tenor voice.
The ladies came back on to stand in front of VicWelsh and the combined choir of some 75 choristers was conducted by Jeanette in the patriotic Welsh song Down in the Valley followed by Robert Arwyn’s very stirring Benedictus.
After the interval VicWelsh rhetorically asked What Would I do Without My Music before the heart-aching Anfonaf Angel (I will send an angel) – actually the third song of the concert by the supremely talented Welsh composer Robat Arwyn. The next song was Australian composer Paul Jarman’s most famous song Pemulwuy about the late eighteenth-century Aboriginal guerilla fighter. After the applause died down, Rushan set about rehearsing patrons in the final chorus of When the Saints Go Marching In. The multiple rehearsals paid off right at the end with the rousing finish and reprise, to everyone’s satisfaction and acclaim.
Then it was Geelong Welsh Ladies’ turn again with Seal Lullaby, Cross the Wide Missouri, the fun Welsh song about a chaotic kitchen Sosban Fach (Little Saucepan) and finishing with the uplifting European Union anthem World in Union.
The men then came back on stage to take up their positions behind the ladies for two combined items. Conducted by Rushan, the first tune was (the slightly premature) Welsh song Take me Home followed by the joyful American composition Let us all Sing which was a very appropriate message for the finale.
With the audience upstanding, the Australian anthem was conducted by Rushan followed by Jeanette taking a straw poll of audience and choir members with Welsh connections before launching into the Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Geelong Welsh Ladies’ acting president Dee Day thanked both choirs, the audience and the Potato Shed management before making presentations of chocolates and flowers to both musical directors and accompanists. As a further surprise, Rushan hopped up onto the podium and invited the ladies to turn around whilst VicWelsh sang their farewells to them and to the captivated crowd with the famous Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood. This chant is always a moving end to any concert but today it had an extra dimension as a very fitting finish, cementing personal and musical friendships between these two very popular Welsh choirs.
Sackville Grange, Kew
21 April 2024
On 21 April 2024 we were delighted to be asked back to Sackville Grange Retirement Village for a private concert. We had last been here in November 2022.
Under the musical direction of Rushan Hewawasam and accompanist Lorna Ogilvie, the choir launched into the joyous opening number Let Us All Sing.
Compère Tony Davies introduced the opening bracket of Cwm Rhondda with the eager audience happy to sing the Songs of Praises chorus - twice. This was followed by Ar Lan y Môr before the well-known Gwŷr Harlech (Men of Harlech) with more enthusiastic patron participation on the English verse.
Tony described how John Newton’s epiphany had inspired his words to Amazing Grace, the second American song of the concert. The 1874 hymn St Clement came next before the famous Calon Lân (A Pure Heart). Another US hymn, translated into Welsh as Gwahoddiad (Invitation) was introduced by Rushan who sang the second verse as a solo, dedicating it to the memories of two friends who had died in the Colombo bombings, exactly five years ago to the day.
Tenor Drew Hopkins and baritone Roger Bartlett then stepped forward to deliver the heart-warming Love Changes Everything to great acclaim.
The Welsh lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi acted as a contrast to the following stirring 1861 Battle Hymn of the Republic, the choir’s rendition of which has been seen and heard some 150,000 times on YouTube since 2020.
The second half kicked off with the rhetorical What Would I Do Without My Music before Tony introduced the very emotional Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send an Angel) made famous by both Bryn Terfel and Rhys Meirion who had performed as a guest with the choir in 2018.
Gwinllan a Roddwyd I’m Gofal (A vineyard given to my care), written especially for a 1937 Welsh radio play, featured Roger as he sang the first verse before the choir joined him.
As if to scare off the Romans destroying the Welsh vineyards, whistles were heard and two instant French policemen, in the form of tenors Geoff Roberts and Tony Hosemans, appeared to hugely entertain the audience with a comical rendition of The Gendarmes’ Duet.
The next bracket’s Afro-American theme started with the lively Every Time I Feel the Spirit, prefacing the South African national anthem Nkosi Sikelel’ i Afrika which incorporates words in five - Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Afrikaans and English - of the 11 official languages. Then back to the States with the popular When the Saints Go Marching In. As the audience had a crucial role in the final chorus, Rushan led them in a couple of rehearsals before everyone in the room mastered it successfully.
Chairman of the village Margot Boyce returned to fulsomely thank the choir and the music team and all the inhouse organisers before Tony asked everyone to also show their appreciation for the very talented cohort of soloists. There followed the rousing Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers) sung concurrently with Waltzing Matilda. Finally, with the piano hushed, choristers farewelled the Sackville Grange family with Sunset Poem from Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood to sustained applause.
And so, to afternoon tea, replete with beautifully themed musical napkins and artistic touches. Another lovely Sunday afternoon intimate concert.
Tony Davies
24 April 2024
14 October 1928 - 23 March 2024
Just over five months since Doreen Morgan’s service of thanksgiving, we were back on 4 April 2024 at the same church St Mary’s Anglican Church, Sunbury to celebrate her husband the Rev. Tom Morgan’s life of selfless service and ministry.
Reflecting his long life and involvement in multiple parishes and his involvement in so many organisations and groups, the congregational numbers warranted several car parking attendants to direct attendees to the back of the church. His large family consisted of four children and their partners, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Oldest son David gave the eulogy on behalf of the family and lovingly outlined the very rich Christian life Tom had lived. It was remarkable to hear that, after leaving school early to take up an apprenticeship with the railways, he went to evening class to get his Leavers’ Certificate, attended Theology College and became a priest and even took lessons in singing, piano and organ. He was an active member of so many organisations and on so many committees that David reported that he had only three free nights in every month.
He was a very early member of Victoria Welsh Choir, joining in January 1987 and was a committed member of the bass section right up to his ill-fated overnight ‘adventure’ in March. He kept up with all fellow members’ travails and visited many over the years if they found themselves in hospital. For many months in 2022, he had a routine every Wednesday without fail to drive down from Romsey to visit and spend time with ex-chorister (and fellow bass) Graeme Sanderson and Faleiry who were in two different sections of the same hospital, then he’d dine at Maccas before coming on to rehearsal in Blackburn.
Two vicars officiated – the incumbent Rev. Matt Browne and Tom’s sister the Rev. Lilian Morgan. There were three congregational hymns – Fight the Good Fight, And Can It Be and Onward Christian Soldiers. Faleiry Koczkar and Rushan Hewawasam shared conducting Victoria Welsh Choir in Gwahoddiad (Invitation), the love song Myfanwy and in St Clement. At the end, as Tom’s casket was led out by the family, the choir sang him on his way with Sunset Poem, dipping our heads to the sun and in respect and appreciation for the choir’s oldest member.
A video of the service can be accessed via TJ Scott’s website: https://tjscottandson.com.au/tribute/-Ntn-hBlPBZRACDBfx2u/
17 March 2024
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 was the well-known Calon Lân (A Pure Heart), the lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi and the rousing temperance song Rachie which is more likely 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 plenty of audience participation from the chapel assembly on the beautifully apt song for the day – When Irish Eyes Are Smiling with a splendid solo by tenor Tony Hosemans as he strolled up the aisle as the audience eagerly sang the choruses.
Back to the old country finally with O Gymru (Oh Wales), the heartwrenching Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send You an Angel) and the finale of Gwŷr Harlech (Men of Harlech).
Everyone had a rollicking singsong, working up a thirst so, understandably, there was a fairly swift exit march of the men of Harlech plus patrons in the direction of the bar and liquid refreshment.
Sláinte and Iechyd da!
Photo by Ann Roberts
Cymanfa Ganu
2 March 2024
On Saturday 2 March 2024 the annual St David’s Day Gymanfa Ganu, organised by Melbourne Welsh Church, was held in a new venue – St Paul’s Cathedral. Not only was there plenty of space for the six choirs involved but the usual Welsh community was augmented by curious bystanders, locals and tourists.
After the Australian National Anthem, welcoming addresses were made by Canon Robert Vun, Rev. Siôn Gough Hughes and the British Consul General Mr Steph Lysaght.
Ten Welsh hymns were sung by the whole congregation, entertainingly and energetically led by the Welsh guest conductor Jeffrey Howard.
The Australian Welsh (MD Tom Buchanan OAM), Melbourne Welsh (MD Mitchell Meyer) and Victoria Welsh (MD Faleiry Koczkar OAM) male choirs were also conducted by Jeff in rousing renditions of Rachie and Gwahoddiad.
The combined Geelong Welsh and Mornington Peninsula Welsh ladies choirs were conducted, firstly, by Tom in the Yorta-Yorta language Bura Fera and, secondly, by Jeanette John with Calon Lân. The community choir Excelsis was also conducted by Tom with an arrangement of The Lord’s Prayer sung in the Phillipines language llocano.
Interpolated between this program were four outstanding solos and a beautiful duet by soprano Heulen Cynfal (Blue Riband National Eisteddfod 2023) and by mezzo-soprano Ceri Haf Roberts (Blue Riband winner 2022).
Rev. Siôn Gough Hughes gave the vote of thanks to everyone involved in this magnificent event and asked retiring Victoria Welsh Choir MD Faleiry Koczkar to conduct the whole assembly in the Welsh National Anthem which very fittingly and emotionally capped off the day.
25 February 2024
Drew introduced our next two soloists who had been guest performers at many past choir concerts. Rhonda Yates’ soaring soprano voice enchanted everyone with Ivor Novello’s Waltz of My Heart before Melinda Ash stepped up to coquettishly sing
I Want to be a Prima Donna from the comic opera The Enchantress. Rhonda came back and introduced the Flower Duet from Delibes’ Lakmé which they exquisitely performed with wonderful timing and sensitivity to much acclaim.
The next Welsh bracket was conducted by Jeanette John as our guest from Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir, accompanied by our Ballarat accompanist Mary O’Driscoll. Firstly, the climatic Aberystwth (reflecting the town of Faleiry’s childhood), the lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi (which was only partly successful in calming a baby in the audience) and the hugely emotional Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send an Angel).
Then it was time to welcome our guests Bhán Tré, the Melbourne Celtic band comprising Sue Foley, Geraldine Davis and Rebecca Humphreys as they lifted up the tempo and got everyone clapping spiritedly especially on Whiskey in the Jar. To finish, Sue sang the verses of Loch Lomond with the choir and audience enthusiastically joining in with the chorus.
The final bracket consisted of the classic Myfanwy with the first verse oohed by countertenor Michael Gooey before the choir came in with the words. A more successful outcome, romantically speaking, came in the next love song Rhieingerdd before the choir celebrated its love of Cymru (Wales) in Gwinllan a Roddwyd I’m Gofal (A Vineyard Given to my Care) with baritone Roger Bartlett singing the first verse before the choir joined in to help him protect the old country.
After interval, Roger again appeared to set the scene with Little Welsh Home before Melinda beautifully led the choir in celebration of the homeland in Cartref (Home).
Faleiry took the mic to explain why we were now going to attempt a TTBB arrangement of the famous Hallelujah Chorus in honour of Ann and Colin Roberts’ daughter Jessica (whom Faleiry had once taught) who had passed away two years ago. At the very mention of the chorus some of the audience just had to stand, despite Drew giving people with dodgy knees a free pass. To some surprise but with a great deal of pleasure, the choir successfully got through the tremendously challenging piece, more or less intact and this was rewarded with furious applause.
Faleiry then spun around in her special stool to address the assembled company as she spoke about her 30 years as Musical Director. She thanked the Welsh Church for bringing out guest singers and guest conductors from Wales, and how, in some cases, we were able to use their talents in our St David’s Day concerts, which benefitted her and Lorna and the choristers tremendously. She then thanked the audience for coming not only today, but over the years. Asking for people to stand up if they’d been following the choir for very long, she found that there were at least half a dozen people in the audience who had been doing so for all of those 30 years. She thanked her music team for their commitment, musicality and friendship over the years and, of course, she thanked all the choristers who had been through the choir ranks over the same period. She especially mentioned Ross Hartnell (whose brother Peter was in the audience), who was instrumental in revitalising the choir with the famous mission statement in the 90s and paid tribute to him and subsequent presidents also mentioning the present incumbent Tony Davies.
Bass Bob Ash then stepped forward to render Eric Bogle’s famous song Shelter. Always a heart-grabbing song at the best of times but more poignant today as Bob was also retiring after more than 27 years. Sustained applause and flashes of tissues deservedly followed. Drew returned to announce the last bracket, which comprised the majestic
St Clement, Dashenka (The Gypsies) with coconut accompaniment by Geoff Roberts. As they clip-clopped into the sunset, Rhonda took the other kind of lead with the emotional welcoming song Unwaith Eto’n Nghymru Annwyl (Once Again in Dear Wales) and which reminded quite a few choristers of when that was sung to them at the National Eisteddfod in 1999.
At this stage Drew asked all ex-choristers to come up on stage and about a dozen did so and were warmly welcomed back into their respective sections by old colleagues and friends. With everybody assembled, the augmented choir launched into the classics Calon Lân (A Pure Heart) and Rachie to great acclaim.
President Tony Davies then invited all guests to come back on stage for appropriate presentations. All the ladies (including our Bendigo accompanist Liz Paton) received a toiletry gift bag and Bob a bottle of wine. Carefully chosen musical motif brooches were presented to Jeanette, Lorna and Faleiry. Tony also presented her with a mother of pearl inlay box inside of which was an inscription in Welsh translated as “Thank you very much for leading Cantorion Cymreig Victoria Welsh Choir for 30 years.” He also gave her a certificate, announcing that the choir had elected her Musical Director Emerita, as there was no doubt there would be times in the future we might have to call on her and she has made it clear that she is always there for us as the choir moves onwards. Tony then spoke about her legendary commitment referencing the times going back 25 years when she and George used to go up to the Bendigo branch every fortnight and then, later, every week. He also mentioned her zeal and tenacity in taking the choir to the National Eisteddfod in 1999, and again in 2004 when we received a 3rd prize, to compete against Wales’ own best, male choirs.
With everybody on stage, the grand finale was, of course, to be the amalgamated anthem. Drew sang the first verse of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau before being answered by Rhonda and Mel with the first verse of Waltzing Matilda before the choir and audience split, simultaneously singing both sets of words. The concert then came to a fitting end with a standing ovation and Faleiry’s family coming up on the stage for a group photograph and others simply wanting to thank her for all her years, and for the pleasure that the choir had given them.
In the bar afterwards choristers gathered around Faleiry to sing some special lyrics, thanking her for her leadership – it was tenor Michael Gooey’s initiative to write the words (sung to the tune of Myfanwy) with the Welsh having been polished by Ballarat member Gareth Jones’s father back in Wales.
Afterwards there was a final celebration as past and present choristers and friends joined Faleiry and Lorna at the Glen Waverley RSL for a farewell dinner and, of course, inevitably, a final sing down. All in all, it was a remarkable day, full of song, joy , love and emotion for all concerned.
Tony Davies
27 February 2024
Audience Comments
- The choir and guests were really good. There was obvious joy throughout the theatre – a very special occasion.
- My late brother Ross was an active member of the choir until his death in 2000.He was very involved in the choir’s visit to Wales in 1999. Thank you for a wonderful day and my best wishes to Faleiry for a well-earned retirement – Peter Hartnell
- My phone has hardly stopped ringing since last Sunday about the way our friends enjoyed the singing and playing. One friend from Victoria Chorale and ex-Ashton Smith Singers said he and his wife were very pleased they attended. The Celtic group was also pleasing but for me the soprano duet of the Flower song by Delibes was brilliant - Geoff
- Friends reported that the auditorium, sound quality and sight of the stage was excellent and enjoyment level of the concert was very high. My daughter said it was very moving and she had a few tears when the retired choristers came down to sing on the stage - Janet
- Some friends of mine saw the choir for the first time and they were impressed.
- Brilliant – Hallelujah Chorus was fabulous - Please, please don’t delete the Hallelujah Chorus from the Choir’s repertoire! – Wendy
- Best concert I’ve ever been to – Jan
29 July 1937 – 28 January 2024
The service was on 5 February at Le Pine’s, Werribee just along the road from Graeme’s care home where he had lived for the last 17 months.
Eleven choristers were joined by Graeme’s great friends, recently retired Graham Hickman and Victor Gago, as they started off proceedings with the poignant Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood, led by Faleiry Koczkar who afterwards spoke about his enthusiastic contribution to the choir.
The front pews were taken up by his large family – three children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and by his companion for many years, Dee. Reflecting his many friends and club associations, the chapel was overflowing with some having to stand in the foyer.
