Victoria Welsh Choir

Vic Welsh Performances in 2016

St Davids Day Celtic Celebration

26th February 2016 at the Melbourne Recital Centre: "better all the time" "wonderful mix - one of the best concerts I’ve seen" "Co-cheòl were an added treat/brilliant/magnificent/stunning" "Rhys Meirion was exceptional" "The choir was magnificent. The conductors – brilliant. The accompanist – superb. Rhys Meirion, VP Pipe Band and Co-cheòl, words fail me. More More More please."

The capacity crowd at Melbourne Recital Centre eagerly answered with enthusiastic applause the opening question What Would I Do Without My Music.

Faleiry then handed over the podium to guest conductor Rob Nicholls, brought out by the Welsh Church for the fifth time. The opening bracket included three Welsh tunes, a favourite hymn in English and a sensitive rendition of I’se Weary Of Waitin’ led by two fine basses Barry McMahon and Graeme Sanderson.

The star of the night, famous Welsh tenor Rhys Meirion, accompanied by the versatile Rob, took the stage to sing a fine Italian aria followed by an outstanding Danny Boy, with a final perfectly pitched high note that just took everybody’s breath away. The scene was now set for a stupendous musical evening.

As patrons started breathing more freely, from the back of the hall came the unmistakeable skirling of three pipers from the Victoria Police Pipe Band. Joined on stage by two drummers, their set of famous airs and reels provided a veritable Scottish aural and visual feast.

Rob remounted the podium and Rhys came back to lead us in the heartfelt O Gymru. The choir then moved through the Fantasia On Famous Welsh Airs, culminating with first the Welsh version of Men of Harlech followed by everybody in the house joining in with the English words on the wordsheet.

After interval Faleiry took to the podium and explained that the next four songs were all about love in different forms. The Rose was followed by You’ll Never Walk Alone with an excellent solo by Roger Bartlett. In contrast the choir then sang a capella the lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi and then the sensitive Anfonaf Angel.

The arrival of a harp on to the stage presaged the arrival of the award-winning Gaelic female quartet Co-cheòl (below). In a blaze of colour and snappy, well-co-ordinated body choreography, flute and accordion, they surprised and charmed the auditorium with wonderful close harmonies leading to the choir joining them on the lyrical In This Heart. The applause for this very talented group was heartfelt and sustained.

The final bracket comprised famous opera choruses. Soldiers’ Chorus was followed by John Hales boldly leading the choir in the French words of March of the Toreadors. The multi-lingual choir then switched to Italian for a spirited Anvil Chorus with blacksmith Colin Evans. After a finely executed Speed Your Journey choristers were pleased to come home in the Pilgrims’ Chorus.

Rob Nicholls and Rhys Meirion came back on stage along with the pipes and drums, and Co-cheòl to lead the huge audience in Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. Patrons remained standing to give choir, guests and the music team the ovation they all so richly deserved.

Audience comments included:

Terrific – getting better all the time.
The program tonight was a wonderful mix. One of the best concerts I’ve seen.
Overall a great concert and the inclusion of Co-cheòl Gaelic singing an added treat – beautiful harmony.
Cyngherdd bendigedig (a blessed concert)
I have attended many concerts previously and I have enjoyed every one of them. The professionality displayed by all is a credit to them! This was my 3rd St. David’s Day concert and they just keep getting better – congratulations to all concerned.
I enjoyed the venue. The choir was magnificent. The conductors – brilliant. The accompanist – superb. Rhys Meirion, VP Pipe Band and Co-cheòl, words fail me. More More More please.
We really enjoyed the whole concert. The men’s choir sounds lovely in this venue. Also having the pipes and drums & Co-cheòl group – I like the Celtic aspect of it best! A wonderful evening.
We enjoyed the whole concert immensely.
I think it was your best concert ever. Great professional acts. Venue has great acoustics which is so important.
Always enjoyable – particularly so this time.
I can’t wait for Co-cheòl’s CD. Their performance was stunning.
Thank you – Wonderful evening – Grateful Celt.
Good show – very good venue. Great ladies’ quartet .
Co-cheòl were brilliant! Rhys Meirion was exceptional.
The venue is very striking. As well as Rhys, the other soloists were good.
An enjoyable concert – especially as we are not Welsh.
Rob Nicholls brought a crisp harmonising tone to the choir and kept them in strict time. Excellent performance. Co-cheòl were magnificent. Congratulations!
Thank you for the pronunciation of the Welsh National Anthem in the program and sheet. I sang with gusto now I can pronounce the language better.
Thanks for a great concert last night. I have been following you since the Celts Kilts & Jazz concerts at RMIT and last night was one of the best.
In answer to the question Was Rhys’ inclusion the main reason you attended?: No, but I was glad to hear him sing./ No, but we are glad he sang./ Not main reason – but a wonderful adjunct! / No, but he would be now./ Rhys’ performance lifted our enjoyment and exceeded expectations.

Cymanfa Ganu

28th February 2016 at St Michael's Church

Once again the four Welsh choirs came together at St Michael’s Church as part of the Welsh Church’s St David’s Day celebrations. This year the Geelong Ladies and the Australian, Melbourne and Victoria male choirs were joined by the Excelsis mixed choir.

Guest conductor Rob Nicholls kept the choirs and a packed audience singing at their peak as everybody worked through the repertoire of ten famous hymns including Blaenwern, Cwm Rhondda and Sanctus. Rob was able to provide insightful comments on each and we learned that Rachie is indeed pronounced Raychie. Interlaced were a selection of songs in Welsh and English by Excelsis, powerful renditions of Brenin Seion and Y Trydydd Dydd by the other choirs and a performance of Calon Lân by the ladies and Tydi A Roddaist by the men.

Blue riband winner Ffion Hâf Jones sang a Welsh hymn followed by Anfonaf Angel. Guest tenor Rhys Meirion presented a Mario Lanza tune followed by a Welsh hymn; and Ffion and he combined on the beautiful Benedictus.

Mornington Birthday - Côr Bach

2nd March 2016 at Park Hill Gardens

On 2nd March our Côr Bach (Small Choir) visited Park Hill Gardens in Mornington to help celebrate the hundredth birthday of one of its residents, Welsh-born Nancy Harradine.

Welsh favourites in our short concert included Men of Harlech (bilingual), We'll Keep A Welcome, the hymns Calon Lân and Cwm Rhondda (Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer), together with the modern O Gymru (O Wales) and, at Nancy's own request, the classic song of lost love Myfanwy.

These were complemented by the coal-mining song Working Man (solo Geoff Serpell), You'll Never Walk Alone (solo Roger Bartlett), The Rose and Amazing Grace. First Tenor Victor Gago also treated us to a rendition of an old classic The Sunshine of Your Smile.

The conclusion of our mini-concert, marked by the singing of Hen Wlad Fy 'Nhadau, the Welsh National Anthem, was followed by the cutting of the cake, accompanied by a bilingual rendition of Happy Birthday/Penblwydd Hapus. Altogether an occasion which we enjoyed as much as the residents and visitors seemed to.