The celebrant read out a major part of Graeme’s potted history which had been shared with the choir family in 2018. Presciently he had prefaced it with these words ‘My profile - gladness & sadness - that's life.’
He had started singing publicly at his in-laws’ care home and kept it up for 25 years. He travelled extensively with VicWelsh and got his first passport at 74 prior to the 2012 tour.
His family spoke lovingly about his many attributes of kindness, friendship, encouragement and commitment. He was the first to get up to dance and had a zest for life. He was into many sports, as a cricketer, footballer and golfer and as an avid reader of form guides and punter. Substantial wins were shared with the whole family.
He worked as a shop fitter and could make anything out of wood, with all family members owning at least one item of his handmade furniture.
A comprehensive photomontage was played to two songs – Imagine and It’s a Wonderful World. As the casket was led out, we were treated to a recording of Graeme himself confidently singing The Bachelors’ 1966 hit Walk with Faith in your Heart.
Outside, the funeral director donned a Bulldogs scarf and, to the accompaniment of the club’s song, led the hearse and family down to say farewell to the nearby care home.
5 November 2023
Photo: M Gannon
RSL Victoria Annual State Remembrance Service.
Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Sunday 5 November 2023
The choir was pleased to return to Springvale Botanical Cemetery for the sixteenth time since 2004.
The audience was again smaller than in the past. Some thought this might be because Melbourne Cup Day was only 2 days later, and some people were taking a long weekend.
State President Dr Robert Webster OAM led proceedings, aided by Chaplain John Raike. Later in the service, Mr Robert Krog gave the main address.
The City of Greater Dandenong Band provided the musical accompaniment and combined with Vic Welsh who led the singing in O God Our Help In Ages Past, Abide With Me and the National Anthem.
Lest We Forget
29 October 2023
It was good to be back, after a few years, to the exciting Ulumbarra Theatre in the heart of Bendigo on 29 October, for a Rotary fundraiser, starring Bendigo’s own Merlyn Quaife AM.
As we got to the chorus of Cwm Rhondda, the opening number, Faleiry realised that the audience was in total darkness, so the house lights were raised sufficiently for her and the choir to see all their faces. They were eager to participate so Bread of Heaven chorus was repeated and we were off to a good start. Ar Lan y Môr was next, followed by Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech with more communal singing with the English verse and chorus.
Ballarat chorister and compère John White back-announced the opening songs and introduced the music team of Faleiry, Lorna and Rushan before local resident and internationally renowned soprano Merlyn Quaife took the stage to showcase her magnificent voice with Dido’s Lament, from Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, followed by two Puccini arias - Si mi chiamano, Mimi from La Bohème and Vissi d’Arte from Tosca. The bracket ended with a technically brilliant Laughing Song, from Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. Sustained applause followed for both soloist and accompanist Lorna Ogilvie.
John introduced the next bracket with Rushan conducting the choir in What Would I Do Without My Music, Pacem (with a beautifully modulated solo by the multi-tasking John), Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and St Clement.
However, the clement ambience was soon shattered by the sound of a police whistle as tenors Geoff Roberts and Tony Hosemans blazed on to centre stage sporting dodgy kepis to skilfully ham their way through The Gendarmes’ Duet, to the great amusement of patrons and choristers alike.
From melodrama to opera with Speed Your Journey before Rushan rehearsed the large audience in the final choruses of When the Saints Go Marching In. The ensuing performance with audience participation was so good, it had to done twice before everyone took a twenty-minute breather.
After interval, Merlyn introduced the Rotary /Bendigo Senior Secondary College scholarship winners. Firstly, Tom Fleming performed a guitar solo on Kevin Morby’s Harlem River before Sonnie Rose sang Beyoncé’s Runnin’ (Lose It All).
As if on cue, Bendigonian Keva (Huw) Lloyd came runnin’ on, splendid in a Wales rugby supporter’s red shirt, cap and scarf to tell the sorry tale about a group of Welshman travelling up to Twickenham for a classic Wales v England match. This iconic Max Boyce song, called Hymns and Arias after the words of the chorus, was heartily embraced by the whole assembly to great acclaim. Forewarned by the lyrics involving a dubious drink, it was noted in the bar afterwards, that bottles of beer were studiously avoided.
It was then time to re-establish some decorum as Merlyn introduced and beautifully sang two special Mark Jones’ arrangements of Imagine (Rotary’s theme for 2022) and Gershwin’s Summertime, followed by Mark’s tailored medley of love songs, all spell-bindingly delivered by this great performer.
As the applause subsided, the choir rose once more to channel their feelings about the countries of their birth, in the uniquely commissioned Land of My Song by Australian composer Paul Jarman.
As befitted the occasion, Rotary’s local President Rod Spitty came to the microphone to thank the choir, the music team and Merlyn for their huge involvement in the concert as gifts were presented to all. Next, Rotary District Governor Ron Payne spoke about the aim of the Rotary Foundation and, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the club, presented Merlyn with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship, to great applause.
As a finale, Merlyn then joined Rushan and the audience to sing Waltzing Matilda before sections of the choir cleverly insinuated Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau into the mix so that the two anthems harmoniously resounded around the theatre.
All that remained was for the choir to take their leave as they marched out to the strains of Men of Harlech.
15 October 2023
Photo: Ann Roberts
After a hiatus of six years, it was good to be back on the Great Ocean Road at Aireys Inlet on 15 October to present a fund-raising concert for the Anglesea Red Cross.
The President Christine Walker welcomed the choir before they marched in, to the tune of Men of Harlech. Compère Garry Salisbury introduced the music team of Faleiry Koczkar, Rushan Hewawasam and accompanist Lorna Ogilvie before they launched into the Welsh bracket of Cwm Rhondda, Ar Lan y Môr, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech with the packed hall of patrons eagerly joining in on the English verse and chorus.
Baritone Roger Bartlett introduced and mellifluously sang Homeward Bound before the choir asked the rhetorical question What Would I Do Without My Music followed by Pacem (Peace) from the Latin mass, with a beautifully modulated solo by Ballarat-based tenor John White. The pacifist theme continued with Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and the classic hymn St Clement.
Roger came back to the microphone and was joined by tenor Geoff Roberts to melodiously perform the Everly Brothers’ (Roger said today they were the Elderly Brothers) hit Let It Be Me.
Moving on the world of opera, the choir sang the well-known Speed Your Journey from Verdi’s Nambucco. The last song before interval was When the Saints Go Marching In and Faleiry first had to rehearse the audience in their vocal role in the final chorus. At the end of this rousing arrangement by John Rutter, the double rehearsal certainly paid off as the hall rocked with a tremendous finale.
The second half started with the resounding Battle Hymn of the Republic, the choir’s rendition of which on YouTube has been watched 141,000 times in three years. Moving forward about a hundred years, choristers dipped into their younger lives with The Hollies’ famous song He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother. In honour of all the workers in the front line who looked after us during Covid, the choir dedicated the next song Anfonaf Angel (I’ll Send You An Angel) to them all to great acclaim.
And then to something lighter with a Gallic flavour as Geoff stepped forward wearing a new cap and was joined by tenor Tony Hosemans, suitably accoutred, as they had the audience and choristers delighted by their very humorous performance of the Gendarmes’ Duet.
Then back across the channel with Ballarat tenor Mick Fenelon skilfully plucking the heartstrings on Danny Boy with the added enjoyment for the assembly as they very tunefully participated in the chorus. This was followed by another duet by Geoff and Roger on the bitter-sweet Green, Green Grass of Home before the choir threw their hearts and nostalgic feelings into the specially commissioned Paul Jarman composition Land of my Song with tender solos by Bendigo baritone John Adams.
The choir’s rich reservoir of soloists continued with bass Barry McMahon belying his 86 years with a powerful rendition of the popular Working Man.
The Welsh favourite Myfanwy presented an opportunity to feature a new member Michael Gooey’s remarkable counter tenor voice as he hummed the opening before being joined by the choir in this tale of a failed romance.
For the finale, a visiting Welshman was dragooned into coming forward as the choir launched into the Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers) before Rushan then countered with Australia’s unofficial anthem Waltzing Matilda, leading the audience in keeping singing that while sections of the choir simultaneously reprised Hen Wlad.
After much applause and thanks to all concerned, choristers made their way into the aisles and surrounded the audience while they chanted the haunting Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood. The afternoon’s shared musical journey was complete.
During interval and after the concert, there were many warm and positive comments, particularly praising the very varied program drawn from diverse musical genres and traditions. After the event we received the following:
Grateful thanks for another wonderful concert at Aireys Inlet Hall last Sunday. The audience enjoyed the wide range of your repertoire designed to present a well-paced programme and we greatly appreciated being included in the performance.
The total experience was relaxing, with an underlying sense of humour, as well as being musically stimulating. The talents of the Musical Director, her Associate Director and Pianist were wonderful, individually and together.
With best wishes for every future success.
Christine Walker, President, Aireys Inlet/Anglesea Red Cross
On another glorious spring day, a large congregation farewelled retired chorister and past President Mick Matthews at St Peter’s Church, Box Hill on 28 September 2023.
Daughter Megan and son David spoke lovingly about their father’s influence on their lives and shared memories of their many camping and fishing trips as well as his ability to turn his hand to any DIY task. A little-known fact was that, in his younger days, he had played the fife in a brass band. Certainly, music was also very much of the family’s life, and this was reflected in the choice of hymns and of the Pearl Fishers’ duet played as the photo montage unfurled. David spoke about Mick’s love of families, including Jewel’s, after their 2003 marriage, and of the care he took over his relationships with his customers in his career as a Commonwealth Bank manager.
David Tolstrup of Rotary echoed this theme when describing Mick’s 54 years as a volunteer with Rotary International and of the many positions he held.
The Rev. Anne Kennedy officiated and led the prayers and homily. The congregational hymns, accompanied by the organ, were The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended and, as the coffin was led out, Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer.
Victoria Welsh Choir, conducted by Faleiry and accompanied on the grand piano by Lorna, sang Blaenwern (Love Divine), Calon Lân and Sunset Poem.
“And to the sun we all will bow,
And say, goodbye Mick, but just for now.”
Photo: Sueie
Vale Doreen Morgan: 21 October 1924 – 14 September 2023
On 26 September 2023 at 1.30 pm, a service of thanksgiving for the life of Doreen was held at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Sunbury.
Reflecting her long life and involvement in multiple parishes, as Rev. Tom’s wife, and her very diverse interests and memberships, the church was filled to capacity on a marvellously sunny day. Her large family consisted of four children and their partners, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Oldest son David gave the eulogy on behalf of the family and lovingly outlined the very rich Christian life Doreen had lived. She was a great reader, a gifted storyteller and had mastered the modern necessities of mobile phones, tablets and email.
Three vicars officiated – the Rev. Matt Browne, the Rev. Canon Hugh Prentice and Tom’s sister the Rev. Lilian Morgan. There were three congregational hymns and Victoria Welsh Choir (Tom is a long-serving chorister and the choir’s Chaplain) also performed Morte Criste, Calon Lân, Myfanwy and, at the end, Sunset Poem as the coffin was carried out to the hearse.
A video of the service can be accessed via TJ Scott’s website: https://tjscottandson.com.au/tribute/-NeBAStgEckx3XURuJkf/
Vale Linda Morgan 16 December 1941 – 13 September 2023
Linda was the driving force behind the choir’s social life for many years. She organised the raffles at concerts - often dressing up in traditional Welsh costume – and organised fundraiser trips to the pokies and to DFOs. She was the leader of the Supporters’ group and chief wrangler of the famous Christmas dances. At Drummond St, she was the hostess with the mostest for many a social gathering after rehearsals and concerts. All these qualities were spoken about by her friend Jill Dixon and in Jamie’s beautifully written eulogy, read out by the celebrant Trish Williams at Linda’s service on 21 September at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Warragul.
Over a dozen choristers, partners and music team attended. Although the choir was not asked to sing, it was touching that our CD versions of Sunset Poem and Softly as I Leave You were played at the end of the service.
The whole service can be watched for 30 days after 21 September by going to the Nielsen website www.nielsenfunerals.com.au
The magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral was the imposing setting for a Saturday afternoon concert organised by VicWelsh’s Ballarat chapter on 19 August. The whole music team was again gathered together in one place – Musical Director Faleiry Koczkar OAM, Associate MD Rushan Hewawasam and Principal Blackburn Accompanist Lorna Ogilvie assisted by Mary O’Driscoll (Ballarat) and Liz Paton on organ from our Bendigo group. The occasion was further enhanced by the appearance of international singing stars Rohan and Ishan De Lanerolle from Sri Lanka.
Faleiry led the choir in the opening bracket of Welsh tunes Cwm Rhondda, Ar Lan y Môr, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech, with the enthusiastic assembly eager to sing the English verse.
Local chapter leader and compère John White welcomed everybody and introduced the music team and then the De Lanerolle Brothers. Fittingly for the venue, their first song was the well-known Ave Maria where Rohan’s tenor voice combined effortlessly with Ishan’s deep bass timbre. Their masterful diction and breath control resounded throughout the nave with its impressive acoustics, to great applause. Similarly magnificent was their second number Where’er You Walk from Handel’s opera Semele. They continued with the ambulatory theme with I’ll Walk with God, made famous by Mario Lanza.
The compère introduced the next bracket as Rushan stepped on to the podium, replete with a red Welsh dragon embroidery on his back to conduct the choir, and the Brothers melodiously leading the choir on Pacem from the Catholic Latin mass. What Would I Do Without My Music was decisively answered, five bars from the end, when the singing was paused at the word ‘hope’ which caused the congregation to hold its collective breath as the second virtue reverberated around the cathedral’s ethereal space. The first virtue of faith was on display with the pacifist issues of Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and with the beautiful tune St Clement (The Day Thou Gavest), bringing this religious bracket to a fitting end.
Moving on to musical theatre, the Brothers came back to harmonise on the emotive I Dreamed A Dream from Les Misérables, their duet turning into a three-parter when Rushan smoothly joined them. Next, the Brothers’ innately complementary voices commanded the cathedral with the demands of Watchman, What of the Night? Remaining on stage, Ishan displayed his incredible basso profundo voice on the classic Paul Robeson spiritual Ol’ Man River, attracting huge acclaim from the whole assembly, patrons and choristers alike - an absolute show-stopper.
As the choir filed back, Ishan declared I’se Weary of Waitin’, but was soon joined by the generally older and wearier choristers, but all was well in the end as they managed to jump on to the gospel train. On top of the mountain, it looked so fine and the choir became quite animated on Every Time I Feel the Spirit which certainly helped to address the temperature-related challenges of the third virtue, charity. Finally, Rushan turned to the serried ranks of patron-packed pews to rehearse them in the final chorus of When the Saints Go Marching In. Keen to have a stretch at interval, the singing quality improved sufficiently for the choir to launch into the Rutter arrangement and for everyone to finish the first half on a high.
After reassembling, Rushan conducted the choir in the stirring Battle Hymn of the Republic (the choir’s version has been seen on YouTube 140,000 times in the last three years). Paying homage to the De Lanerolles and the choir’s own camaraderie, the next song was He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother. Rushan then spoke about the sacrifices many people had made during the pandemic and dedicated Anfonaf Angel (I’ll Send you an Angel) to all these workers. Rohan and Ishan sang the first verse in Welsh, leading the choir in to one of the most emotional tunes on the program.
For their finale both brothers joined Rushan as he accompanied the three of them singing the ever-popular How Great Thou Art.
With Faleiry now on the podium, Michel Gooey made his solo debut with his very special counter tenor voice reaching up to the heights of the vaulted ceiling as he led the choir on the classic Welsh song Myfanwy.
John White thanked all for attending and organised presentations to the guests and to the music team before the congregation stood as Ishan and Rohan led everyone into Waltzing Matilda before half the choir segued into Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. Amidst extensive applause, choristers left the stage to the strains of Men of Harlech and lined up along all three aisles. The very expectant assembly sat down again and, when all was silent, Faleiry led the choristers in the chanting of the haunting Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood. As the afternoon’s wonderful shared musical experience settled in people's hearts and the day outside came towards its end, choristers farewelled the hushed crowd with:
‘And to the sun we all will bow, And say goodbye – but just for now.’
- Fantastic. My Welsh blood (female) longed to sing. My grandfather Emrys Hopkins was Secretary of the Tredegar Welsh Choir. Sandra
- Thank you very much. Shane
- A perfect way to spend Saturday afternoon – thank you.