Yarrambat Memorial

5th April 2016

On 5th April 2016 our Côr Bach (small choir) took part in a celebration of the life of proud Welshman Arthur "Ossie" Hollister in Yarrambat.

We started off the ceremony by singing Myfanwy, the archetypal Welsh love song (whose name means my beloved) which we sang unaccompanied, followed by Tom Jones' 1966 No.1 hit Green Green Grass of Home, with a solo by baritone Roger Bartlett.

After hearing in the eulogy that Ossie had been a coal miner, we added, impromptu, Working Man, Rita MacNeil's epic song of the mines, before singing You’ll Never Walk Alone from the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel (which has since become the Liverpool Football Club anthem).

Then, while those present were watching scenes from Ossie's life on screen, we sang two songs which epitomise Wales: the iconic We’ll Keep a Welcome in the Hillsides, and finally Sunset Poem, the Reverend Eli Jenkins' blessing on the village of Llareggub from Dylan Thomas' classic play Under Milk Wood (also unaccompanied).

We were very happy to have been able to make this contribution to the celebration of Ossie's life.

Williamstown

10th April 2016 at Holy Trinity Church: "love all the harmonising" "Beautiful - loved the rich male voices" "brilliant sound " "fantastic concert!" "Wonderful experience! Great harmony"

On the afternoon of Sunday 10th April Victoria Welsh returned after 3 years to Holy Trinity Church in Williamstown. Audience comments included:

Lovely! Just love anything with all the harmonising!! Bought 3 CDs. Thank you. Barb
Beautiful - loved the choir and the rich male voices. Robyn
Fabulous! Loved how you did the last song (Sunset Poem - Ed). Brilliant sound in this glorious building. Bob is a great compère. Sue
What a fantastic concert! Well done!
Really enjoyable, great to see a dedicated group enjoying their craft. A nice mixed program. Robert
It was a wonderful experience! Great harmony etc !!
Absolutely wonderful. Thank you. I'm looking forward to enjoying the CDs. Irene

Doncaster

16th April 2016 at Holy Trinity Church: "a find!" "Well polished performance" "Good compere, good variety and very listenable voices" "Terrific accompanist and conductor" "great leadership"

On 16th April Victoria Welsh Choir made a return visit after two years to Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Doncaster. Comments from the audience included:

Excellent - a find! Anthony
Great harmony; very good soloists and accompaniment; must be the result of great leadership. Tim
A great performance. Well done. Ken
An excellent presentation of enjoyable music. Ken and Pat
Very good. Most enjoyable. Linda
Thank you for a great concert. I think Faleiry was just wonderful. Good compere with quirky sense of humour, good variety of songs and very listenable voices.
Well polished performance. Terrific accompanist and conductor. Good to see soloists nurtured in the choir. Well done, fellas! Esther
First time since I saw and listened to the Welsh Choir in Hamer Hall in the late 80s or early 90s - loved today's concert. Only thing to add would be a solo by Bryn Terfel! Charles
Excellent singing. Enjoyed it very much, especially the last song in amongst us. Peggy
Delightful. Most enjoyable. Carole
Wonderfully professional and enjoyable. Uplifting and much appreciated. Thank you all. Betty
Beautiful singing. Superb surround sound for the encore. Rosemary

Cardiff Tabernacl with Côr Meibion Taf

20th May 2016 at Tabernacl Church, Cardiff

We kicked off our tour of Wales and Worcestershire as guests of Côr Meibion Taf in their concert at the Tabernacl Church in Cardiff on 20th May.

We began our first bracket with What Would I Do Without My Music and O Gymru, followed by the saga of an Aboriginal warrior, Pemulwuy, which was very warmly received. We then joined our hosts in Gwahoddiad.

In the second half we started with a medley from Les Misérables (soloist Rushan Hewawasam) and combined with Côr Meibion Taf in Morte Criste. We then ended the concert with our unique version of Waltzing Matilda with its Welsh surprise in the ending (soloists Drew Hopkins and Graeme Sanderson). This earned us a standing ovation and left both choirs and the audience on a high.

Gabalfa with Cantorion Creigiau

21st May 2016 at St. Mark's Church

The next evening our hosts at St. Mark's, Gabalfa, were the mixed choir Cantorion Creigiau.

In the first half we sang What Would I Do Without My Music, Morte Criste, Dashenka (percussion John Evans) and O Gymru, again followed by Pemulwuy, which once more elicited prolonged applause from the audience.

After the interval we sang The Rose, You'll Never Walk Alone, Anfonaf Angel (flautist Nigel McGuckian) and then Waltzing Matilda - to another standing ovation (soloists Drew Hopkins and Graeme Sanderson).

Finally our hosts unexpectedly invited us to join them in Unwaith Eto'n'Ngymru Annwyl, which fortunately most of us know quite well!

Another great night!

Aberaeron with Ceredigion Women's Institute Choir

25th May 2016 at the Memorial Hall

For the third concert in our tour we travelled north-west to Aberaeron where our hosts were the Ceredigion Women's Institute Choir.

The first half of the concert consisted of three brackets presented by us interspersed with solos and duets from local singers Eleri and Aled Edwards, both winners of the prestigious Blue Riband.

We started with What Would I Do Without My Music and Dashenka (coconut percussion John Evans), followed by Rita MacNeil's Working Man (soloist Geoff Serpell), which received enthusiastic applause from the capacity audience.

For our second bracket we sang The Rose, You'll Never Walk Alone and Si Hei Lwli Mabi, finishing with Pemulwuy, which was again very well received.

To end the first half we presented a medley from Les Misérables (soloist Rushan Hewawasam) - and received our third standing ovation of the tour.

The second half was led by our host choir. We joined them in Yr Utgorn, O Gymru, and Benedictus (flautist Nigel McGuckian), and they joined us in our unique version of Waltzing Matilda (soloists Drew Hopkins and Graeme Sanderson), which prompted our fourth standing ovation.

To wind up, the two choirs surrounded the audience and sang, a cappella, Eli Jenkins' Prayer (Sunset Poem) from Under Milk Wood, leaving the audience well satisfied.

Pershore Abbey with Worcester Male Choir

27th May 2016

For our fourth tour concert we travelled to Pershore in Worcestershire to sing with the Worcester Male Voice Choir in the breath-taking ambience and superb acoustic of the ancient Pershore Abbey.

We started the first half with O Gymru and Si Hei Lwli Mabi, followed by Paul Jarman's epic tale of Aboriginal resistance, Pemulwuy, and Working Man (solo Geoff Serpell), which both received sustained applause.

After our hosts had sung their first bracket we joined them in singing Gwahoddiad.

We opened the second half with our medley from Les Misérables (solo Rushan Hewawasam), followed by our version of Waltzing Matilda with a Welsh twist in the tail (solo Drew Hopkins and Graeme Sanderson), which was greeted by the fifth standing ovation of our tour.