- Excellent concert. Yvonne & Glenda
- Excellent and very entertaining. Jean
- Wonderful afternoon of the highest quality singing. Thank you.
- All excellent – thanks. Jan
- Fabulous - thank you for coming to Ballarat. Great venue for a concert. Rohan truly amazing. Jeanette
- A wonderful concert from wo-go! It was wonderful – the choir looked so dapper in dinner suits. The acoustics were wonderful. Loved the brothers, especially How Great Thou Art.
- Loved it – you exceeded my expectations. Joan
- The voice is a wonderful instrument – loved the harmonies.
- Thank you. Heart-warming. Ali
Ballarat Choral Festival
On Sunday 30 July, a combined Ballarat/Bendigo choir performed at St Patrick’s Cathedral Ballarat as part of the local Choral Festival organised by The Church of the Latter-Day Saints. Eight local choristers were joined by nine from the Bendigo chapter and one from Melbourne, making 18 in all. Led by Associate Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam and accompanied by Mary O’Driscoll, the choir sang What Would I Do Without My Music to stunning effect. After ‘To give me hope’ Rushan dramatically held the pause and, befitting the ecclesiastical setting, the very name of the second theological virtue reverberated around the nave and the audience held its breath before the release. Sustained applause rightly followed. The second song was Gwinllan (The Vineyard) but then Rushan decided the patrons should have a chance to sing as well so he rehearsed them in Waltzing Matilda before leading them and the choir into the resounding finale with Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. We don’t think the festival had ever seen anything like this before, so the audience heartily showed their appreciation as the choir trooped off, enveloped in enthusiastic clapping and warmth. And, coincidentally and reflecting our jackets, July’s liturgical colour is green.
St Helena
On Wednesday 26 July we were engaged to present a surprise concert for an ex-chorister Maurie Callow who had retired about twenty years ago. His family had started negotiations with Garry Salisbury for us to celebrate his 90th birthday but various operational issues had intervened until we were able to turn up for his 92nd at Liscombe House, St Helena near Greensborough. Although not as mountainous as Napoleon’s exile island, finding a berth and walking up the hill to the venue did present some challenges. Admirably, Garry came down from Echuca to take part and was joined by 14 Blackburners. Faleiry and Lorna officiated and Ann Roberts wrangled the mixer as well as taking photos, multitasking at its best.
As Maurie was wheeled in and we started up with Gwŷr Harlech, it was marvellous to see him start singing along with the words still firmly in his memory bank. President Tony Davies reminded him which of the choristers would have known him from years back. Naturally, he was somewhat overwhelmed by what was happening, but he was soon joining in as we went through the program. There were solos from Roger Bartlett, Barry McMahon and Tony Hosemans and a duet from Drew Hopkins and Roger. Tony H joyfully led Maurie and the residents in a well-chosen medley of old songs before donning the Magpies scarf and leading the assembly in Maurie’s team’s Collingwood Song.
Deniliquin
On 25th June Victoria Welsh Choir presented a concert at the Deniliquin Baptist Church with local members of Sing Australia (SA).
Last November we ventured into NSW and had a terrific concert at Wangaratta, still dealing with flooding at that time. On Sunday 25 June we were across the border again, after a very wet journey up, as a guest of the Deniliquin Conservatorium of Music as part of their Live Music Annual Series. The Manager of this series, Gemma Rennie, welcomed the choir and the sell-out crowd before compère Drew Hopkins introduced the music team of Lorna Ogilvie, Rushan Hewaswasam and Faleiry Koczkar.
Water, once regarded as Wales’ greatest export, was on our mind as Faleiry led us into the first bracket of Welsh tunes – Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, Cwm Rhondda (with the audience quickly opening their pipes with Songs of Praise), Ar Lan y Môr, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech with patrons ‘loosing the folds asunder’ for a spirited finish.
Drew and baritone Roger Bartlett stepped forward to seamlessly perform the bitter-sweet duet Ti a Dy Ddoniau (You and your Skills) about a woman discarding her various lovers. In reality, both singers’ lengthy marriages are still intact.
Associate MD Rushan then came to the podium to conduct the choir in What Would I Do Without My Music, Pacem (Peace) from the Latin mass with a very sweet solo from Ballarat’s John White, followed by the pacifist sentiments of Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and the thankfulness of St Clement.
Yarram bass Bob Ash then introduced and sang the heart-achingly beautiful Shelter by Eric Bogle about how he felt about his adopted country, Australia. With so many expatriates in the choir and in the hall, the song never fails to tap into everyone’s emotions and the whole assembly acknowledged this with sustained applause. What they didn’t know was that one of Bob’s shoes had shed its sole just before the concert started but the show had to go on – despite this, everybody’s souls were definitely touched.
Faleiry came back to conduct the choir in Verdi’s Speed Your Journey before Drew then introduced members of the local Sing Australia chapter who joined VicWelsh on the stage. Faleiry then rehearsed SA and the audience in the final chorus of When the Saints Go Marching In, and the combined result – and a reprise – resulted in a suitably rousing finish to the first half.
After a very sociable afternoon tea in the interval, Sing Australia again took up position with the choir for the opener, Battle Hymn of the Republic, the choir’s rendition of which has been seen 139,000 times on YouTube. Rushan had come up the day before to rehearse Sing Australia in this number (and The Saints) and this paid off with a very well-received joint performance. Next, we easily stepped back into the Sixties of our youth with the Hollies’ He Ain’t Heavy, He's My Brother which also clearly resounded with the audience.
Rushan – who had been a member of the Victorian Government’s Covid Committee for two years – spoke on behalf of all when he dedicated the next song Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send an Angel) to all those people who had been in the frontline during the pandemic. The sentiments expressed in this beautiful song clearly made an impact on the assembled company.
Drew stepped forward to inform everyone that complaints had been made about the length and noisiness of the afternoon refreshments and that the police had had to be called. Right on cue, a whistle was heard and tenors Tony Hosemans and Geoff Roberts appeared, dressed as bold French law enforcers to combine to great comic effect in the Gendarmes’ Duet, complete with a droll set of props including (no pun intended) a miniature cochon or pig.
After the laughter and clapping had finally subsided, Rushan conducted the choir in the specially commissioned piece by Paul Jarman – the uplifting but nostalgic Land of my Song with two verses sung by Rushan himself in his mellifluous second tenor voice.
Having changed characters – and countries – Tony took the mike to lead the choir and audience in the very well-known Danny Boy. Geoff Roberts had also got his breath back and next joined Roger on the Tom Jones number The Green, Green Grass of Home. Thankfully the female denizens of Deni restrained themselves from throwing unmentionables in their direction at the end.
Drew gave the background to the next song, Working Man with a very fine solo dramatically performed by 86-year-old bass Barry McMahon. It was obvious that many patrons knew the tune, so everyone eagerly joined in with the reprise.
During the interval, Faleiry had spoken to some Welsh expatriates – one of whom was also, like Faleiry, from Ceredigion – and invited them all up to the stage for the finale. With Sing Australia also in position, we launched into the Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau before counterpointing it with patrons and SA simultaneously singing Waltzing Matilda. Huge applause and appreciation flowed around the hall before the choir moved offstage to the strains of Men of Harlech.
Choristers formed themselves up in the three aisles before serenading and farewelling everyone with the lilting psalm Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood. Humming to the end, choristers and patrons alike held their breath as the realisation that a wonderful afternoon of music had been deeply shared.
Audience feedback:
- A wonderful concert with a lot of variety. The local people obviously enjoyed it and wanted more. The soloists were really good as was the pianist and the two conductors. Every concert I have loved and look forward to the next one.
- So good. Please come back to Deniliquin.
Thank you for a wonderful afternoon of sheer enjoyment!!
A wonderful concert, thank you!!
- Excellent afternoon, thank you.
- Excellent, enjoyed all those wonderful voices. Thank you all very much including the pianist and conductors. Regards Karen.
- I have enjoyed every minute.
- Extremely well-presented – really enjoyed it.
- Please come again. Very enjoyable.
- Excellent! Fantastic. Wonderful.
-
Superb
concert – very much enjoyed. Kelly
- Absolutely wonderful – Richard
- Thank you -wonderful - Eileen
- Impressive compere, amazing pianist – Sally-Ann
Woodend Winter Arts Festival
Photo: Jill Rodger
The choir was pleased to take part, for the first time, in the Winter Festival held at the Community Centre, Woodend on Saturday 10 June.
As one of six choirs, each with their own 45-minute slot, there were some cosy moments in the green room and during the successful manoeuvre on to the steeply raked stand on the stage. VicWelsh’s diaspora was well-represented with choristers from all three chapters including the Three Musikateers from Echuca including compère Garry Salisbury.
A full house of rugged-up patrons plus a strong stage light assured all choirs of a very warm reception from the first note. The opening song Cwm Rhondda ended with the assembly eagerly joining in on the well-known choruses before the quieter Ar Lan Y Môr, the feel-good Calon Lân and the popular Gwŷr Harlech.
Conducting duties switched from Faleiry to Rushan as Tony Hosemans melodiously led the choir and audience in Danny Boy. Swiftly moving into our third language, John White’s dulcet tones introduced Pacem (Peace) before the pacifist lyrics of Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and the rather less peacefulness of Green, Green Grass of Home, with excellent contributions by Roger Bartlett and Geoff Roberts. Barry McMahon’s powerful bass voice led the choir on Working Man before the special arrangement of When the Saints Go Marching In culminated in very enthusiastic audience participation with some very fine high notes from some ladies, eliciting a Top A accolade from accompanist Lorna.
The finale was the clever combination of singing Waltzing Matilda at the same time as Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, with more spirited singing along and sustained applause. A cold night but very warm hearts – a lovely occasion.
Vale Bill Denholm
28 May 2023
He had celebrated his 98th birthday with his family on 17 May, and on Saturday 20 May the choir had surprised him with a mini concert at Camberwell Green, a report of which appears below.
At his funeral, our President Tony Davies spoke about how Bill had transformed our computerised learning aids by his introduction of Noteworthy and his work on our sound system, and the choir sang three songs selected by his family: What Would I Do Without My Music followed by Roger Bartlett and the choir on You’ll Never Walk Alone and finishing with Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Roger’s very thoughtful and very apt choice of his a cappella solo at Bill's mini-concert, The Parting Glass, gives us exactly the right words to farewell our great friend:
Of
all the comrades that e'er I had
They're sorry for my going
away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one
more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should
rise and you should not
I gently rise and softly call
Good-night
and joy be to you all.
On 17th June an obituary was published in The Age describing Bill's "distinguished CSIRO career as a metallurgist".
Camberwell Green
Celebration of Bill Denholm’s 98th birthday
Retired chorister Dr Bill Denholm AM was 98 on 17 May 2023 and this milestone was celebrated on 20 May at the Camberwell Green Aged Care facility with a surprise concert in his honour.
Given space and mask restrictions, the choir performed from the open door to the main lounge where Bill was in the front row, flanked by daughters Toni and Wendy, with many of the residents also in attendance. Lorna was at the piano just inside the door and Faleiry was also inside pivoting between leading the choir and encouraging residents to sing. All were eager to join in with the singing and some very strong ladies’ voices emerged as we opened with Cwm Rhondda (Bread of Heaven), Ar Lan y Môr, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech.
President Tony Davies stepped forward to briefly talk about Bill and his time in the choir since 2003 and how he had transformed our electronic learning aids by playing all new scores into a computerised program thus enabling choristers to learn their own parts while following the music on Noteworthy. He was also our very hands-on sound engineer for many years, with detailed diagrams of cable and speaker set-ups, and not averse to crawling around on the floor sorting it all out. Tony also informed fellow residents that Bill had been a very eminent Australian scientist, the Chief Research Scientist at CSIRO and was a leading international expert in the fields of metal corrosion and smelting.
Tony then led the assembled company to sing a heartfelt Happy Birthday to Bill. Faleiry then turned the tables on him as it was Tony’s 81st birthday that day and Victor Gago’s 93rd also on the 17th so a reprise was called for.
Everyone, including Bill, had been singing along to many of the opening tunes but, as soon as Ed Hughes started on Danny Boy, it was clear that everybody knew this one. The choir then went into operatic mode with Speed Your Journey before Barry McMahon stirred the room with Working Man followed by plenty of audience participation on When the Saints.
Bill had always been in the baritone section, so the next solo was from fellow baritone Roger Bartlett who paid respects to the Denholms’ country of origin – Scotland – with a fine a cappella rendition of The Parting Glass, the most popular parting song before Auld Lang Syne came along.
The last bracket comprised the famous Battle Hymn of the Republic, Roger and Geoff Roberts duetting on Green, Green Grass of Home before the finale of Waltzing Matilda and Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Leighmoor Uniting Church
Starting off the concert on a windy rainy afternoon seemed somewhat apt as the choir saluted the Land of My Fathers (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau) with the Welsh National Anthem, followed by vigorous renditions of Cwm Rhondda, Myfanwy, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech with the packed-out church eager and happy to sing the well-known choruses.
Compère Tony Davies introduced the music team of Lorna Ogilvie (familiar to the congregation as she is a regular accompanist at Leighmoor), Rushan Hewawasam and Faleiry Koczkar.
Rushan then joined first tenor Drew Hopkins with the rueful John Denver song Perhaps Love.
The next bracket started with the third language (Latin) for the day in Pacem with a sensitive first verse solo by John White. The Peace theme was also central in Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and this was followed by the melodious St Clement.
The beautifully matched tenor voices of Drew and Rushan then stepped forward again to tell the poignant tale of Irish immigrant Annie Moore in Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears.
The first half finished off operatically with Speed your Journey from Nabucco and the Rutter arrangement of When the Saints Go Marching In, complete with plenty of audience participation.
After Hebrew slaves and saints, the second half started off more prosaically but equally powerfully with Battle Hymn of the Republic, the choir’s video rendition of which has been viewed more than 138,000 times since it went up on YouTube in March 2020. This was followed by three optimistic and uplifting songs – Hafan Gobaith (Haven of Hope), He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother and Anfonaf Angel (I’ll Send You an Angel)
Another tenor duo – Tony Hosemans and Geoff Roberts - then took centre stage, along with a morse code machine, as they melded together beautifully to sing The Proposal/The Night Was Alive from Titanic – The Musical, eerily commemorating the sinking of the ship, 111 years ago almost to the day.
With the programmed soloist Roger Bartlett indisposed, Stoker Geoff remained to solo on Green, Green Grass of Home, seemingly more solid than a watery grave but none the less terminal.
Reminding everybody of the mortal dangers of being underground was special guest, ex-VicWelsh bass and Leighmoor stalwart, Geoff Serpell who next sang the miners’ anthem Working Man, involving the assembly joining in with the last two choruses. Geoff’s heartfelt rendition brought to many choristers’ minds very good memories of him and his late friend and fellow-duettist John Hales whose funeral service had been held in this church last September.
Convenor Jenny Longmuir then came to the lectern to thank all the church’s helpers and the choir and presented flowers to Faleiry and Lorna.
Rushan started off the finale with the first verse of Waltzing Matilda before the audience continued with that tune whilst half the choir simultaneously mixed in Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Choristers then moved off stage to the tune of Men of Harlech, neatly surrounding the congregation to sing their farewells with Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood as the afternoon’s shadows lengthened. The concert had started in rain and now the sun was out.
As the Welsh words from Hafan Gobaith reminded us – Heulwen wedi’r glaw – Sunshine after the rain.
Audience feedback:
- Just brilliant. Excellent.
- One of the most pleasurable afternoons I’ve had in years. Dorothy
- Thank you for performing for the Leighmoor Church and friends.
- Brilliant – Loved it all! Such wonderful talent.
- Loved every minute of the performance.
- Being ½ Welsh, (2 Welsh-born Grandparents), couldn’t believe how Welsh I felt. Loved every moment and shed a few tears. Thank you.
- Fantastic concert, keep up great work.
- Thank you for your beautiful music and incredible performance.
- Wonderful as usual. jkn 01.
- Much appreciated, brilliant performance.
Melbourne Celtic Festival
On St Patrick’s Day March 17, the choir was honoured to be chosen to launch the inaugural Melbourne Celtic Festival at the iconic Seafarers’ Mission in Docklands. Naturally, green was the predominant colour of the day amongst the milling crowds on a warm day, relieved in part by a wide choice of beverages including the famous Guinness. The downside was that we were unable to wear our tastefully appropriate green jackets due to the power of the stage lighting. But no matter, as people had come for the singing and the craic.