Then as a finale we joined our hosts in the Welsh standards Rachie and Morte Criste.

The sell-out audience appeared to be well satisfied.

Worcester Cathedral

28th May 2016

The fifth and last concert of our tour was a lunchtime recital in the magnificent Worcester Cathedral. Many of the large number of allocated seats were taken at the start, and nearly all of them by the end.

We opened with What Would I Do Without My Music, O Gymru and the a cappella lullaby Si Hei Lwli Mabi, followed by Working Man (solo Geoff Serpell), which was greeted with sustained applause. Drew Hopkins and Rushan Hewawasam then sang Perhaps Love, accompanied by Nigel McGuckian on flute.

We continued with The Rose, You'll Never Walk Alone and Robat Arwyn's Anfonaf Angel (flute Nigel McGuckian), after which Alex van Mens sang Dafydd Y Garreg Wen (David of the White Rock).

After our next two songs, Bells of Aberdovey and Gentle Dove, we paused for the cathedral's hourly prayers, which we followed, appropriately, with Robat Arwyn's arrangement of the canticle Benedictus (flute Nigel McGuckian).

Rushan Hewawasam then gave us a rendition of Suddenly from Les Misérables, before our trademark version of Waltzing Matilda (soloists Drew Hopkins and Graeme Sanderson), to which the audience (led no doubt by those with Welsh connections who "got" the ending) responded with a prolonged ovation.

Finally, as a postscript to both the concert and the tour, we sang the first verse of Myfanwy - a cappella of course. A gratifying end both to the concert and to our tour of Wales and Worcestershire.

Buninyong

26th June 2016 at the Church of St Peter and St Paul
Includes report from Buninyong Times

For our first concert since the UK tour, the choir travelled to Buninyong to perform at a fundraiser for the local Catholic church. The organiser was John White, a member of the congregation and also a founder member of the choir’s recently formed Ballarat chapter which is naturally looking for new recruits.

The two-year old new church is blessed with wonderful acoustics enjoyed by choristers and audience alike during a very varied concert, a mixture of superb singing, humorous interludes and audience participation on Battle Hymn of the Republic and Men of Harlech.

As well as the stunning four-part harmonies of the whole choir, there were outstanding performances by a number of talented soloists. Bendigo chapter member Nigel McGuckian enhanced a number of songs with expert flute and piccolo accompaniment; Bob Ash caught the harsh realities of life with Working Man; Welshman Stephen Pepper gave patrons a humorous Welsh lesson and Roger Bartlett was bittersweet with his Broken Vow.

After the interval, Alex van Mens reprised Dafydd Y Garreg Wen, which he had recently sung in Worcester Cathedral, and versatile compère Drew Hopkins combined with Rushan Hewawasam on The Gentle Dove.

John Hales and Geoff Serpell entertained the audience with an accomplished humorous performance of Ah Still Suits Me from Showboat.

In the Les Misérables finale, the mellifluous voices of Rushan and Roger once again plucked at the heartstrings on I Dreamed A Dream and Bring Him Home.

The hills came alive with the music of Wales

From the Buninyong Times, July 2016.

Not too many Welsh miners joined in the rush to the Buninyong goldfields in the mid- to late-nineteenth century. But perhaps that was not surprising as, then, the coal miners of Wales were busy driving the industrial revolution in England.

But on a chilly but sunny Sunday last month, the foothills of Buninyong echoed with the rousing choral music of the Victoria Welsh Male Choir. A choir of some 40 male singers, under the musical direction of acclaimed Welsh-born Faleiry Koczkar stirred an appreciative audience of some 220 people in the intimate and acoustically- excellent setting of St Peter & Pauls Church in Fisken Street.

Popular

The choir was brought to Buninyong by local resident John White, himself a member of the choir. The Victoria Male Welsh Choir has performed in prestigious venues such as the Sydney Opera House and before some 50,000 fans at the Docklands Stadium during the Rugby World Cup. It has also taken part in several overseas tours.

For its Buninyong concert the choir’s program included some beautiful and gentle sacred and traditional Welsh songs (such as the Bells of Aberdovey), but was highlighted by well-known music including You’ll Never Walk Alone, The Rose, and songs from Les Miserables including the rousing Do You Hear the People Sing?

Stirring

The well-known Welsh battle song – Men of Harlech – generated great audience participation with the Welsh flag being waved in the background by the choir. Another similarly-stirring song performed by the choir, with audience assistance, was the well-known American Civil War song, The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Perhaps the most poignant song of all, was the classic folk- song Working Man which the choir dedicated to miners, some as young as sixteen years, who worked the Welsh coal mines in atrocious, unhealthy conditions. The lyrics of the song include “.. where you age before your time.. and the coal dust lies heavy on your lungs.” This was a song especially dedicated to the miners of the Black Vein Colliery where 142 miners were killed in that pit in 1860.

Rare

With singing that was powerful yet moving and beautiful, this was a brilliant concert, the likes of which has rarely been seen in Buninyong. The choir voted the venue as “perfect” for an intimate concert.

Cranbourne - Côr Bach

3rd July 2016 at St John's Church: "Words cannot describe the amount of pleasure and enjoyment" "Absolutely beautiful!" "fabulous blend of voices" "Loved today's concert" "Superb afternoon of brilliant, enthusiastic singing"

We were delighted to be back at St John’s after eight months as part of their music series. Our speciality was, naturally, Welsh and Celtic music and our program reflected this.

Congregation members Peter Giles and Tony Downey educated patrons about the various British national anthems, including the choir singing the refrain from Trelawny, and the history of the Celts.

Native Welsh speaker Stephen Pepper skilfully steered the proceedings throughout the afternoon.

The fiercely patriotic O Gymru was followed by the sobering Working Man with soloist Bob Ash.

Faleiry spoke about the distinctive four-part harmonies of Welsh male choirs as well as introducing the ‘love’ bracket of The Rose, You’ll Never Walk Alone and Anfonaf Angel. Duettists Drew Hopkins and Rushan Hewawasam - who is also a worshipper at St John’s - told the story of the Irish emigrants to the US in Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears. To close the first half, the audience enthusiastically joined in the sing-along with Cockles and Mussels and Loch Lomond’.

After interval and afternoon tea, Roger Bartlett tugged at the heartstrings with My Little Welsh Home before the choir took the audience through a Welsh medley including Gentle Dove (duettists Rushan and Drew).

As light relief and perhaps proving that domestic discord is not confined to the Celtic nations, Geoff Serpell and John Hales entertained the audience with Ah Still Suits Me from Showboat.

In the Celtic Kaleidoscope soloists were Ed Hughes (Danny Boy), Barry McMahon (Wild Mountain Thyme), Roger Bartlett (Carrickfergus) and Drew (Spanish Lady).

By this time patrons were ready for another sing-along to complete the concert with Cwm Rhondda and Auld Lang Syne. Non-singing chorister and St John’s local Joh Vis and the choir’s self-avowed number one groupie Joan Cullum were invited up on to the stage for Waltzing Matilda which seamlessly segues into the Welsh National Anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, a fitting finale for the afternoon.

Comments from audience members included:

Words cannot describe the amount of pleasure and enjoyment that your choir has given to my husband and I. Thank you. Loris
A great performance. Ken
First time since I saw and listened to the Welsh Choir in Hamer Hall in the late 80s early 90s. Loved today's concert. Only thing is to add would be a solo by Bryn Terfel. Charles
Absolutely beautiful! A most enjoyable afternoon of music. Veronica
Excellent. The duets and solos were lovely. The history bit was great and the poetry too.
Very enjoyable. Verna
Lovely concert - great choice of tunes. Thelma
Very nice - a most enjoyable afternoon.
Wonderful songs and harmonies - as always. Sally
Today's concert was wonderful, a fabulous blend of voices. Thank you for the enjoyment. Naree
Excellent. Isabell and Aileen
Superb afternoon of brilliant, enthusiastic singing. Priya and Sam
Very enjoyable - pleased to sing-a-long and have familiar music in the programme. Jenny

Barwon Heads - Côr Bach

10th July 2016 at the Community Hall: "An afternoon of musical bliss!!" "An emotional afternoon." "The sound spine-tingling!" " Gorgeous voices" "great participation for the audience" "Da iawn! Absolutely fantastic"

On a very fresh day the choir was delighted to put on a wide-ranging concert for the Barwon Heads Fine Music Society. From their fulsome appreciation of our opening number What Would I Do Without My Music, it was clear that the audience comprised a large number of fellow musicians. After Morte Criste and O Gymru the first bracket finished with a rousing Working Man from soloist bass Geoff Serpell.

Faleiry explained that the next six songs were all about different aspects of love. Bass-baritone Roger Bartlett mellifluously daydreamed about Maria, which elicited many a misty eye. Emotions ebbed and flowed as the choir moved though The Rose, You’ll Never Walk Alone, a lullaby and Anfonaf Angel with sensitive and evocative flute by Bendigonian Nigel McGuckian. He also accompanied versatile compère Drew Hopkins and fellow tenor Rushan Hewawasam in the wistful Perhaps Love.

To calm everybody’s emotions the choir sang Benedictus before the epic Battle Hymn of the Republic, deftly interlaced with Nigel’s piccolo and Lorna Ogilvie’s magisterial command of the keyboard. As the wind whipped up from the bay, the packed audience was only too happy to join in (twice) with the powerful finishing chorus.

With throats and eyes refreshed, patrons eagerly took their places for the second half. A Welsh bracket of Rachie and The Bells of Aberdovey led into O Gentle Dove with the practised duet of Drew and Rushan and Nigel on flute. The audience was invited to sing along to the English words of Men of Harlech which they did, happily and lustily.

By way of a comic interlude, tenor John Hales frocked up to join Geoff Serpell in the very entertaining duet Ah Still Suits Me from Showboat.

As the rain lashed in from the bay, choristers and patrons alike could sympathise with the poor Parisian workers as the choir launched into the medley from Les Misérables including fine solos from Rushan on I Dreamed A Dream and Roger on Bring Him Home.

The dramatic finale was a fitting end to an exceptional musical afternoon for everybody in the acoustically blessed hall. It only remained to bid a fond farewell to patrons with Troyte’s Chant and for a wonderful coming together of choir and audience in a really special experience.

Audience feedback included:

An afternoon of musical bliss!! Allan
Great songs, great participation for the audience. An emotional afternoon. John
Amazing concert. The sound spine-tingling! Special mention to Lorna Ogilvie - an incredible accompanist. Faleiry Koczkar - great rapport with choir. Jo
Beautiful music. Gorgeous voices. Phillipa
Da iawn! Absolutely fantastic, very rousing, great variety of pieces.
Most enjoyable.
What I really liked were the songs but especially the explanations, soloists etc and the fact that the audience could sing as well. Gail
Thanks you for a wonderful afternoon's entertainment. It is so wonderful to hear male voices in harmony. Lynne

Strathmore - Côr Bach

24th July 2016 at the Uniting Church: "Pure pleasure - keep up the good work!" "Very uplifting" "As usual – excellent."

We were very happy to be invited back to Strathmore after two years for another Sunday afternoon concert, and it was gratifying to see extra chairs being set up in the aisles. After an opening bracket which included Morte Criste and O Gymru, the audience was eager to join in with the chorus on Cwm Rhondda, along with flute accompaniment by Bendigonian member Nigel McGuckian. This was followed by the first of our talented cohort of soloists with Rushan Hewawasam presenting a beautiful arrangement of Suddenly from the movie Les Misérables.

Faleiry spoke about the many sorts of love before the choir launched into The Rose, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi and the Bryn Terfel number Anfonaf Angel with flute. Roger Bartlett added the wistful Josh Groban song Broken Vow.

From being slaves to love, choristers turned the clock back to being Hebrew slaves in the chorus from Nabucco, Speed Your Journey. Nigel switched instruments to piccolo for the slavery-related themes in Battle Hymn of the Republic with patrons lustily singing the final bars to take them into the interval.

The Welsh hymn Rachie led into the Fantasia on Welsh Airs with Rushan and Nigel combining sensitively on Gentle Dove and finishing with more wholehearted audience participation on Men of Harlech in Welsh and English.

Baritone Bob Ash tugged at the emotions with the topical song Shelter, followed by Ed Hughes with Danny Boy and local bass Barry McMahon on Wild Mountain Thyme.

Coming so closely after the centenary of the Battle of Fromelles, compère Tony Davies spoke about War and Music by way of introducing a medley of songs from World War One. With patrons joining in on the first and last tunes, the choir sang Tipperary and Roses of Picardy before Tony read three verses of the Christmas 1915 poem with Rushan singing Stille Nacht in the background. Keep the Home Fires Burning and Pack Up Your Troubles rounded off the concert on a more upbeat note and everyone was only too happy to smile, smile, smile at the end of a marvellous concert.

Ann Black thanked us on behalf of the church and presented colourful bouquets to Faleiry and Lorna. We, in turn, thanked her by honouring her request to surround the audience and bid them farewell with Troyte’s Chant.

Comments from members of the audience included:

Thoroughly enjoyable, much loved your singing over many, many years. Pure pleasure to have you visit Strathmore again and hear your voices locally to my home. Congratulations, keep up the good work. Barbara
Beautiful afternoon’s music. Very uplifting. Cheryl
As usual – excellent. Sheila.

Last Night of the Proms with Legends of Brass

21st August 2016 at the Ivanhoe Civic Centre

The choir were guests of The Legends of Brass at their gala Last Night of the Proms concert at The Centre Ivanhoe.

In the first bracket, the choir sang What Would I Do Without My Music, O Gymru and Working Man with soloist Geoff Serpell. Before interval, we performed Speed Your Journey, Pemulwuy and Battle Hymn of the Republic with the capacity audience happily joining in for the final resounding chorus.