The ebullient venue MC, Chris McKenna, introduced Musical Director Faleiry Koczkar, Associate MD Rushan Hewawasam and accompanist Lorna Ogilvie before the packed hall rose for the Welsh National Anthem, followed by the classic Cwm Rhondda, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech with the audience enthusiastically joining in with the choruses.
There were fine solos by John White on Pacem, by Tony Hosemans on Danny Boy (with plenty of backup singers from the hall), from Barry McMahon on Wild Mountain Thyme and by Geoff Roberts on Green Green Grass of Home. And a very fitting duet for the day came from Drew Hopkins and Rushan with the tale of ‘Annie Moore from Ireland who was only fifteen years’ in the song Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears by the famous Irish songwriter and novelist Brendan Graham who also penned You Raise Me Up.
A rollicking When The Saints Go Marching In, with everybody singing along, set up the vibe for the day. The organiser was very happy saying ‘We couldn’t have started off the festival in a better way than with the VicWelsh’.
So Sláinte and Iechyd Da in anybody’s language!
Lancefield
Lancefield Mechanics Institute
Back again after more than four years, it was gratifying to see the hall once again packed with local supporters from the combined parishes of Lancefield and Romsey.
After the Welsh National Anthem – Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Old Land of my Fathers) Echuca-based chorister and compère Garry Salisbury introduced the music team of Faleiry Koczkar, Rushan Hewawasam and Lorna Ogilvie and invited the audience to join in singing some of the choruses in the opening bracket which consisted of the beauty of Cwm Rhondda, the lost love of Myfanwy, the purity of Calon Lân and the steadfastness of Gwŷr Harlech (Men of Harlech).
Local entertainer David Allan performed four songs including John Denver’s Back Home Again with plenty of audience and choir participation singing along to this well-known tune.
The choir’s chaplain – and Romsey resident – Rev. Tom Morgan paid homage to his old school chum, the deceased Laurie Thomson who had astonishingly recited from memory the 120-line Henry Lawson poem The Fire at Ross’s Farm at our last concert here in November 2018. This time Tom read the 52-line C J Dennis poem An Old Master and sang the Luton Girls’ Choir version of The Lord’s Prayer to great acclaim.
Other choir soloists were John White on Pacem (Peace), Drew Hopkins on Diolch I’r Iôr (Thanks to the Lord) and Roger Bartlett on Gwinllan (A Vineyard).
Patron feedback included:.
- Very enjoyable
- Very entertaining!
- It was lovely to be reminded of home. I was born in Ffestiniog. I speak Welsh, it is my native tongue.
- Enjoyed the harmony.
- Excellent show. Thank you.
- I enjoyed it so much…loved the music, the accompaniment, the conductors, the wonderful venue and more. You were not hard to find, right there at central stage. I just don’t know how men of such senior age can stand for such long periods of time…you must have strong backs.
Cymanfa Ganu
St Michael's Church
Faleiry Koczkar conducted Victoria Welsh, Australian Welsh & Melbourne Welsh Male Choirs with Gwahoddiad and Rachie at the Welsh Church's Gymanfa Ganu on Sunday 26 February at St Michael's Church, Collins St., after a three-year hiatus. Also featured were Geelong Welsh & Mornington Peninsula Ladies Choirs plus Excelsis and local soprano Carly Wales.St. David's Day
This year’s St David’s Day Concert was an outstanding first in all sorts of ways. Not only was it the first time we had six instrumentalists on stage to back up two different accompanists but we also had two conductors with the very welcome return of Musical Director Faleiry Koczkar.
To celebrate such an occasion the trumpets of Bruno Sitaka and Tony Frantz woke up the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall with a royal fanfare as the excited and expectant audience stood for the Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Compère Drew Hopkins stepped forward to introduce accompanists Lorna Ogilvie and Mary O’Driscoll, Associate MD Rushan Hewawasam and the choir’s leader since 1984, the radiant Faleiry Koczkar.
Faleiry took to the podium for the initial bracket of Welsh favourites Cwm Rhondda, Myfanwy, Calon Lân (A Pure Heart) and Gwŷr Harlech (Men of Harlech) with the assembly eagerly joining in with the English verses. The volume of applause immediately confirmed that this was definitely going to be a wonderful event with a high level of emotion from the very start.
This huge sense of occasion was quickly underscored by Rushan taking the microphone to talk about the difficulties of the last year, including the challenge of using an inaugural orchestra on our latest CD Songs From the Heart with creative input from Lorna, Mary and organist Liz Paton and mentorship by Faleiry. Not only did he have to work with others on writing new arrangements but he had to learn how to conduct an orchestra as well as the choir. The result is a scintillating recording and it was only fitting that he made a formal presentation of the CD to Faleiry, to great acclaim.
Throughout the concert, accompanists Lorna and Mary swapped places, instruments came in and out and conducting duties also rotated. The next bracket, with Rushan and Mary, opened brilliantly and plaintively with Marianne Rothschild on violin and a perfectly pitched solo by first tenor John White on the Latin hymn Pacem (Peace). This theme was extended with Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and St Clement.
Other musicians were Roxy Kavanagh on flute, Jill Griffiths on double bass and – to prove that nepotism is alive and well on the Melbourne music scene – Jeremy Hopkins on drums.
Then it was time to welcome our guests Bhán Tré, the Melbourne Celtic band comprising Sue Foley, Geraldine Davis and Rebecca Humphreys as they lifted up the tempo with Shularoon, Ride On, I’ll Tell Me Ma and Geraldine’s own song By the Liffey. To finish, Sue sang the verses of Loch Lomond with the choir and audience keenly joining in with the chorus.
Faleiry and Lorna came back to lead the choir in more classic Welsh tunes Arwelfa, Ar Lan Y Môr (Beside the Sea) and Diolch I’r Iôr with a sensitive solo by multi-tasking Drew, complete with a rousing reprise to finish the first half.
After interval Faleiry immediately turned to the assembly and rehearsed their part at the end of the next tune, the John Rutter modern arrangement of When the Saints Go Marching In with plenty of joyful audience participation.
And then, another big surprise! It wasn’t on the program and not even the choristers knew anything about it but out from behind the curtains came a concert harp and a chair for Faleiry as Rushan told patrons about Faleiry’s remarkable recovery from two major surgeries and that he wanted to welcome her back on behalf of the choir family and all her family and friends in the hall. And what would be more fitting than the tune that is sung at the National Eisteddfod to welcome all the expatriates back to Wales – the emotionally visceral Unwaith Eto’n Nghymru Annwyl (Once Again in Dear Wales). The seamless combination of Rushan’s beautifully mellifluous tenor voice and Faleiry’s delicate playing stunned the 500 people fortunate enough to witness this tour de force and, with the final notes, there was a huge outpouring of emotion towards our two leaders as patrons and choristers alike rose as one to give them a well-deserved standing ovation. After a tearful thankyou Faleiry stayed on the side of the stage as Rushan led the choir through the equally nostalgic Take Me Home and Hafan Gobaith (Home of Hope).
Still coming down from the emotional heights, everyone was pleased to see Bhán Tré back on stage with Raggle Taggle Gypsy, Belfast Mill and the thirst-whetting potential of Whiskey in the Jar complete with (yes) spirited audience singing and clapping.
But it wasn’t time yet for that after-concert beverage as Rushan and Lorna returned with the choir to heartily sing our specially commissioned work by Australian composer Paul Jarman, Land of My Song with two verses splendidly sung by Bendigo tenor Keva Lloyd. This was followed by a new song Gwinllan (A Vineyard) with another finely intoned solo by baritone Roger Bartlett. And then Pemulwuy, the most famous song written by Paul Jarman, with a powerful and heart-felt rendition by the choir, all rewarded by enthusiastic applause.
Faleiry came back to lead everyone through the old Max Boyce number Hymns and Arias and then, with Bhán Tré back on stage, into the finale with Rushan singing the first verse of Hen Wlad before audience and choir split into singing the anthem and Waltzing Matilda at the same time.
And that was it – the end of an absolutely remarkable come-back concert with plenty of fine harmonies, musicality and quite a few tears.
Until next year!
Patron feedback.
- Wonderful performance / loved every minute. Absolutely loved performance of ‘Pemulwuy’ and the audience response!! Congrats Faleiry on your return & to everyone who took part!!
- Lovely to see Faleiry back on the podium. Orchestral instruments were a plus. Thank you to everyone who took part.
- All Great!
- Marvellous to have Faleiry back again. Her duet with Rushan was DIVINE.
- utstanding choir. Enjoyed all aspects from the Music Team, the soloists at the last part of the concert, the 2 MDs. Made my day.
- Lovely to hear Faleiry sing and play her harp, and duet with Rushan was excellent.
- The choir’s rendering of Myfanwy and Calon Lan was magnificent, such beautiful harmony. I also enjoyed Rushan and Faleiry’s duet with the harp.
- Fantastic experience – the whole thing a real thrill, very moving.
- I always think each concert has been the best ever, this one is no exception. Fantastic, brilliant. Wonderful.
- Variety today was great- Orchestra and Trio.
- Professional, inclusive, cultural diversity. Glad we brought our Italian and Scottish friends. Thanks. Variety today was great- Orchestra and Trio.
- Beautiful singing from the choir.
- The solos and the duet with Faleiry and Rushan were excellent.
- Orchestral backing was great.
- Great venue and acoustics. Drew as compere.
The following feedback is an email to Tony Davies from Euan Thomas:
I just want to thank the choir for a wonderful afternoon yesterday. My daughter, Siobhan loved hearing the songs in Welsh and is determined to learn the language, which is interesting as she’s a real mixture, her Mum is Chinese Malay mixed with my background of Welsh and Irish.
Email to Tony from Sue Foley, Bhan Tre:
Wow, what an afternoon for music. My friends who came loved it. You guys are amazing. We loved being part of the afternoon & thank you sincerely for the invite. See you on March 17th. Sue.
Performance Feedback
Sylwadau Cyngherddau
Village Glen Retirement Village
27 October 2024
Photo by Glynis Rose
We were delighted to be invited back to the village after three years to entertain a capacity audience for this Sunday afternoon concert. The opening Welsh tune was Cwm Rhondda (Rhondda Valley) with the audience extremely eager to join in with the final chorus. The organiser Donna stepped forward to welcome us back and to thank the large crowd for their attendance.
Compère Tony Davies introduced the principal accompanist Lorna Ogilvie and the Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam.
The a cappella Ar Lan Y Môr (By the Seaside) was followed by the American/Welsh classic Gwahoddiad (Invitation) with a splendid solo English verse by Rushan. Next was Pacem (Peace) from the Latin mass with the opening verse sung by the entire first tenor section. Equally peaceful was a comparatively new Welsh tune, the ekphrastic Y Darlun (The Picture) followed by Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) which told the story of the bombing of Swansea through the eyes of the author’s pacifist parents.
Roger Bartlett came forward then to showcase his rich bass-baritone voice on Homeward Bound to great acclaim.
The next bracket was the famous American song Amazing Grace followed by African Prayer which included four languages to add to the three already sung. Moving musically back across the Atlantic teed up another iconic American tune When the Saints Go Marching In and Rushan told the audience how we had sung this special John Rutter arrangement in London in 2012 as part of a 500-male voice choir in a huge pre-Olympics concert. In the absence of a brass band, he thoroughly rehearsed the audience in their parts in the final chorus and after two or three reprises we were ready to go and choir and audience marched together into musical heaven very satisfactorily.
Coming down to earth, the choir rhetorically asked themselves What Would I do Without my Music (another American tune). A song made famous by Bryn Terfel was next – Hafan Gobaith (Haven of Hope) was written to raise funds for a local childrens’ hospice. Staying with the optimistic theme the choir launched into one of its favourite songs – Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send You an Angel), a Robat Arwyn song arranged by Ilid Anne Jones, a friend of the choir and who will be the Welsh Church’s guest conductor for the 2025 Gymanfa Ganu. Rushan dedicated this song not only to all the frontline people who looked after us during Covid but also to one of our very important choristers Col Evans who had suffered a stroke and was recovering in hospital. Always an emotional highlight, the song today had an extra poignancy and received lengthy applause.
As the choir sat down, Geoff Roberts (who took over as concert production manager from Col) then led the choir in the famous Green Green Grass of Home which was obviously very well-known by the audience.
Tony then told the assembly how the choir had commissioned the next song, Land of my Song, from the famous Australian composer Paul Jarman some years ago and how some of the lyrics came from various choristers. With two solo verses very sensitively sung by Bendigo baritone John Adams, the choir’s performance was generously applauded. This was followed by Paul Jarman’s most famous song Pemulwuy about the Aboriginal guerilla leader active in the 1790s around Sydney Cove and the emotive and powerful climax was very warmly received by all.
As choristers moved to surround the audience, Tony explained that the finale would be the Welsh national anthem (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau – Land of my Fathers) sung together with Waltzing Matilda with more audience participation. Then all was hushed as choristers chanted the farewell Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood with Tony mentioning that Dylan Thomas would have been very pleased to know that we were immortalising his words on what would have been his 110th birthday.
Comments from the audience
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Lovely that the choir came down amongst us. Very enjoyable and moving.
We loved the concert and the mix of selections! Mum (who is 97) was very impressed that you remember all the lyrics. We hope to see you again.
Very enjoyable, thank you so much.
What a treat to have you all here, thank you! ‘I will send an angel’ brought tears to my eyes. Two songs by Paul Jarman – fantastic!!
Very enjoyable, would like to hear the Welsh National Anthem.
Wonderful uplifting music! Inspiring Musical Director. Great pianist! Cleverly put together, with character and gentle humour. Thank you.
A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, thank you.
Very good program. Excellent pianist – thoroughly enjoyed playing. Love the harmonies.
A tremendous concert – so very entertaining, thank you.
Excellent performance! We missed Col as well L
Lovely voices, thank you J J. Lawrence
Wonderful enjoyed every minute. Beautiful voices.
It was a wonderful day. It was like winning the lottery. Next time you come you must drop into unit 279 and I’ll make you a cup of tea.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo concert
7 September 2024
Photo by Ken Toomey
At the beginning of September, the long-established Bendigo chapter organised a Sunday afternoon concert called Voices Unite A Choral Extravaganza. With the sunshine streaming in through the stained-glass windows, the choir launched into the well-known hymn Cwm Rhondda (Rhondda Valley) complete with organ accompaniment. Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam thanked the Cathedral’s resident organist Dr Paul Taylor for agreeing to step in at short notice to replace Bendigo accompanist Elizabeth Paton due to a health issue. Compère Drew Hopkins then introduced the rest of the musical team which comprised of principal accompanist Lorna Ogilvie and Ballarat accompanist Mary O’ Driscoll. As the congregation showed early promise in singing, Rushan got them to reprise the Bread of Heaven chorus from the opening hymn to everyone’s satisfaction.
The choir then sang a cappella Ar Lan Y Môr (By the Seaside) followed by Gwahoddiad (Invitation) with the English verse sung by Rushan. Throughout the concert accompanists Lorna and Mary shared their keyboard talents with the magnificent pipe organ enhancing selected tunes. With the organ loft at the farthest point away from the choir, Mary was very nimble in scooting down the north side of the nave before ascending to the organ loft to help synchronise the beat. We are yet to find out if this musically inspired activity might be considered as a new event for the more show-business minded Los Angeles Olympics.
The choir then performed a new song Y Darlun (The Picture), Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and, in Latin, Pacem (Peace). Our guests from Sri Lanka the De Lanerolle Brothers then took the stage, showcasing their magnificent voices with I Walk with God before Ishan impressed the assembly – and the choir’s bass section particularly - with a marvellous basso profundo performance of Ol’ Man River. The choir then sang the famous Amazing Grace, the multilingual African Prayer and the animated Every Time I Feel the Spirit featuring Ishan. Rohan came forward to sing the solo aria Ombra mai fu from Handel’s Xerxes before the brothers combined the special gift of fraternal harmonising on God Will Take Care of You and Ave Maria.
Before interval Rushan rehearsed the congregation in the last choruses of When the Saints Go Marching In, the performance and reprise of which filled the cavernous spaces.