In the second half, the choir sang I Vow to Thee My Country accompanied by the band, followed by the totally contrasting a capella lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi and the inspiring special arrangement of Waltzing Matilda featuring Roger Bartlett and versatile compère Bob Ash.

After the band’s Fantasia on British Sea Songs, we came back to join in with the chorus of Rule Britannia with choir soloist tenor John Hales. We then led the mass singing of Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and Auld Lang Syne, complete with the customary flag waving, the Welsh flag amongst them.

Rosebud - Côr Bach
27th August 2016 at All Saints' Church: "loved the audience participation" "I thoroughly enjoyed it" "Please come again" "beautiful harmony" "wonderful choir leader and pianist"

We were very pleased to be invited back to Rosebud after two years for another Saturday afternoon concert in a full church. After an opening bracket which included Morte Criste and O Gymru, baritone Roger Bartlett enchanted everyone with a beautifully sung Maria from West Side Story. Following on with the love theme the choir sang The Rose, You’ll Never Walk Alone and the a capella Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi. Tenors Rushan Hewawasam and Drew Hopkins combined melodically to muse on Perhaps Love.

From slavish love to Nabucco and Speed Your Journey before more slave-related themes in Battle Hymn of the Republic with patrons ready and eager to join in singing the final bars to take them into the interval.

Alex van Mens’s baritone voice filled the church with the famous Welsh tune Dafydd Y Garreg Wen before the choir’s rendition of The Bells of Aberdovey. Rushan and microphone-hopping compère Drew Hopkins harmonised in The Gentle Dove (Y Deryn Pur) and the bracket finished with more wholehearted audience participation on Men of Harlech in Welsh and English.

Launching into a Celtic bracket Ed Hughes tugged at the heartstrings with Danny Boy, Barry McMahon athletically pulled Wild Mountain Thyme and Drew enthusiastically pursued The Spanish Lady all around Dublin.

After all that emotion it was time for a humorous interlude and this was very ably and theatrically provided by Geoff Serpell and cross-dressing John Hales in Ah Still Suits Me from Showboat.

Coming so closely after the centenary of the Battle of Fromelles, Tony Davies spoke about War and Music by way of introducing a medley of songs from World War One. With patrons joining in on the first and last tunes, the choir sang Tipperary and Roses of Picardy before Tony read three verses of the Christmas 1915 poem with Rushan singing Stille Nacht in the background. Keep the Home Fires Burning and Pack Up Your Troubles rounded off the concert on a more upbeat note and everyone was only too happy to smile, smile, smile at the end of a marvellous concert.

After a reprise of the last chorus and a fulsome vote of thanks by the vicar we were delighted to top off our shared musical journey with patrons by surrounding them with the magical Sunset Poem.

Audience feedback included:

Really enjoyed - loved the audience participation. Jan
A good friend invited me along and I was so pleased I accepted. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Blanche
Wonderful day. Thank you so much. Please come again. Joy
Always the greatest pleasure to listen to male voices in such beautiful harmony, with their wonderful choir leader and pianist. Jan
Most enjoyable. A good programme - plenty of variety. It was good we were able to participate with the choir. Yvonne

Blackburn

11th September 2016 at St Edward's Church: "Privilege to hear you!" "Exhilarating, great choice of music." "a beautiful, emotional journey carrying me back in time." " fantastic pianist and your lady conductor is amazing" "Great response from audience." " I was transported!!" "The best choir ever." "Hair stood on end. Tears over several." "Great humour and rapport with audience"

On 11th September Victoria Welsh Male Choir presented a concert at St Edward's Church Blackburn, our Melbourne rehearsal venue.

From time to time we give a concert at our rehearsal rooms at St Edwards Church. It helps the church to raise funds for charitable purposes but also allows the choir to thank the neighbours for putting up with our cars in their street twice a week. And it might lead to recruiting local men when they see how much fun, comradeship and satisfaction is to be had.

It’s always a good sign when a concert is a little late in starting as the organisers shoehorn more chairs into the audience area. The first bracket showcased the choir in What Would I Do Without My Music, Morte Criste, O Gymru and the emotional Working Man with a heartfelt solo by bass Geoff Serpell.

Drew Hopkins then humorously highlighted the four sections of the choir, complete with startling stereotypes and Faleiry showed musically how the four-part harmony works in practice.

This was followed by baritone Roger Bartlett’s poignant rendition of the lesser known Homeward Bound, written by Marta Keen.

Faleiry introduced the next bracket as all aspects of love in various forms. The Rose was followed by You’ll Never Walk Alone, Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi and Anfonaf Angel. Love of his adopted country was evident both in Eric Bogle’s words and also in baritone Bob Ash’s resonant solo singing of Shelter.

Compère Stephen Pepper introduced the next bracket as the "slavery section" as the choir launched into Speed Your Journey and the rousing Battle Hymn of the Republic complete with eager and tuneful singing by the capacity audience.

The second half started with the temperance hymn Rachie followed by The Bells of Aberdovey, O Gentle Dove with a solo by Drew Hopkins and Men of Harlech in Welsh and English with patrons happy and confident to join in by consulting the words on the program.

After all that excitement, everyone was intrigued to see Geoff Serpell step forward with a straw hat on his head and, to the side, John Hales seeking some female assistance in tying up his apron. All was soon revealed with a spirited and funny duet entitled Ah Still Suits Me from Showboat.

As a finale, the choir launched into the medley from Les Misérables, complete with a fine solo première by Tony Hosemans on I Dreamed a Dream and an equally fine solo by Ed Hughes on Bring Him Home.

The afternoon’s concert in our own rehearsal rooms was a marvellous musical journey for choristers and the audience which is amply reflected in the many kind comments we received, which included:

Wonderful as always. Thank you very much. Muriel
Beautiful! Privilege to hear you! Liz
Thoroughly enjoyed this concert. Fiona
Great singing, presentation. Ian
Exhilarating, great choice of music. Joan
Excellent. Beautiful music, well performed.
Beautiful harmonies, very enjoyable. Desirée
Absolutely a beautiful, emotional journey carrying me back in time. Shirley
Lovely harmony. Very very very good. Rhonda
A wonderful choir and harmony. John
Wonderful ++++ choir, fantastic pianist and your lady conductor is amazing the way she holds each voice in her hand. Again, wonderful ++++. As the choir uses our church hall I take every opportunity to hear it even from outside on practice night. Pauline
Very disciplined choir and a delight to listen to. We follow their presentations at every opportunity. Jim
Excellent programme. Great response from audience. Ann
It was my first time and I was transporte4d!! I bought the CD with Guardian Angel. Judy
Most enjoyable. Jeff
Thoroughly enjoyed the harmonies and the blend of voices. Loved singing Glory, Glory Allelluia. Simone
Absolutely terrific. Shirley
Thoroughly enjoyed the singing and the sense of humour. Thank you. Miriam
The best choir ever. Couldn't get enough. Hair stood on end. Tears over several. Come back soon! Elgin
Absolutely wonderful. Very emotional for me – I'm Welsh! Great humour and rapport with audience. Marilyn and Martin

Birthday Celebration Templestowe

22nd September 2016

On Thursday 22nd September we were hired to perform a mini-concert for a client’s sister-in-law’s 60th birthday.