The second half opened with the rhetorical What Would I Do Without my Music, Gwinllan a Roddwyd (A Vineyard Given to my Care) and Hafan Gobaith (Haven of Hope)
The Brothers then showed their linguistic versatility in leading the choir in Welsh on Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send an Angel) and in Latin on Benedictus. They then duetted on Watchman! What of the Night? before Rohan thanked all those who had organised and taken part in this concert – the choir, Rushan, all three accompanists and members of the Sri Lankan choir Euphony who had come up from Melbourne. Rohan was then joined by his son, Ishan was joined by his daughter and, accompanied by Rushan on the keyboard, this supremely musical family then proceeded to give a bravura performance of The Prayer in English and Italian which moved everybody in the cathedral so much that it received a heartfelt and instantaneous standing ovation. After the applause had subsided, the Brothers remained on stage to offer up How Great Thou Art with Rushan joining in on the last verse with a well-modulated descant to huge acclaim.
Compère Drew introduced the next two numbers by prolific Australian composer Paul Jarman, giving the background to the commissioned work Land of My Song and the backstory of the guerrilla fighter Pemulwuy, both of which were amply appreciated.
The finale - with the De Lanerolle Brothers and the entire audience - was a special arrangement of Waltzing Matilda segueing into half of the choir concurrently singing the Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers).
There only remained the choir’s farewell as they moved down the aisles to surround the audience and deliver Sunset Poem from Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood. The afternoon sun now streamed more palely as the choir intoned,
‘And to the sun we all will bow
And say, good-bye – but just for now!’
Sunbury Concert
31 August 2024
Photo by Glynis Rose
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 his 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 us 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 also 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 guerilla 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 National Anthem & 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.
Old Man River, Excellent. Loved the Delanerolle 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.
Echuca Uniting Church
21 July 2024
Photo by Glynis Rose
For our return visit to Echuca on Sunday 21 July, and with a change of venue, saw us perform in front of a capacity audience in the acoustically blessed space of the magnificent Uniting Church. Local organiser Ann Peace had obviously been very successful with forward planning and publicity, as witness the full turnup.
Compère Garry Salisbury (one of our three Echuca members) introduced the music team of Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam, principal piano accompanist Lorna Ogilvie and Bendigo accompanist and organist Liz Paton.
The first Welsh bracket comprised the famous Cwm Rhondda (Rhondda Valley) with the audience eagerly joining in on the Songs of Praises chorus. This was followed by Ar Lan Y Môr (By the Seaside) before the very tuneful new song in our repertoire Y Darlun (The Picture) and the classic Gwahoddiad (Invitation) with the English verse sung by Rushan himself. The famous Amazing Grace was followed by St. Clement and Robat Arwyn’s classic Benedictus.
Rushan then invited Liz to perform a solo item on the magnificent organ and the roof soon reverberated with another Welsh classic Bryn Calfaria (Calvary Hill). This magnificent rendition was followed by a nine strong group of choristers including the three Echuca residents, singing the stirring Be Still my Soul by Sibelius from the symphonic poem Finlandia.
Somewhat prematurely the choir then moved into Take Me Home before the ever-popular Battle Hymn of the Republic, the VicWelsh version of which has been seen on YouTube by more than 146,000 people.
After interval the opening number asked the somewhat superfluous question What Would I Do Without my Music before tugging at the heartstrings with another Robat Arwyn hit Anfonaf Angel (I will send an Angel). Coming right down to ground level we next sang about protecting Wales from marauders in Gwinllan a Roddwyd (A Vineyard Given to my Care).
Turning our humourous eyes and ears towards Olympics-ready Paris, ‘Geoffs de mission’ Roberts and Serpell came on stage avec batons and kepis to delight the audience with a warmly appreciated comic rendition of Offenbach’s Gendarmes’ Duet.
Allez Aus, as they say.
Musically moving genres and countries we then launched into the animated spiritual Every Time I Feel the Spirit before, once again, crossing the Atlantic to perform the triumphant anti-apartheid African Prayer. Next was the famous Australian composer Paul Jarman’s Pemulwuy which told the story of the courageous Aboriginal guerilla fighter in the Sydney area at the end of the 1700s.
The last upbeat song was When the Saints go Marching In but, before this, Rushan rehearsed the audience several times to make sure that they had the final choruses securely tucked away. And so it came to pass - with fulsome audience participation and mass choral singing at the end which was so good it had to be reprised so that everyone was satisfied they’d sung their hearts out.
There only remained the singing of the Welsh national anthem (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau – Land of our Fathers) which cleverly interpolated the Australian unofficial anthem Waltzing Matilda.
The Reverend Michele Lees stepped forward to thank all the organisers and the choir very much and made presentations to the music team.
As a final musical treat, all choristers left the stage and surrounded the audience to chant their farewells with the hauntingly beautiful and emotionally affecting Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood. United in the contemplative silence at its completion, cemented a wonderful afternoon’s musical experience for both patrons and choristers.
Comments
· Amazing – wonderful.
· Lovely selection of songs. Favourites – Cwm Rhondda, Benedictus, Take Me Home and the whole 2nd half. The dynamics were excellent, loved the attention to detail. Really beautiful singing. Surpassed my expectations.
· Wonderful to experience culture. Very emotional and enjoyable.
· A superlative experience. Beautiful harmonies!
· Loved the performance – great program. A brilliant sound - thankyou.
· Having never been to a concert by this choir, I was so pleased I attended. It was marvellous, the harmonies great. What a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon. When will you return?
· A beautiful performance. A wonderful performance – great harmony! Mostly enjoyable. Very good. Loved the conductor XX.
· We have contacts and would never miss a chance to hear you.
· Love love love it all!! God Bless you all for the pleasure you bring!
· Beautiful entertainment. Musicology with thanks.
· Amazing harmonies. Well done.
· Excellent! Thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Thank you.
· Love Rushan’s work!
· Garry Salisbury reported: I friend of mine who is a trained musician and has attended multiple performances said he thought the choir had never performed better. His highlight was Sunset Poem. It was the best crowd the church has had in their monthly concerts with a variety of performers.
The Potato Shed, Drysdale
30 June 2024
Photo by Glynis Rose
Joint concert with Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir at The Potato Shed, Drysdale
Geelong Welsh hosted VicWelsh on this occasion so they opened the concert after an introduction by compère Janice Wilding. Conducted by their Musical Director Jeanette John and accompanied by Victoria Hayes, their first bracket was All That Jazz, What’ll I Do, Y Fory (Tomorrow) and the well-known Calon Lân (A Pure Heart) sang beautifully to the tune of The Rose.
As the ladies exited, VicWelsh took the stage as compère John White introduced accompanist Lorna Ogilvie and Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam before we swung into our first bracket of four Welsh songs. The first was the famous Cwm Rhondda (Rhondda Valley) with the capacity audience eagerly joining in on the Bread of Heaven chorus. This was followed by Ar Lan Y Môr (By the Seaside) and then the choir’s very first performance of Y Darlun (The Picture) which was warmly received. The bracket finished with Gwahoddiad (Invitation) which included an English verse sung by Rushan in his peerless tenor voice.
The ladies came back on to stand in front of VicWelsh and the combined choir of some 75 choristers was conducted by Jeanette in the patriotic Welsh song Down in the Valley followed by Robert Arwyn’s very stirring Benedictus.
After the interval VicWelsh rhetorically asked What Would I do Without My Music before the heart-aching Anfonaf Angel (I will send an angel) – actually the third song of the concert by the supremely talented Welsh composer Robat Arwyn. The next song was Australian composer Paul Jarman’s most famous song Pemulwuy about the late eighteenth-century Aboriginal guerilla fighter. After the applause died down, Rushan set about rehearsing patrons in the final chorus of When the Saints Go Marching In. The multiple rehearsals paid off right at the end with the rousing finish and reprise, to everyone’s satisfaction and acclaim.
Then it was Geelong Welsh Ladies’ turn again with Seal Lullaby, Cross the Wide Missouri, the fun Welsh song about a chaotic kitchen Sosban Fach (Little Saucepan) and finishing with the uplifting European Union anthem World in Union.
The men then came back on stage to take up their positions behind the ladies for two combined items. Conducted by Rushan, the first tune was (the slightly premature) Welsh song Take me Home followed by the joyful American composition Let us all Sing which was a very appropriate message for the finale.
With the audience upstanding, the Australian anthem was conducted by Rushan followed by Jeanette taking a straw poll of audience and choir members with Welsh connections before launching into the Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Geelong Welsh Ladies’ acting president Dee Day thanked both choirs, the audience and the Potato Shed management before making presentations of chocolates and flowers to both musical directors and accompanists. As a further surprise, Rushan hopped up onto the podium and invited the ladies to turn around whilst VicWelsh sang their farewells to them and to the captivated crowd with the famous Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood. This chant is always a moving end to any concert but today it had an extra dimension as a very fitting finish, cementing personal and musical friendships between these two very popular Welsh choirs.
Sackville Grange, Kew
21 April 2024
On 21 April 2024 we were delighted to be asked back to Sackville Grange Retirement Village for a private concert. We had last been here in November 2022.
Under the musical direction of Rushan Hewawasam and accompanist Lorna Ogilvie, the choir launched into the joyous opening number Let Us All Sing.
Compère Tony Davies introduced the opening bracket of Cwm Rhondda with the eager audience happy to sing the Songs of Praises chorus - twice. This was followed by Ar Lan y Môr before the well-known Gwŷr Harlech (Men of Harlech) with more enthusiastic patron participation on the English verse.
Tony described how John Newton’s epiphany had inspired his words to Amazing Grace, the second American song of the concert. The 1874 hymn St Clement came next before the famous Calon Lân (A Pure Heart). Another US hymn, translated into Welsh as Gwahoddiad (Invitation) was introduced by Rushan who sang the second verse as a solo, dedicating it to the memories of two friends who had died in the Colombo bombings, exactly five years ago to the day.
Tenor Drew Hopkins and baritone Roger Bartlett then stepped forward to deliver the heart-warming Love Changes Everything to great acclaim.
The Welsh lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi acted as a contrast to the following stirring 1861 Battle Hymn of the Republic, the choir’s rendition of which has been seen and heard some 150,000 times on YouTube since 2020.
The second half kicked off with the rhetorical What Would I Do Without My Music before Tony introduced the very emotional Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send an Angel) made famous by both Bryn Terfel and Rhys Meirion who had performed as a guest with the choir in 2018.
Gwinllan a Roddwyd I’m Gofal (A vineyard given to my care), written especially for a 1937 Welsh radio play, featured Roger as he sang the first verse before the choir joined him.
As if to scare off the Romans destroying the Welsh vineyards, whistles were heard and two instant French policemen, in the form of tenors Geoff Roberts and Tony Hosemans, appeared to hugely entertain the audience with a comical rendition of The Gendarmes’ Duet.
The next bracket’s Afro-American theme started with the lively Every Time I Feel the Spirit, prefacing the South African national anthem Nkosi Sikelel’ i Afrika which incorporates words in five - Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Afrikaans and English - of the 11 official languages. Then back to the States with the popular When the Saints Go Marching In. As the audience had a crucial role in the final chorus, Rushan led them in a couple of rehearsals before everyone in the room mastered it successfully.
Chairman of the village Margot Boyce returned to fulsomely thank the choir and the music team and all the inhouse organisers before Tony asked everyone to also show their appreciation for the very talented cohort of soloists. There followed the rousing Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers) sung concurrently with Waltzing Matilda. Finally, with the piano hushed, choristers farewelled the Sackville Grange family with Sunset Poem from Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood to sustained applause.
And so, to afternoon tea, replete with beautifully themed musical napkins and artistic touches. Another lovely Sunday afternoon intimate concert.
Tony Davies
24 April 2024
14 October 1928 - 23 March 2024
Just over five months since Doreen Morgan’s service of thanksgiving, we were back on 4 April 2024 at the same church St Mary’s Anglican Church, Sunbury to celebrate her husband the Rev. Tom Morgan’s life of selfless service and ministry.
Reflecting his long life and involvement in multiple parishes and his involvement in so many organisations and groups, the congregational numbers warranted several car parking attendants to direct attendees to the back of the church. His large family consisted of four children and their partners, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Oldest son David gave the eulogy on behalf of the family and lovingly outlined the very rich Christian life Tom had lived. It was remarkable to hear that, after leaving school early to take up an apprenticeship with the railways, he went to evening class to get his Leavers’ Certificate, attended Theology College and became a priest and even took lessons in singing, piano and organ. He was an active member of so many organisations and on so many committees that David reported that he had only three free nights in every month.
He was a very early member of Victoria Welsh Choir, joining in January 1987 and was a committed member of the bass section right up to his ill-fated overnight ‘adventure’ in March. He kept up with all fellow members’ travails and visited many over the years if they found themselves in hospital. For many months in 2022, he had a routine every Wednesday without fail to drive down from Romsey to visit and spend time with ex-chorister (and fellow bass) Graeme Sanderson and Faleiry who were in two different sections of the same hospital, then he’d dine at Maccas before coming on to rehearsal in Blackburn.
Two vicars officiated – the incumbent Rev. Matt Browne and Tom’s sister the Rev. Lilian Morgan. There were three congregational hymns – Fight the Good Fight, And Can It Be and Onward Christian Soldiers. Faleiry Koczkar and Rushan Hewawasam shared conducting Victoria Welsh Choir in Gwahoddiad (Invitation), the love song Myfanwy and in St Clement. At the end, as Tom’s casket was led out by the family, the choir sang him on his way with Sunset Poem, dipping our heads to the sun and in respect and appreciation for the choir’s oldest member.
A video of the service can be accessed via TJ Scott’s website: https://tjscottandson.com.au/tribute/-Ntn-hBlPBZRACDBfx2u/
17 March 2024
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 was the well-known Calon Lân (A Pure Heart), the lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi and the rousing temperance song Rachie which is more likely 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 plenty of audience participation from the chapel assembly on the beautifully apt song for the day – When Irish Eyes Are Smiling with a splendid solo by tenor Tony Hosemans as he strolled up the aisle as the audience eagerly sang the choruses.
Back to the old country finally with O Gymru (Oh Wales), the heartwrenching Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send You an Angel) and the finale of Gwŷr Harlech (Men of Harlech).
Everyone had a rollicking singsong, working up a thirst so, understandably, there was a fairly swift exit march of the men of Harlech plus patrons in the direction of the bar and liquid refreshment.
Sláinte and Iechyd da!
Photo by Ann Roberts
Cymanfa Ganu
2 March 2024
On Saturday 2 March 2024 the annual St David’s Day Gymanfa Ganu, organised by Melbourne Welsh Church, was held in a new venue – St Paul’s Cathedral. Not only was there plenty of space for the six choirs involved but the usual Welsh community was augmented by curious bystanders, locals and tourists.
After the Australian National Anthem, welcoming addresses were made by Canon Robert Vun, Rev. Siôn Gough Hughes and the British Consul General Mr Steph Lysaght.
Ten Welsh hymns were sung by the whole congregation, entertainingly and energetically led by the Welsh guest conductor Jeffrey Howard.
The Australian Welsh (MD Tom Buchanan OAM), Melbourne Welsh (MD Mitchell Meyer) and Victoria Welsh (MD Faleiry Koczkar OAM) male choirs were also conducted by Jeff in rousing renditions of Rachie and Gwahoddiad.
The combined Geelong Welsh and Mornington Peninsula Welsh ladies choirs were conducted, firstly, by Tom in the Yorta-Yorta language Bura Fera and, secondly, by Jeanette John with Calon Lân. The community choir Excelsis was also conducted by Tom with an arrangement of The Lord’s Prayer sung in the Phillipines language llocano.
Interpolated between this program were four outstanding solos and a beautiful duet by soprano Heulen Cynfal (Blue Riband National Eisteddfod 2023) and by mezzo-soprano Ceri Haf Roberts (Blue Riband winner 2022).
Rev. Siôn Gough Hughes gave the vote of thanks to everyone involved in this magnificent event and asked retiring Victoria Welsh Choir MD Faleiry Koczkar to conduct the whole assembly in the Welsh National Anthem which very fittingly and emotionally capped off the day.
25 February 2024
Drew introduced our next two soloists who had been guest performers at many past choir concerts. Rhonda Yates’ soaring soprano voice enchanted everyone with Ivor Novello’s Waltz of My Heart before Melinda Ash stepped up to coquettishly sing
I Want to be a Prima Donna from the comic opera The Enchantress. Rhonda came back and introduced the Flower Duet from Delibes’ Lakmé which they exquisitely performed with wonderful timing and sensitivity to much acclaim.
The next Welsh bracket was conducted by Jeanette John as our guest from Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir, accompanied by our Ballarat accompanist Mary O’Driscoll. Firstly, the climatic Aberystwth (reflecting the town of Faleiry’s childhood), the lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi (which was only partly successful in calming a baby in the audience) and the hugely emotional Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send an Angel).