As it was a surprise and there was limited hiding space on the back patio, just twelve members of Côr Bach attended, accompanied by Lorna on the keyboard and led by Lyn Henshall.

As the birthday lady was ushered unsuspectingly out from the kitchen, she nearly spilled her champagne as the Diligent Dozen launched into Happy Birthday in Welsh and English. Compère Drew Hopkins introduced the first bracket of We’ll Keep a Welcome and the rousing Men of Harlech before a Welsh bracket of Rachie, Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi and Anfonaf Angel.

Bass Geoff Serpell wowed the assembled company with Working Man before Speed Your Journey and The Rose. The final bracket comprised Amazing Grace, What Would I Do Without My Music and the emotional You’ll Never Walk Alone.

The covered patio turned out to have excellent acoustics and all agreed it was a birthday celebration the client would not forget.

Bairnsdale

2nd October 2016 at St Mary's Church: "the most moving experience of my life" "sublime moments. Wonderful conductor (fun singalong)" "Sublime singing, uplifting, wonderful harmonies. Can’t fault anything." "Working Man – sensational and very moving." "Pianist is brilliant. Harmony is Excellent." "A beautiful presentation. We are blessed."

Choristers eagerly looked forward to singing in St Mary’s Catholic Church, the famous ‘painted’ church in the main street of Bairnsdale, a town with an obvious connection to our fellow Celts.

The mini-cathedral was absolutely full with even the small balcony being pressed into service as overflow seating. Patrons were so eager to secure the best places, they began arriving an hour before the start time so that about fifty were happy to catch the tail end of the choir’s rehearsals. Armed with local knowledge, many arrived clutching individual cushions to increase their comfort on the solid wooden pews.

The first song What Would I Do Without My Music was so enthusiastically applauded that everyone knew instinctively that this concert was going to be something extraordinary.

Morte Criste was followed by O Gymru before Geoff Serpell’s animated rendition of Working Man elicited thunderous applause.

Another talented chorister soloist Roger Bartlett charmed patrons with Josh Groban’s lovely ballad You’re Still You. The love theme continued with The Rose, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi and Anfonaf Angel.

Then accomplished and multitasking compère Drew Hopkins was pleased to introduce a surprise guest, Year 11 student Emily Herbert who had received an impromptu lesson from our accompanist Lorna Ogilvie on the previous day. Keen to give an opportunity to a local, Emily was invited to come along to give a public performance of two songs which she was studying for VCE. The first one, Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera showcased her range with a very impressive final high note. Equally confident was her very fine a capella version of the spiritual Deep River.

Then we were into another promised land with Speed Your Journey from Nambucco and the rousing Battle Hymn of the Republic complete with spirited audience participation on the final chorus.

After a well-earned interval, the choir was back with the old favourites Calon Lân and Bells of Aberdovey, followed by Y Deryn Pur with a duet by mellifluous tenors Drew and Rushan Hewawasam, before Men of Harlech in Welsh and then English with more audience singing.

Welsh native speaker Stephen Pepper then settled the assembled company for a humorous but educational session on the easiness of Welsh pronunciation, focusing on the longest Welsh village name.

From the old country to the new with Shelter - Bob Ash masterfully channelling Eric Bogle’s heartfelt sentiments at ending up living in marvellous Australia, a feeling that many choristers and patrons no doubt shared.

As a finale, we launched into a medley from the worldwide triumph of Les Misérables. As part of the bracket, Rushan caught the pathos of I Dreamed a Dream and Roger and the choir further tugged at the heartstrings on Bring Him Home. In Do You Hear the People Sing, the final words ‘When tomorrow comes’ reverberated around this astounding architectural gem and, just like the people of Paris in the show, the Bairnsdale audience rose up to salute the choir and music team with a powerful standing ovation.

After Fr Michael Willemsen thanked the choir and all the people who were responsible for the concert, we walked off stage to Men of Harlech, then surrounded the audience to sing our farewell with Sunset Poem. It was indeed a very special musical experience for everyone lucky enough to be there, as confirmed by the following comments from members of the audience:

I gave my mother a ticket to your concert for her birthday and have just picked her up. She is quite teary, when I asked her the reason she replied "that was the most moving experience of my life". Thank the Welsh Men's Choir for giving her an extra special Birthday. Shelly
Excellent, well presented. Most entertaining. Great concert, very enjoyable. Graham
Beautiful harmonies, lovely solos, some sublime moments. Wonderful conductor (fun singalong) Thank you for coming to Bairnsdale. X Bronwyn
The concert was wonderful. Pat
Excellent entertainment. Special mention – choir conductress with her great sense of humour which showed through the choir. Beryl
“Working Man” is one of my favourites. Zenith
Wonderful. I even found my voice. Well Done Everybody.
Most enjoyable. Loved being able to join in. Faleiry is a great conductor – great fun. Frances.
Sublime singing, uplifting, wonderful harmonies. Can’t fault anything. Come back soon to Bairnsdale. Elsbeth & Lois.
Really enjoyed the show. Selection of songs was really good. Working Man – sensational and very moving. Great to include the local lass. Michael
Pianist is brilliant. Harmony is Excellent. Brings back memories of my childhood in Wales. Lovely to see quality performances here!
Just wonderful. Thank you for a beautiful afternoon.
Absolutely wonderful. Glenda
A beautiful presentation thank you. We are blessed.
We love the choir. Lovely harmonies. We used to be in the Melb. Austrian Choir and sang together at concerts. Much preferred the lovely Welsh songs. Inge & Willie
An afternoon of excellence. Maida
Wonderful performance and delighted for it to be one of the very first activities we have joined in since moving to the area – very first time attending the Vic W Choir.

Vale Dale Sayers

14th October 2016 at St Mark's, Emerald

On Friday 14 October 2016 the choir family farewelled second tenor Dale Sayers (22-9-1933 – 7-10-2016) a chorister since January 1999. As his own Uniting church would not have accommodated all who wished to attend, the service was held in St Mark’s Anglican Church Emerald on a beautiful sunny day.

Reflecting Dale’s time in a pipe band, Donald Drysdale played the bagpipes both at the beginning and end of the service.

The choir led the congregation in singing two hymns – Cwm Rhondda (Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah) and The 23rd Psalm (Crimond). Separately, the choir performed two of Dale’s favourites – Working Man, featuring Geoff Serpell as soloist and, after a brief introduction by Faleiry, Anfonaf Angel.

Dale and Maibry had lived in Emerald for 40 years and knew a great many people, as witnessed by the very large turnout of locals, friends and relatives and representatives of the diverse organisations Dale had belonged to. During son Cameron’s eulogy, even the passing Puffing Billy tooted its cheery salutations to this local identity.

It was telling that not only were there a large number of present choristers on stage, including half a dozen from our Bendigo chapter, but also many ex-choristers there to pay their respects to this very likeable and friendly man who will be forever famous for his very firm handshake.

Silvie Paladino

30th October 2016 at Melbourne Recital Centre: "a joyful, melodious, emotional afternoon's entertainment" "the ethereal sound of the harmonies" "such a thrill to hear the harmony of a male voice choir. The choir is excellent. It brings back memories of Wales" "beautiful balance of strong male voices with Silvie’s strong voice" "Professional with a hint of Welsh community . Joy-filled." "left feeling we were on a high." "The choir and Silvie Paladino were magic."

Although the choir had worked with Silvie on previous occasions, this was the first time at the prestigious Melbourne Recital Centre and what a stupendous concert it turned out to be.

Once the audience had settled, the lights came up to dramatically reveal the immaculately dressed choristers as they launched into the opening number What Would I Do Without My Music.

Having established our credentials, compère Drew Hopkins introduced the music team and the next few songs. Faleiry, a native of Aberystwyth, was fulsome in her introduction to this classic from the Welsh choral repertoire and got the first tenors and basses to illustrate the power and majesty of the tune, inspired by the composer’s view of the Cardigan Bay waves.

The popular Calon Lân came next followed by Yfory (Tomorrow) with a sensitive flute introduction by Bendigo chorister Nigel McGuckian.

The star of the show, Silvie Paladino then lit up the stage with her opening number You Raise Me Up which elicited thunderous applause. With her multi-talented pianist David Cameron, she engaged the capacity audience with her wonderful personal rapport and magnificent voice in Memories and a Rodgers and Hart medley. She stayed on stage to lead the choir in the well-known You’ll Never Walk Alone from Carousel.

Then the choir delivered the Rutter arrangement of When the Saints Go Marching In culminating with Faleiry inviting patrons to sing the final chorus, which they did very willingly and competently, before a well-earned break.

Men of Harlech in Welsh opened the second half followed by the audience joining in with the English words.

The next bracket was geographically inspired with Benjamin Britten’s arrangement of Down by the Salley Gardens (Irish) and Wild Mountain Thyme (a Scottish tune powerfully sung by Barry McMahon to great acclaim). Silvie’s voice breathed new life into the Welsh lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi, followed by another quirky Britten arrangement of the Suffolk folksong Oliver Cromwell. An invitation to ‘Sing it yourself’ was wisely ignored as Silvie came back to a hall full of star-struck admirers.

After the lovely What the World Needs Now, Silvie channelled her Italian heritage with a virtuoso rendition of Non Ti Scordar Di Me which thrilled everybody in the auditorium. Inviting all to join in on What a Wonderful World was magical with patrons happily singing from the front and the choir balancing the sound from the back – goose bumps all round. Silvie finished off her bracket with an homage to not only Pavarotti but also a predecessor in the eponymous Caruso, an absolute musical tour de force.

If the audience thought that was it from Silvie, they were happy to be deluded as she joined the choir in the Les Mis medley with her beautifully reprising the recitative and the number I Dreamed a Dream. Rushan Hewawasam’s mellifluous tenor voice tugged at the heartstrings with Bring Him Home and the final chorus was enhanced by the waving of a revolutionary red flag.

After tumultuous applause, Silvie sang the opening words to the modern arrangement of Waltzing Matilda, along with duettists Drew and Graeme Sanderson and the choir, segueing into the Welsh national anthem at the end, with flute accompaniment by Nigel.

What a wonderful (musical) world indeed.

Feedback from members of the audience included:

I was there with my partner for this marvellous concert featuring Silvie Paladino. What a joyful, melodious, emotional afternoon's entertainment by this renowned Choir and beautiful Silvie. Maureen
A delightful afternoon. The MRC was a delightful intimate venue.
Great show, amazing voices
The choir is wonderful. I most enjoyed the ethereal sound of the harmonies, similar to the first item of the performance on 30.10.2016. Silvie Paladino a great choice and encouraged me to attend. Thankyou to all choir members and support team. They give a wonderful experience. June
I absolutely loved the “Les Mis” segment.
I enjoyed the choir and Silvie Paladino.
Another lovely afternoon of music.
Looking forward to more great singing in 2017.
It is such a thrill to hear the harmony of a male voice choir. The choir is excellent. It brings back memories of Wales, and my links to the country are renewed. Elaine
A beautiful balance of strong male voices with Silvie’s strong voice. Good fun when we the audience were invited to sing! Loved Rushan's solo – a beautiful voice! Thanks for a great afternoon.
I really enjoyed the audience participation. Veronica
Really love Melbourne Recital Centre.
Wonderful concert last Sunday, great that the concert is now in the afternoon. Good for country travellers.
Professional with a hint of Welsh community . Joy-filled. Brian
Loved it and I can now tell people I have sung at the MRC and have sung with the Vic Welsh Choir.
I really liked the way your musical director encouraged audience participation. Sandra
I accompanied a 90 year old lady living in residential care. I have not previously witnessed a concert – I just loved it. Silvie Paladino was absolutely superb, very talented and very personable. Would attend such concerts if possible in future. All very professional and observed all choir members seemed to be enjoying the whole event. Joy
What a lovely afternoon, great venue – lovely seating. Great day! Marg
One of our group is 90 years and thoroughly enjoyed the whole afternoon. Very uplifting, left feeling we were on a high.
Enjoyed the interactive aspect.
The choir and Silvie Paladino were magic. Great afternoon. Valerie
A wonderful show. We travelled down from Mulwala today to be in the dress circle. Thank you very much for a lovely concert Len and Sandra
Beautiful sound. Comfy seats, wonderful experience.

Remembrance Day

6th November 2016 at Springvale War Cemetery

On Sunday 6th November Victoria Welsh Choir led the singing at the Remembrance Day Service at the Springvale War Cemetery for the tenth time since 2004.

Berwick with Conchord Choir

12th November 2016 at Church of Christ

Victoria Welsh Choir were the guests of the Sri Lankan ConChord Choir in a twilight concert in Berwick on Saturday 12 November.

Versatile compère Drew Hopkins had no trouble pronouncing ConChord’s first bracket conducted by their Musical Director Rushan Hewawasam who is also a second tenor in VicWelsh. Coldplay’s Fix You was followed by Can’t Help Falling in Love, You’ve Got a Friend and Wake Me Up. The four part harmonies of this mixed choir with a selection of talented soloists made for a stunning introduction to their distinctive sound.

VicWelsh asked the rhetorical question: What Would I Do Without My Music as an opening number then two traditional Welsh tunes - Cwm Rhondda and Yfory - before a virtuoso rendition of Working Man by bass Geoff Serpell.