Then it was time to welcome our guests Bhán Tré, the Melbourne Celtic band comprising Sue Foley, Geraldine Davis and Rebecca Humphreys as they lifted up the tempo and got everyone clapping spiritedly especially on Whiskey in the Jar. To finish, Sue sang the verses of Loch Lomond with the choir and audience enthusiastically joining in with the chorus.
The final bracket consisted of the classic Myfanwy with the first verse oohed by countertenor Michael Gooey before the choir came in with the words. A more successful outcome, romantically speaking, came in the next love song Rhieingerdd before the choir celebrated its love of Cymru (Wales) in Gwinllan a Roddwyd I’m Gofal (A Vineyard Given to my Care) with baritone Roger Bartlett singing the first verse before the choir joined in to help him protect the old country.
After interval, Roger again appeared to set the scene with Little Welsh Home before Melinda beautifully led the choir in celebration of the homeland in Cartref (Home).
Faleiry took the mic to explain why we were now going to attempt a TTBB arrangement of the famous Hallelujah Chorus in honour of Ann and Colin Roberts’ daughter Jessica (whom Faleiry had once taught) who had passed away two years ago. At the very mention of the chorus some of the audience just had to stand, despite Drew giving people with dodgy knees a free pass. To some surprise but with a great deal of pleasure, the choir successfully got through the tremendously challenging piece, more or less intact and this was rewarded with furious applause.
Faleiry then spun around in her special stool to address the assembled company as she spoke about her 30 years as Musical Director. She thanked the Welsh Church for bringing out guest singers and guest conductors from Wales, and how, in some cases, we were able to use their talents in our St David’s Day concerts, which benefitted her and Lorna and the choristers tremendously. She then thanked the audience for coming not only today, but over the years. Asking for people to stand up if they’d been following the choir for very long, she found that there were at least half a dozen people in the audience who had been doing so for all of those 30 years. She thanked her music team for their commitment, musicality and friendship over the years and, of course, she thanked all the choristers who had been through the choir ranks over the same period. She especially mentioned Ross Hartnell (whose brother Peter was in the audience), who was instrumental in revitalising the choir with the famous mission statement in the 90s and paid tribute to him and subsequent presidents also mentioning the present incumbent Tony Davies.
Bass Bob Ash then stepped forward to render Eric Bogle’s famous song Shelter. Always a heart-grabbing song at the best of times but more poignant today as Bob was also retiring after more than 27 years. Sustained applause and flashes of tissues deservedly followed. Drew returned to announce the last bracket, which comprised the majestic
St Clement, Dashenka (The Gypsies) with coconut accompaniment by Geoff Roberts. As they clip-clopped into the sunset, Rhonda took the other kind of lead with the emotional welcoming song Unwaith Eto’n Nghymru Annwyl (Once Again in Dear Wales) and which reminded quite a few choristers of when that was sung to them at the National Eisteddfod in 1999.
At this stage Drew asked all ex-choristers to come up on stage and about a dozen did so and were warmly welcomed back into their respective sections by old colleagues and friends. With everybody assembled, the augmented choir launched into the classics Calon Lân (A Pure Heart) and Rachie to great acclaim.
President Tony Davies then invited all guests to come back on stage for appropriate presentations. All the ladies (including our Bendigo accompanist Liz Paton) received a toiletry gift bag and Bob a bottle of wine. Carefully chosen musical motif brooches were presented to Jeanette, Lorna and Faleiry. Tony also presented her with a mother of pearl inlay box inside of which was an inscription in Welsh translated as “Thank you very much for leading Cantorion Cymreig Victoria Welsh Choir for 30 years.” He also gave her a certificate, announcing that the choir had elected her Musical Director Emerita, as there was no doubt there would be times in the future we might have to call on her and she has made it clear that she is always there for us as the choir moves onwards. Tony then spoke about her legendary commitment referencing the times going back 25 years when she and George used to go up to the Bendigo branch every fortnight and then, later, every week. He also mentioned her zeal and tenacity in taking the choir to the National Eisteddfod in 1999, and again in 2004 when we received a 3rd prize, to compete against Wales’ own best, male choirs.
With everybody on stage, the grand finale was, of course, to be the amalgamated anthem. Drew sang the first verse of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau before being answered by Rhonda and Mel with the first verse of Waltzing Matilda before the choir and audience split, simultaneously singing both sets of words. The concert then came to a fitting end with a standing ovation and Faleiry’s family coming up on the stage for a group photograph and others simply wanting to thank her for all her years, and for the pleasure that the choir had given them.
In the bar afterwards choristers gathered around Faleiry to sing some special lyrics, thanking her for her leadership – it was tenor Michael Gooey’s initiative to write the words (sung to the tune of Myfanwy) with the Welsh having been polished by Ballarat member Gareth Jones’s father back in Wales.
Afterwards there was a final celebration as past and present choristers and friends joined Faleiry and Lorna at the Glen Waverley RSL for a farewell dinner and, of course, inevitably, a final sing down. All in all, it was a remarkable day, full of song, joy , love and emotion for all concerned.
Tony Davies
27 February 2024
Audience Comments
- The choir and guests were really good. There was obvious joy throughout the theatre – a very special occasion.
- My late brother Ross was an active member of the choir until his death in 2000.He was very involved in the choir’s visit to Wales in 1999. Thank you for a wonderful day and my best wishes to Faleiry for a well-earned retirement – Peter Hartnell
- My phone has hardly stopped ringing since last Sunday about the way our friends enjoyed the singing and playing. One friend from Victoria Chorale and ex-Ashton Smith Singers said he and his wife were very pleased they attended. The Celtic group was also pleasing but for me the soprano duet of the Flower song by Delibes was brilliant - Geoff
- Friends reported that the auditorium, sound quality and sight of the stage was excellent and enjoyment level of the concert was very high. My daughter said it was very moving and she had a few tears when the retired choristers came down to sing on the stage - Janet
- Some friends of mine saw the choir for the first time and they were impressed.
- Brilliant – Hallelujah Chorus was fabulous - Please, please don’t delete the Hallelujah Chorus from the Choir’s repertoire! – Wendy
- Best concert I’ve ever been to – Jan
29 July 1937 – 28 January 2024
The service was on 5 February at Le Pine’s, Werribee just along the road from Graeme’s care home where he had lived for the last 17 months.
Eleven choristers were joined by Graeme’s great friends, recently retired Graham Hickman and Victor Gago, as they started off proceedings with the poignant Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood, led by Faleiry Koczkar who afterwards spoke about his enthusiastic contribution to the choir.
The front pews were taken up by his large family – three children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and by his companion for many years, Dee. Reflecting his many friends and club associations, the chapel was overflowing with some having to stand in the foyer.
The celebrant read out a major part of Graeme’s potted history which had been shared with the choir family in 2018. Presciently he had prefaced it with these words ‘My profile - gladness & sadness - that's life.’
He had started singing publicly at his in-laws’ care home and kept it up for 25 years. He travelled extensively with VicWelsh and got his first passport at 74 prior to the 2012 tour.
His family spoke lovingly about his many attributes of kindness, friendship, encouragement and commitment. He was the first to get up to dance and had a zest for life. He was into many sports, as a cricketer, footballer and golfer and as an avid reader of form guides and punter. Substantial wins were shared with the whole family.
He worked as a shop fitter and could make anything out of wood, with all family members owning at least one item of his handmade furniture.
A comprehensive photomontage was played to two songs – Imagine and It’s a Wonderful World. As the casket was led out, we were treated to a recording of Graeme himself confidently singing The Bachelors’ 1966 hit Walk with Faith in your Heart.
Outside, the funeral director donned a Bulldogs scarf and, to the accompaniment of the club’s song, led the hearse and family down to say farewell to the nearby care home.
5 November 2023
Photo: M Gannon
RSL Victoria Annual State Remembrance Service.
Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Sunday 5 November 2023
The choir was pleased to return to Springvale Botanical Cemetery for the sixteenth time since 2004.
The audience was again smaller than in the past. Some thought this might be because Melbourne Cup Day was only 2 days later, and some people were taking a long weekend.
State President Dr Robert Webster OAM led proceedings, aided by Chaplain John Raike. Later in the service, Mr Robert Krog gave the main address.
The City of Greater Dandenong Band provided the musical accompaniment and combined with Vic Welsh who led the singing in O God Our Help In Ages Past, Abide With Me and the National Anthem.
Lest We Forget
29 October 2023
It was good to be back, after a few years, to the exciting Ulumbarra Theatre in the heart of Bendigo on 29 October, for a Rotary fundraiser, starring Bendigo’s own Merlyn Quaife AM.
As we got to the chorus of Cwm Rhondda, the opening number, Faleiry realised that the audience was in total darkness, so the house lights were raised sufficiently for her and the choir to see all their faces. They were eager to participate so Bread of Heaven chorus was repeated and we were off to a good start. Ar Lan y Môr was next, followed by Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech with more communal singing with the English verse and chorus.
Ballarat chorister and compère John White back-announced the opening songs and introduced the music team of Faleiry, Lorna and Rushan before local resident and internationally renowned soprano Merlyn Quaife took the stage to showcase her magnificent voice with Dido’s Lament, from Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, followed by two Puccini arias - Si mi chiamano, Mimi from La Bohème and Vissi d’Arte from Tosca. The bracket ended with a technically brilliant Laughing Song, from Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. Sustained applause followed for both soloist and accompanist Lorna Ogilvie.
John introduced the next bracket with Rushan conducting the choir in What Would I Do Without My Music, Pacem (with a beautifully modulated solo by the multi-tasking John), Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and St Clement.
However, the clement ambience was soon shattered by the sound of a police whistle as tenors Geoff Roberts and Tony Hosemans blazed on to centre stage sporting dodgy kepis to skilfully ham their way through The Gendarmes’ Duet, to the great amusement of patrons and choristers alike.
From melodrama to opera with Speed Your Journey before Rushan rehearsed the large audience in the final choruses of When the Saints Go Marching In. The ensuing performance with audience participation was so good, it had to done twice before everyone took a twenty-minute breather.
After interval, Merlyn introduced the Rotary /Bendigo Senior Secondary College scholarship winners. Firstly, Tom Fleming performed a guitar solo on Kevin Morby’s Harlem River before Sonnie Rose sang Beyoncé’s Runnin’ (Lose It All).
As if on cue, Bendigonian Keva (Huw) Lloyd came runnin’ on, splendid in a Wales rugby supporter’s red shirt, cap and scarf to tell the sorry tale about a group of Welshman travelling up to Twickenham for a classic Wales v England match. This iconic Max Boyce song, called Hymns and Arias after the words of the chorus, was heartily embraced by the whole assembly to great acclaim. Forewarned by the lyrics involving a dubious drink, it was noted in the bar afterwards, that bottles of beer were studiously avoided.
It was then time to re-establish some decorum as Merlyn introduced and beautifully sang two special Mark Jones’ arrangements of Imagine (Rotary’s theme for 2022) and Gershwin’s Summertime, followed by Mark’s tailored medley of love songs, all spell-bindingly delivered by this great performer.
As the applause subsided, the choir rose once more to channel their feelings about the countries of their birth, in the uniquely commissioned Land of My Song by Australian composer Paul Jarman.
As befitted the occasion, Rotary’s local President Rod Spitty came to the microphone to thank the choir, the music team and Merlyn for their huge involvement in the concert as gifts were presented to all. Next, Rotary District Governor Ron Payne spoke about the aim of the Rotary Foundation and, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the club, presented Merlyn with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship, to great applause.
As a finale, Merlyn then joined Rushan and the audience to sing Waltzing Matilda before sections of the choir cleverly insinuated Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau into the mix so that the two anthems harmoniously resounded around the theatre.
All that remained was for the choir to take their leave as they marched out to the strains of Men of Harlech.
15 October 2023
Photo: Ann Roberts
After a hiatus of six years, it was good to be back on the Great Ocean Road at Aireys Inlet on 15 October to present a fund-raising concert for the Anglesea Red Cross.
The President Christine Walker welcomed the choir before they marched in, to the tune of Men of Harlech. Compère Garry Salisbury introduced the music team of Faleiry Koczkar, Rushan Hewawasam and accompanist Lorna Ogilvie before they launched into the Welsh bracket of Cwm Rhondda, Ar Lan y Môr, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech with the packed hall of patrons eagerly joining in on the English verse and chorus.
Baritone Roger Bartlett introduced and mellifluously sang Homeward Bound before the choir asked the rhetorical question What Would I Do Without My Music followed by Pacem (Peace) from the Latin mass, with a beautifully modulated solo by Ballarat-based tenor John White. The pacifist theme continued with Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and the classic hymn St Clement.
Roger came back to the microphone and was joined by tenor Geoff Roberts to melodiously perform the Everly Brothers’ (Roger said today they were the Elderly Brothers) hit Let It Be Me.
Moving on the world of opera, the choir sang the well-known Speed Your Journey from Verdi’s Nambucco. The last song before interval was When the Saints Go Marching In and Faleiry first had to rehearse the audience in their vocal role in the final chorus. At the end of this rousing arrangement by John Rutter, the double rehearsal certainly paid off as the hall rocked with a tremendous finale.
The second half started with the resounding Battle Hymn of the Republic, the choir’s rendition of which on YouTube has been watched 141,000 times in three years. Moving forward about a hundred years, choristers dipped into their younger lives with The Hollies’ famous song He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother. In honour of all the workers in the front line who looked after us during Covid, the choir dedicated the next song Anfonaf Angel (I’ll Send You An Angel) to them all to great acclaim.
And then to something lighter with a Gallic flavour as Geoff stepped forward wearing a new cap and was joined by tenor Tony Hosemans, suitably accoutred, as they had the audience and choristers delighted by their very humorous performance of the Gendarmes’ Duet.
Then back across the channel with Ballarat tenor Mick Fenelon skilfully plucking the heartstrings on Danny Boy with the added enjoyment for the assembly as they very tunefully participated in the chorus. This was followed by another duet by Geoff and Roger on the bitter-sweet Green, Green Grass of Home before the choir threw their hearts and nostalgic feelings into the specially commissioned Paul Jarman composition Land of my Song with tender solos by Bendigo baritone John Adams.
The choir’s rich reservoir of soloists continued with bass Barry McMahon belying his 86 years with a powerful rendition of the popular Working Man.
The Welsh favourite Myfanwy presented an opportunity to feature a new member Michael Gooey’s remarkable counter tenor voice as he hummed the opening before being joined by the choir in this tale of a failed romance.
For the finale, a visiting Welshman was dragooned into coming forward as the choir launched into the Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers) before Rushan then countered with Australia’s unofficial anthem Waltzing Matilda, leading the audience in keeping singing that while sections of the choir simultaneously reprised Hen Wlad.
After much applause and thanks to all concerned, choristers made their way into the aisles and surrounded the audience while they chanted the haunting Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood. The afternoon’s shared musical journey was complete.
During interval and after the concert, there were many warm and positive comments, particularly praising the very varied program drawn from diverse musical genres and traditions. After the event we received the following:
Grateful thanks for another wonderful concert at Aireys Inlet Hall last Sunday. The audience enjoyed the wide range of your repertoire designed to present a well-paced programme and we greatly appreciated being included in the performance.
The total experience was relaxing, with an underlying sense of humour, as well as being musically stimulating. The talents of the Musical Director, her Associate Director and Pianist were wonderful, individually and together.
With best wishes for every future success.
Christine Walker, President, Aireys Inlet/Anglesea Red Cross
On another glorious spring day, a large congregation farewelled retired chorister and past President Mick Matthews at St Peter’s Church, Box Hill on 28 September 2023.
Daughter Megan and son David spoke lovingly about their father’s influence on their lives and shared memories of their many camping and fishing trips as well as his ability to turn his hand to any DIY task. A little-known fact was that, in his younger days, he had played the fife in a brass band. Certainly, music was also very much of the family’s life, and this was reflected in the choice of hymns and of the Pearl Fishers’ duet played as the photo montage unfurled. David spoke about Mick’s love of families, including Jewel’s, after their 2003 marriage, and of the care he took over his relationships with his customers in his career as a Commonwealth Bank manager.
David Tolstrup of Rotary echoed this theme when describing Mick’s 54 years as a volunteer with Rotary International and of the many positions he held.
The Rev. Anne Kennedy officiated and led the prayers and homily. The congregational hymns, accompanied by the organ, were The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended and, as the coffin was led out, Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer.
Victoria Welsh Choir, conducted by Faleiry and accompanied on the grand piano by Lorna, sang Blaenwern (Love Divine), Calon Lân and Sunset Poem.
“And to the sun we all will bow,
And say, goodbye Mick, but just for now.”
Photo: Sueie
Vale Doreen Morgan: 21 October 1924 – 14 September 2023
On 26 September 2023 at 1.30 pm, a service of thanksgiving for the life of Doreen was held at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Sunbury.
Reflecting her long life and involvement in multiple parishes, as Rev. Tom’s wife, and her very diverse interests and memberships, the church was filled to capacity on a marvellously sunny day. Her large family consisted of four children and their partners, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Oldest son David gave the eulogy on behalf of the family and lovingly outlined the very rich Christian life Doreen had lived. She was a great reader, a gifted storyteller and had mastered the modern necessities of mobile phones, tablets and email.
Three vicars officiated – the Rev. Matt Browne, the Rev. Canon Hugh Prentice and Tom’s sister the Rev. Lilian Morgan. There were three congregational hymns and Victoria Welsh Choir (Tom is a long-serving chorister and the choir’s Chaplain) also performed Morte Criste, Calon Lân, Myfanwy and, at the end, Sunset Poem as the coffin was carried out to the hearse.
A video of the service can be accessed via TJ Scott’s website: https://tjscottandson.com.au/tribute/-NeBAStgEckx3XURuJkf/
Vale Linda Morgan 16 December 1941 – 13 September 2023
Linda was the driving force behind the choir’s social life for many years. She organised the raffles at concerts - often dressing up in traditional Welsh costume – and organised fundraiser trips to the pokies and to DFOs. She was the leader of the Supporters’ group and chief wrangler of the famous Christmas dances. At Drummond St, she was the hostess with the mostest for many a social gathering after rehearsals and concerts. All these qualities were spoken about by her friend Jill Dixon and in Jamie’s beautifully written eulogy, read out by the celebrant Trish Williams at Linda’s service on 21 September at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Warragul.
Over a dozen choristers, partners and music team attended. Although the choir was not asked to sing, it was touching that our CD versions of Sunset Poem and Softly as I Leave You were played at the end of the service.
The whole service can be watched for 30 days after 21 September by going to the Nielsen website www.nielsenfunerals.com.au
The magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral was the imposing setting for a Saturday afternoon concert organised by VicWelsh’s Ballarat chapter on 19 August. The whole music team was again gathered together in one place – Musical Director Faleiry Koczkar OAM, Associate MD Rushan Hewawasam and Principal Blackburn Accompanist Lorna Ogilvie assisted by Mary O’Driscoll (Ballarat) and Liz Paton on organ from our Bendigo group. The occasion was further enhanced by the appearance of international singing stars Rohan and Ishan De Lanerolle from Sri Lanka.
Faleiry led the choir in the opening bracket of Welsh tunes Cwm Rhondda, Ar Lan y Môr, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech, with the enthusiastic assembly eager to sing the English verse.
Local chapter leader and compère John White welcomed everybody and introduced the music team and then the De Lanerolle Brothers. Fittingly for the venue, their first song was the well-known Ave Maria where Rohan’s tenor voice combined effortlessly with Ishan’s deep bass timbre. Their masterful diction and breath control resounded throughout the nave with its impressive acoustics, to great applause. Similarly magnificent was their second number Where’er You Walk from Handel’s opera Semele. They continued with the ambulatory theme with I’ll Walk with God, made famous by Mario Lanza.
The compère introduced the next bracket as Rushan stepped on to the podium, replete with a red Welsh dragon embroidery on his back to conduct the choir, and the Brothers melodiously leading the choir on Pacem from the Catholic Latin mass. What Would I Do Without My Music was decisively answered, five bars from the end, when the singing was paused at the word ‘hope’ which caused the congregation to hold its collective breath as the second virtue reverberated around the cathedral’s ethereal space. The first virtue of faith was on display with the pacifist issues of Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and with the beautiful tune St Clement (The Day Thou Gavest), bringing this religious bracket to a fitting end.
Moving on to musical theatre, the Brothers came back to harmonise on the emotive I Dreamed A Dream from Les Misérables, their duet turning into a three-parter when Rushan smoothly joined them. Next, the Brothers’ innately complementary voices commanded the cathedral with the demands of Watchman, What of the Night? Remaining on stage, Ishan displayed his incredible basso profundo voice on the classic Paul Robeson spiritual Ol’ Man River, attracting huge acclaim from the whole assembly, patrons and choristers alike - an absolute show-stopper.
As the choir filed back, Ishan declared I’se Weary of Waitin’, but was soon joined by the generally older and wearier choristers, but all was well in the end as they managed to jump on to the gospel train. On top of the mountain, it looked so fine and the choir became quite animated on Every Time I Feel the Spirit which certainly helped to address the temperature-related challenges of the third virtue, charity. Finally, Rushan turned to the serried ranks of patron-packed pews to rehearse them in the final chorus of When the Saints Go Marching In. Keen to have a stretch at interval, the singing quality improved sufficiently for the choir to launch into the Rutter arrangement and for everyone to finish the first half on a high.
After reassembling, Rushan conducted the choir in the stirring Battle Hymn of the Republic (the choir’s version has been seen on YouTube 140,000 times in the last three years). Paying homage to the De Lanerolles and the choir’s own camaraderie, the next song was He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother. Rushan then spoke about the sacrifices many people had made during the pandemic and dedicated Anfonaf Angel (I’ll Send you an Angel) to all these workers. Rohan and Ishan sang the first verse in Welsh, leading the choir in to one of the most emotional tunes on the program.
For their finale both brothers joined Rushan as he accompanied the three of them singing the ever-popular How Great Thou Art.
With Faleiry now on the podium, Michel Gooey made his solo debut with his very special counter tenor voice reaching up to the heights of the vaulted ceiling as he led the choir on the classic Welsh song Myfanwy.
John White thanked all for attending and organised presentations to the guests and to the music team before the congregation stood as Ishan and Rohan led everyone into Waltzing Matilda before half the choir segued into Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. Amidst extensive applause, choristers left the stage to the strains of Men of Harlech and lined up along all three aisles. The very expectant assembly sat down again and, when all was silent, Faleiry led the choristers in the chanting of the haunting Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood. As the afternoon’s wonderful shared musical experience settled in people's hearts and the day outside came towards its end, choristers farewelled the hushed crowd with:
‘And to the sun we all will bow, And say goodbye – but just for now.’
- Fantastic. My Welsh blood (female) longed to sing. My grandfather Emrys Hopkins was Secretary of the Tredegar Welsh Choir. Sandra
- Thank you very much. Shane
- A perfect way to spend Saturday afternoon – thank you.
- Excellent concert. Yvonne & Glenda
- Excellent and very entertaining. Jean
- Wonderful afternoon of the highest quality singing. Thank you.
- All excellent – thanks. Jan
- Fabulous - thank you for coming to Ballarat. Great venue for a concert. Rohan truly amazing. Jeanette
- A wonderful concert from wo-go! It was wonderful – the choir looked so dapper in dinner suits. The acoustics were wonderful. Loved the brothers, especially How Great Thou Art.
- Loved it – you exceeded my expectations. Joan
- The voice is a wonderful instrument – loved the harmonies.
- Thank you. Heart-warming. Ali
Ballarat Choral Festival
On Sunday 30 July, a combined Ballarat/Bendigo choir performed at St Patrick’s Cathedral Ballarat as part of the local Choral Festival organised by The Church of the Latter-Day Saints. Eight local choristers were joined by nine from the Bendigo chapter and one from Melbourne, making 18 in all. Led by Associate Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam and accompanied by Mary O’Driscoll, the choir sang What Would I Do Without My Music to stunning effect. After ‘To give me hope’ Rushan dramatically held the pause and, befitting the ecclesiastical setting, the very name of the second theological virtue reverberated around the nave and the audience held its breath before the release. Sustained applause rightly followed. The second song was Gwinllan (The Vineyard) but then Rushan decided the patrons should have a chance to sing as well so he rehearsed them in Waltzing Matilda before leading them and the choir into the resounding finale with Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. We don’t think the festival had ever seen anything like this before, so the audience heartily showed their appreciation as the choir trooped off, enveloped in enthusiastic clapping and warmth. And, coincidentally and reflecting our jackets, July’s liturgical colour is green.
St Helena
On Wednesday 26 July we were engaged to present a surprise concert for an ex-chorister Maurie Callow who had retired about twenty years ago. His family had started negotiations with Garry Salisbury for us to celebrate his 90th birthday but various operational issues had intervened until we were able to turn up for his 92nd at Liscombe House, St Helena near Greensborough. Although not as mountainous as Napoleon’s exile island, finding a berth and walking up the hill to the venue did present some challenges. Admirably, Garry came down from Echuca to take part and was joined by 14 Blackburners. Faleiry and Lorna officiated and Ann Roberts wrangled the mixer as well as taking photos, multitasking at its best.
As Maurie was wheeled in and we started up with Gwŷr Harlech, it was marvellous to see him start singing along with the words still firmly in his memory bank. President Tony Davies reminded him which of the choristers would have known him from years back. Naturally, he was somewhat overwhelmed by what was happening, but he was soon joining in as we went through the program. There were solos from Roger Bartlett, Barry McMahon and Tony Hosemans and a duet from Drew Hopkins and Roger. Tony H joyfully led Maurie and the residents in a well-chosen medley of old songs before donning the Magpies scarf and leading the assembly in Maurie’s team’s Collingwood Song.
Deniliquin
On 25th June Victoria Welsh Choir presented a concert at the Deniliquin Baptist Church with local members of Sing Australia (SA).
Last November we ventured into NSW and had a terrific concert at Wangaratta, still dealing with flooding at that time. On Sunday 25 June we were across the border again, after a very wet journey up, as a guest of the Deniliquin Conservatorium of Music as part of their Live Music Annual Series. The Manager of this series, Gemma Rennie, welcomed the choir and the sell-out crowd before compère Drew Hopkins introduced the music team of Lorna Ogilvie, Rushan Hewaswasam and Faleiry Koczkar.
Water, once regarded as Wales’ greatest export, was on our mind as Faleiry led us into the first bracket of Welsh tunes – Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, Cwm Rhondda (with the audience quickly opening their pipes with Songs of Praise), Ar Lan y Môr, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech with patrons ‘loosing the folds asunder’ for a spirited finish.
Drew and baritone Roger Bartlett stepped forward to seamlessly perform the bitter-sweet duet Ti a Dy Ddoniau (You and your Skills) about a woman discarding her various lovers. In reality, both singers’ lengthy marriages are still intact.
Associate MD Rushan then came to the podium to conduct the choir in What Would I Do Without My Music, Pacem (Peace) from the Latin mass with a very sweet solo from Ballarat’s John White, followed by the pacifist sentiments of Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and the thankfulness of St Clement.
Yarram bass Bob Ash then introduced and sang the heart-achingly beautiful Shelter by Eric Bogle about how he felt about his adopted country, Australia. With so many expatriates in the choir and in the hall, the song never fails to tap into everyone’s emotions and the whole assembly acknowledged this with sustained applause. What they didn’t know was that one of Bob’s shoes had shed its sole just before the concert started but the show had to go on – despite this, everybody’s souls were definitely touched.
Faleiry came back to conduct the choir in Verdi’s Speed Your Journey before Drew then introduced members of the local Sing Australia chapter who joined VicWelsh on the stage. Faleiry then rehearsed SA and the audience in the final chorus of When the Saints Go Marching In, and the combined result – and a reprise – resulted in a suitably rousing finish to the first half.
After a very sociable afternoon tea in the interval, Sing Australia again took up position with the choir for the opener, Battle Hymn of the Republic, the choir’s rendition of which has been seen 139,000 times on YouTube. Rushan had come up the day before to rehearse Sing Australia in this number (and The Saints) and this paid off with a very well-received joint performance. Next, we easily stepped back into the Sixties of our youth with the Hollies’ He Ain’t Heavy, He's My Brother which also clearly resounded with the audience.
Rushan – who had been a member of the Victorian Government’s Covid Committee for two years – spoke on behalf of all when he dedicated the next song Anfonaf Angel (I Will Send an Angel) to all those people who had been in the frontline during the pandemic. The sentiments expressed in this beautiful song clearly made an impact on the assembled company.
Drew stepped forward to inform everyone that complaints had been made about the length and noisiness of the afternoon refreshments and that the police had had to be called. Right on cue, a whistle was heard and tenors Tony Hosemans and Geoff Roberts appeared, dressed as bold French law enforcers to combine to great comic effect in the Gendarmes’ Duet, complete with a droll set of props including (no pun intended) a miniature cochon or pig.
After the laughter and clapping had finally subsided, Rushan conducted the choir in the specially commissioned piece by Paul Jarman – the uplifting but nostalgic Land of my Song with two verses sung by Rushan himself in his mellifluous second tenor voice.
Having changed characters – and countries – Tony took the mike to lead the choir and audience in the very well-known Danny Boy. Geoff Roberts had also got his breath back and next joined Roger on the Tom Jones number The Green, Green Grass of Home. Thankfully the female denizens of Deni restrained themselves from throwing unmentionables in their direction at the end.
Drew gave the background to the next song, Working Man with a very fine solo dramatically performed by 86-year-old bass Barry McMahon. It was obvious that many patrons knew the tune, so everyone eagerly joined in with the reprise.
During the interval, Faleiry had spoken to some Welsh expatriates – one of whom was also, like Faleiry, from Ceredigion – and invited them all up to the stage for the finale. With Sing Australia also in position, we launched into the Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau before counterpointing it with patrons and SA simultaneously singing Waltzing Matilda. Huge applause and appreciation flowed around the hall before the choir moved offstage to the strains of Men of Harlech.
Choristers formed themselves up in the three aisles before serenading and farewelling everyone with the lilting psalm Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood. Humming to the end, choristers and patrons alike held their breath as the realisation that a wonderful afternoon of music had been deeply shared.
Audience feedback:
- A wonderful concert with a lot of variety. The local people obviously enjoyed it and wanted more. The soloists were really good as was the pianist and the two conductors. Every concert I have loved and look forward to the next one.
- So good. Please come back to Deniliquin.
Thank you for a wonderful afternoon of sheer enjoyment!!
A wonderful concert, thank you!!
- Excellent afternoon, thank you.
- Excellent, enjoyed all those wonderful voices. Thank you all very much including the pianist and conductors. Regards Karen.
- I have enjoyed every minute.
- Extremely well-presented – really enjoyed it.
- Please come again. Very enjoyable.
- Excellent! Fantastic. Wonderful.
-
Superb
concert – very much enjoyed. Kelly
- Absolutely wonderful – Richard
- Thank you -wonderful - Eileen
- Impressive compere, amazing pianist – Sally-Ann
Woodend Winter Arts Festival
Photo: Jill Rodger
The choir was pleased to take part, for the first time, in the Winter Festival held at the Community Centre, Woodend on Saturday 10 June.
As one of six choirs, each with their own 45-minute slot, there were some cosy moments in the green room and during the successful manoeuvre on to the steeply raked stand on the stage. VicWelsh’s diaspora was well-represented with choristers from all three chapters including the Three Musikateers from Echuca including compère Garry Salisbury.
A full house of rugged-up patrons plus a strong stage light assured all choirs of a very warm reception from the first note. The opening song Cwm Rhondda ended with the assembly eagerly joining in on the well-known choruses before the quieter Ar Lan Y Môr, the feel-good Calon Lân and the popular Gwŷr Harlech.
Conducting duties switched from Faleiry to Rushan as Tony Hosemans melodiously led the choir and audience in Danny Boy. Swiftly moving into our third language, John White’s dulcet tones introduced Pacem (Peace) before the pacifist lyrics of Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and the rather less peacefulness of Green, Green Grass of Home, with excellent contributions by Roger Bartlett and Geoff Roberts. Barry McMahon’s powerful bass voice led the choir on Working Man before the special arrangement of When the Saints Go Marching In culminated in very enthusiastic audience participation with some very fine high notes from some ladies, eliciting a Top A accolade from accompanist Lorna.
The finale was the clever combination of singing Waltzing Matilda at the same time as Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, with more spirited singing along and sustained applause. A cold night but very warm hearts – a lovely occasion.
Vale Bill Denholm
28 May 2023
He had celebrated his 98th birthday with his family on 17 May, and on Saturday 20 May the choir had surprised him with a mini concert at Camberwell Green, a report of which appears below.
At his funeral, our President Tony Davies spoke about how Bill had transformed our computerised learning aids by his introduction of Noteworthy and his work on our sound system, and the choir sang three songs selected by his family: What Would I Do Without My Music followed by Roger Bartlett and the choir on You’ll Never Walk Alone and finishing with Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Roger’s very thoughtful and very apt choice of his a cappella solo at Bill's mini-concert, The Parting Glass, gives us exactly the right words to farewell our great friend:
Of
all the comrades that e'er I had
They're sorry for my going
away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one
more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should
rise and you should not
I gently rise and softly call
Good-night
and joy be to you all.
On 17th June an obituary was published in The Age describing Bill's "distinguished CSIRO career as a metallurgist".
Camberwell Green
Celebration of Bill Denholm’s 98th birthday
Retired chorister Dr Bill Denholm AM was 98 on 17 May 2023 and this milestone was celebrated on 20 May at the Camberwell Green Aged Care facility with a surprise concert in his honour.
Given space and mask restrictions, the choir performed from the open door to the main lounge where Bill was in the front row, flanked by daughters Toni and Wendy, with many of the residents also in attendance. Lorna was at the piano just inside the door and Faleiry was also inside pivoting between leading the choir and encouraging residents to sing. All were eager to join in with the singing and some very strong ladies’ voices emerged as we opened with Cwm Rhondda (Bread of Heaven), Ar Lan y Môr, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech.
President Tony Davies stepped forward to briefly talk about Bill and his time in the choir since 2003 and how he had transformed our electronic learning aids by playing all new scores into a computerised program thus enabling choristers to learn their own parts while following the music on Noteworthy. He was also our very hands-on sound engineer for many years, with detailed diagrams of cable and speaker set-ups, and not averse to crawling around on the floor sorting it all out. Tony also informed fellow residents that Bill had been a very eminent Australian scientist, the Chief Research Scientist at CSIRO and was a leading international expert in the fields of metal corrosion and smelting.
Tony then led the assembled company to sing a heartfelt Happy Birthday to Bill. Faleiry then turned the tables on him as it was Tony’s 81st birthday that day and Victor Gago’s 93rd also on the 17th so a reprise was called for.
Everyone, including Bill, had been singing along to many of the opening tunes but, as soon as Ed Hughes started on Danny Boy, it was clear that everybody knew this one. The choir then went into operatic mode with Speed Your Journey before Barry McMahon stirred the room with Working Man followed by plenty of audience participation on When the Saints.
Bill had always been in the baritone section, so the next solo was from fellow baritone Roger Bartlett who paid respects to the Denholms’ country of origin – Scotland – with a fine a cappella rendition of The Parting Glass, the most popular parting song before Auld Lang Syne came along.
The last bracket comprised the famous Battle Hymn of the Republic, Roger and Geoff Roberts duetting on Green, Green Grass of Home before the finale of Waltzing Matilda and Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Leighmoor Uniting Church
Starting off the concert on a windy rainy afternoon seemed somewhat apt as the choir saluted the Land of My Fathers (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau) with the Welsh National Anthem, followed by vigorous renditions of Cwm Rhondda, Myfanwy, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech with the packed-out church eager and happy to sing the well-known choruses.
Compère Tony Davies introduced the music team of Lorna Ogilvie (familiar to the congregation as she is a regular accompanist at Leighmoor), Rushan Hewawasam and Faleiry Koczkar.
Rushan then joined first tenor Drew Hopkins with the rueful John Denver song Perhaps Love.
The next bracket started with the third language (Latin) for the day in Pacem with a sensitive first verse solo by John White. The Peace theme was also central in Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and this was followed by the melodious St Clement.
The beautifully matched tenor voices of Drew and Rushan then stepped forward again to tell the poignant tale of Irish immigrant Annie Moore in Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears.
The first half finished off operatically with Speed your Journey from Nabucco and the Rutter arrangement of When the Saints Go Marching In, complete with plenty of audience participation.
After Hebrew slaves and saints, the second half started off more prosaically but equally powerfully with Battle Hymn of the Republic, the choir’s video rendition of which has been viewed more than 138,000 times since it went up on YouTube in March 2020. This was followed by three optimistic and uplifting songs – Hafan Gobaith (Haven of Hope), He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother and Anfonaf Angel (I’ll Send You an Angel)
Another tenor duo – Tony Hosemans and Geoff Roberts - then took centre stage, along with a morse code machine, as they melded together beautifully to sing The Proposal/The Night Was Alive from Titanic – The Musical, eerily commemorating the sinking of the ship, 111 years ago almost to the day.
With the programmed soloist Roger Bartlett indisposed, Stoker Geoff remained to solo on Green, Green Grass of Home, seemingly more solid than a watery grave but none the less terminal.
Reminding everybody of the mortal dangers of being underground was special guest, ex-VicWelsh bass and Leighmoor stalwart, Geoff Serpell who next sang the miners’ anthem Working Man, involving the assembly joining in with the last two choruses. Geoff’s heartfelt rendition brought to many choristers’ minds very good memories of him and his late friend and fellow-duettist John Hales whose funeral service had been held in this church last September.
Convenor Jenny Longmuir then came to the lectern to thank all the church’s helpers and the choir and presented flowers to Faleiry and Lorna.
Rushan started off the finale with the first verse of Waltzing Matilda before the audience continued with that tune whilst half the choir simultaneously mixed in Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Choristers then moved off stage to the tune of Men of Harlech, neatly surrounding the congregation to sing their farewells with Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood as the afternoon’s shadows lengthened. The concert had started in rain and now the sun was out.
As the Welsh words from Hafan Gobaith reminded us – Heulwen wedi’r glaw – Sunshine after the rain.
Audience feedback:
- Just brilliant. Excellent.
- One of the most pleasurable afternoons I’ve had in years. Dorothy
- Thank you for performing for the Leighmoor Church and friends.
- Brilliant – Loved it all! Such wonderful talent.
- Loved every minute of the performance.
- Being ½ Welsh, (2 Welsh-born Grandparents), couldn’t believe how Welsh I felt. Loved every moment and shed a few tears. Thank you.
- Fantastic concert, keep up great work.
- Thank you for your beautiful music and incredible performance.
- Wonderful as usual. jkn 01.
- Much appreciated, brilliant performance.
Melbourne Celtic Festival
On St Patrick’s Day March 17, the choir was honoured to be chosen to launch the inaugural Melbourne Celtic Festival at the iconic Seafarers’ Mission in Docklands. Naturally, green was the predominant colour of the day amongst the milling crowds on a warm day, relieved in part by a wide choice of beverages including the famous Guinness. The downside was that we were unable to wear our tastefully appropriate green jackets due to the power of the stage lighting. But no matter, as people had come for the singing and the craic.
The ebullient venue MC, Chris McKenna, introduced Musical Director Faleiry Koczkar, Associate MD Rushan Hewawasam and accompanist Lorna Ogilvie before the packed hall rose for the Welsh National Anthem, followed by the classic Cwm Rhondda, Calon Lân and Gwŷr Harlech with the audience enthusiastically joining in with the choruses.
There were fine solos by John White on Pacem, by Tony Hosemans on Danny Boy (with plenty of backup singers from the hall), from Barry McMahon on Wild Mountain Thyme and by Geoff Roberts on Green Green Grass of Home. And a very fitting duet for the day came from Drew Hopkins and Rushan with the tale of ‘Annie Moore from Ireland who was only fifteen years’ in the song Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears by the famous Irish songwriter and novelist Brendan Graham who also penned You Raise Me Up.
A rollicking When The Saints Go Marching In, with everybody singing along, set up the vibe for the day. The organiser was very happy saying ‘We couldn’t have started off the festival in a better way than with the VicWelsh’.
So Sláinte and Iechyd Da in anybody’s language!
Lancefield
Lancefield Mechanics Institute
Back again after more than four years, it was gratifying to see the hall once again packed with local supporters from the combined parishes of Lancefield and Romsey.
After the Welsh National Anthem – Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Old Land of my Fathers) Echuca-based chorister and compère Garry Salisbury introduced the music team of Faleiry Koczkar, Rushan Hewawasam and Lorna Ogilvie and invited the audience to join in singing some of the choruses in the opening bracket which consisted of the beauty of Cwm Rhondda, the lost love of Myfanwy, the purity of Calon Lân and the steadfastness of Gwŷr Harlech (Men of Harlech).
Local entertainer David Allan performed four songs including John Denver’s Back Home Again with plenty of audience and choir participation singing along to this well-known tune.
The choir’s chaplain – and Romsey resident – Rev. Tom Morgan paid homage to his old school chum, the deceased Laurie Thomson who had astonishingly recited from memory the 120-line Henry Lawson poem The Fire at Ross’s Farm at our last concert here in November 2018. This time Tom read the 52-line C J Dennis poem An Old Master and sang the Luton Girls’ Choir version of The Lord’s Prayer to great acclaim.
Other choir soloists were John White on Pacem (Peace), Drew Hopkins on Diolch I’r Iôr (Thanks to the Lord) and Roger Bartlett on Gwinllan (A Vineyard).
Patron feedback included:.
- Very enjoyable
- Very entertaining!
- It was lovely to be reminded of home. I was born in Ffestiniog. I speak Welsh, it is my native tongue.
- Enjoyed the harmony.
- Excellent show. Thank you.
- I enjoyed it so much…loved the music, the accompaniment, the conductors, the wonderful venue and more. You were not hard to find, right there at central stage. I just don’t know how men of such senior age can stand for such long periods of time…you must have strong backs.
Cymanfa Ganu
St Michael's Church
Faleiry Koczkar conducted Victoria Welsh, Australian Welsh & Melbourne Welsh Male Choirs with Gwahoddiad and Rachie at the Welsh Church's Gymanfa Ganu on Sunday 26 February at St Michael's Church, Collins St., after a three-year hiatus. Also featured were Geelong Welsh & Mornington Peninsula Ladies Choirs plus Excelsis and local soprano Carly Wales.St. David's Day
This year’s St David’s Day Concert was an outstanding first in all sorts of ways. Not only was it the first time we had six instrumentalists on stage to back up two different accompanists but we also had two conductors with the very welcome return of Musical Director Faleiry Koczkar.
To celebrate such an occasion the trumpets of Bruno Sitaka and Tony Frantz woke up the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall with a royal fanfare as the excited and expectant audience stood for the Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Compère Drew Hopkins stepped forward to introduce accompanists Lorna Ogilvie and Mary O’Driscoll, Associate MD Rushan Hewawasam and the choir’s leader since 1984, the radiant Faleiry Koczkar.
Faleiry took to the podium for the initial bracket of Welsh favourites Cwm Rhondda, Myfanwy, Calon Lân (A Pure Heart) and Gwŷr Harlech (Men of Harlech) with the assembly eagerly joining in with the English verses. The volume of applause immediately confirmed that this was definitely going to be a wonderful event with a high level of emotion from the very start.
This huge sense of occasion was quickly underscored by Rushan taking the microphone to talk about the difficulties of the last year, including the challenge of using an inaugural orchestra on our latest CD Songs From the Heart with creative input from Lorna, Mary and organist Liz Paton and mentorship by Faleiry. Not only did he have to work with others on writing new arrangements but he had to learn how to conduct an orchestra as well as the choir. The result is a scintillating recording and it was only fitting that he made a formal presentation of the CD to Faleiry, to great acclaim.
Throughout the concert, accompanists Lorna and Mary swapped places, instruments came in and out and conducting duties also rotated. The next bracket, with Rushan and Mary, opened brilliantly and plaintively with Marianne Rothschild on violin and a perfectly pitched solo by first tenor John White on the Latin hymn Pacem (Peace). This theme was extended with Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers) and St Clement.
Other musicians were Roxy Kavanagh on flute, Jill Griffiths on double bass and – to prove that nepotism is alive and well on the Melbourne music scene – Jeremy Hopkins on drums.
Then it was time to welcome our guests Bhán Tré, the Melbourne Celtic band comprising Sue Foley, Geraldine Davis and Rebecca Humphreys as they lifted up the tempo with Shularoon, Ride On, I’ll Tell Me Ma and Geraldine’s own song By the Liffey. To finish, Sue sang the verses of Loch Lomond with the choir and audience keenly joining in with the chorus.
Faleiry and Lorna came back to lead the choir in more classic Welsh tunes Arwelfa, Ar Lan Y Môr (Beside the Sea) and Diolch I’r Iôr with a sensitive solo by multi-tasking Drew, complete with a rousing reprise to finish the first half.
After interval Faleiry immediately turned to the assembly and rehearsed their part at the end of the next tune, the John Rutter modern arrangement of When the Saints Go Marching In with plenty of joyful audience participation.
And then, another big surprise! It wasn’t on the program and not even the choristers knew anything about it but out from behind the curtains came a concert harp and a chair for Faleiry as Rushan told patrons about Faleiry’s remarkable recovery from two major surgeries and that he wanted to welcome her back on behalf of the choir family and all her family and friends in the hall. And what would be more fitting than the tune that is sung at the National Eisteddfod to welcome all the expatriates back to Wales – the emotionally visceral Unwaith Eto’n Nghymru Annwyl (Once Again in Dear Wales). The seamless combination of Rushan’s beautifully mellifluous tenor voice and Faleiry’s delicate playing stunned the 500 people fortunate enough to witness this tour de force and, with the final notes, there was a huge outpouring of emotion towards our two leaders as patrons and choristers alike rose as one to give them a well-deserved standing ovation. After a tearful thankyou Faleiry stayed on the side of the stage as Rushan led the choir through the equally nostalgic Take Me Home and Hafan Gobaith (Home of Hope).
Still coming down from the emotional heights, everyone was pleased to see Bhán Tré back on stage with Raggle Taggle Gypsy, Belfast Mill and the thirst-whetting potential of Whiskey in the Jar complete with (yes) spirited audience singing and clapping.
But it wasn’t time yet for that after-concert beverage as Rushan and Lorna returned with the choir to heartily sing our specially commissioned work by Australian composer Paul Jarman, Land of My Song with two verses splendidly sung by Bendigo tenor Keva Lloyd. This was followed by a new song Gwinllan (A Vineyard) with another finely intoned solo by baritone Roger Bartlett. And then Pemulwuy, the most famous song written by Paul Jarman, with a powerful and heart-felt rendition by the choir, all rewarded by enthusiastic applause.
Faleiry came back to lead everyone through the old Max Boyce number Hymns and Arias and then, with Bhán Tré back on stage, into the finale with Rushan singing the first verse of Hen Wlad before audience and choir split into singing the anthem and Waltzing Matilda at the same time.
And that was it – the end of an absolutely remarkable come-back concert with plenty of fine harmonies, musicality and quite a few tears.
Until next year!
Patron feedback.
- Wonderful performance / loved every minute. Absolutely loved performance of ‘Pemulwuy’ and the audience response!! Congrats Faleiry on your return & to everyone who took part!!
- Lovely to see Faleiry back on the podium. Orchestral instruments were a plus. Thank you to everyone who took part.
- All Great!
- Marvellous to have Faleiry back again. Her duet with Rushan was DIVINE.
- utstanding choir. Enjoyed all aspects from the Music Team, the soloists at the last part of the concert, the 2 MDs. Made my day.
- Lovely to hear Faleiry sing and play her harp, and duet with Rushan was excellent.
- The choir’s rendering of Myfanwy and Calon Lan was magnificent, such beautiful harmony. I also enjoyed Rushan and Faleiry’s duet with the harp.
- Fantastic experience – the whole thing a real thrill, very moving.
- I always think each concert has been the best ever, this one is no exception. Fantastic, brilliant. Wonderful.
- Variety today was great- Orchestra and Trio.
- Professional, inclusive, cultural diversity. Glad we brought our Italian and Scottish friends. Thanks. Variety today was great- Orchestra and Trio.
- Beautiful singing from the choir.
- The solos and the duet with Faleiry and Rushan were excellent.
- Orchestral backing was great.
- Great venue and acoustics. Drew as compere.
The following feedback is an email to Tony Davies from Euan Thomas:
I just want to thank the choir for a wonderful afternoon yesterday. My daughter, Siobhan loved hearing the songs in Welsh and is determined to learn the language, which is interesting as she’s a real mixture, her Mum is Chinese Malay mixed with my background of Welsh and Irish.
Email to Tony from Sue Foley, Bhan Tre:
Wow, what an afternoon for music. My friends who came loved it. You guys are amazing. We loved being part of the afternoon & thank you sincerely for the invite. See you on March 17th. Sue.