ConChord then squeezed back on stage to combine beautifully with VicWelsh on Benedictus, conducted by Faleiry and then the lilting Sri Lankan love song Ganga Addara conducted by Rushan.

Throughout the concert, our superb accompanist Lorna Ogilvie played for all but two numbers and she was joined at different times by Bendigo baritone Nigel McGuckian on flute, Pulasthi Gunasekara on percussion and Thilina Madakumbura on tenor sax.

VicWelsh opened the second half with more songs of love in different guises with Men of Harlech in Welsh, The Rose, You’ll Never Walk Alone, the a capella Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi (a Welsh lullaby which somehow failed to lull any of the numerous babies in the audience) and Anfonaf Angel.

The multi-talented Rushan accompanied ConChord in his own arrangements of Nim Him Sewwa and Chinna Chinna Asai. Stepping back on the podium, he then conducted the choir in Welsh composer Karl Jenkins’ Adiemus followed by an homage to the recently departed Leonard Cohen in Hallelujah and the upbeat You Raise Me Up, all featuring a number of terrific soloists and a sing-along on the last number.

Before the last two combined pieces, Rushan spoke to the large audience and related how he had learned so much about choral singing and conducting from Faleiry and thanked her publically by singing Suddenly, the specially composed song for the film version of Les Misérables. Teruni Karunaratne sang I Dreamed a Dream, Shazra Abdeen On My Own and Rushan Bring Him Home.

Before the final Waltzing Matilda, Maheshini Perera gave the background to VicWelsh’s arrangement, mentioning that, at different venues, the final chorus had been sung at the same time as the Welsh, New Zealand and British national anthems. Today was to be the world première of combining it with Rushan’s modified version of the Sri Lankan anthem. ConChord sang this by themselves first before both choirs launched into the rousing six part, two anthems chorus. It was a fine sight to see many patrons standing up to join in this very special rendering. Soloists were Rashika Gomez and Savindri Perera from ConChord and Graeme Sanderson and Drew from VicWelsh.

Not only has Rushan and the founders of ConChord Choir contributed greatly to furthering the cause of unity in the Sri Lankan community but, by bringing in a Welsh male choir, it proves that two great musical traditions can also come together in total harmony.

XLI Club - Côr Bach

1st December 2016 at Rivers Edge

On 1st December Côr Bach (our small choir) was engaged to sing at the Rivers Edge Function Centre for the Christmas lunch of the XLI Club, most of whose members are retirees from the police force.

A wide variety of numbers, in Welsh and English, were presented including some relevant Christmas tunes.

Equally appropriately, given the audience, were G & S favourites With Cat-like Tread and When a Felon’s Not Engaged with a fine rendition by bass Graeme Sanderson, complete with flashing helmet and truncheon.

The lunch party was also tickled by Geoff Serpell and John Hales giving a spirited theatrical performance of the Gendarmes Duet.

Camberwell Wedding

2nd December 2016 at Camberwell Baptist Church

The choir was invited to perform two Welsh hymns, Calon Lân and Gwahoddiad, both with the inclusion of English verses, at the wedding of one of our chorister’s daughters, at the Camberwell Baptist Church. The bride’s father niftily changed pews to also proudly sing both numbers with his colleagues. Faleiry conducted the choir with Lorna Ogilvie accompanying on keyboard.

It was a very musical occasion with organist Margaret Spong, pianist Grace Chen and harpist Kathleen Horvath. Additionally, Kathryn Jensen led the choir and congregation in two songs of praise – Great is Thy Faithfulness and the more modern He Shall Reign Forevermore.

Buninyong

4th December 2016 at the Uniting Church: "entertainment of the highest order and fine musicianship to boot" "an absolute pleasure - a wonderful blend of voices and just the right amount of audience participation" "absolutely fantastic" "performance standard very HIGH" "so professional and entertaining - couldn't improve any further" "Such a musical and fun performance but such disciplined singing. It never fails to impress." "Great variety, clear diction, light and shade ensemble, balance - all without music" "this was the BEST EVER!"

We were pleasantly surprised, but delighted, to be asked to return to Buninyong, albeit to a different church, after just six months. The lovely old Uniting Church was positively crammed with eager patrons, some armed with cushions for the pews.

After a rousing What Would I Do Without My Music, everyone was welcomed by the Rev. Lindell Gibson on behalf of the Church. Compère Tony Davies then introduced the opening bracket of Cwm Rhondda, Yfory and Working Man with soloist Geoff Serpell.

Ambrose Morgan gave a humorous account of a hapless group of rugby supporters to the tune of Hymns and Arias and then Faleiry led choir and audience in a very confident rendition of Silent Night, aided by the words being projected onto the walls at both ends of the nave.

Continuing the Christmas theme, Tony Hosemans sang O Holy Night before the choir went into Amazing Grace, the a capella Myfanwy and the lovely Anfonaf Angel. The love theme was next amplified by duettists Rushan Hewawasam and Drew Hopkins on Perhaps Love. The choir then returned for the epic Speed Your Journey before joining the audience on O Come, All Ye Faithful, ands then adjourning for some fresh air on a very warm and humid day.

Coming back in after the interval singing Calon Lân, with its rejection of gold, amongst other material things, was unintentionally ironic given that Buninyong was where the Gold Rush started in 1851! Rather than rushing, however, choristers carefully reassembled in the tight space available to launch into Men of Harlech with the choir singing in Welsh then the audience willingly joining in with the English words. Two arrangements of folk songs by Britten followed – Down by The Salley Gardens and the comic Oliver Cromwell, warts and all.

Everyone in the church then heartily sang Good King Wenceslas before Geoff Serpell and Drew Hopkins led the choir in the modern arrangement of Waltzing Matilda complete with embedded Welsh National Anthem.

As befitted a Christmas concert, the final number was The Holy City, delivered beautifully by first tenor Ed Hughes.

After the soloists, the choir and the music team took their bows to sustained applause, choristers carefully negotiated cables and other equipment to line up in the two aisles to bid a heartfelt farewell to the musically engaged audience with the magnificent Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood.

The organisers wrote to us: "entertainment of the highest order and fine musicianship to boot"

Audience members commented:

What an absolute pleasure - a wonderful blend of voices and just the right amount of audience participation. Wendy
The choir is absolutely fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed the choir for the third time. Ivan and Eileen
Beautiful - performance standard very HIGH; emotional; enjoyable; wonderful. Fay
Thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Members of the choir - so professional and entertaining. You couldn't improve any further - loved it!!
Such a musical and fun performance but such disciplined singing. It never fails to impress. Ann and Bill
Great variety, clear diction, light and shade ensemble, balance - all without music and good to have audience participation too. June
We have been to many of your concerts. All marvellous and this was the BEST EVER! Thank you.
Another good afternoon. John

Vale Jack Clarke

19th December 2016 at Camberwell Uniting Church

Vale Jack Clarke OAM 19 May 1921 - 13 December 2016

About 30 choristers and ex-choristers, and some partners, farewelled their esteemed retired Life Member Jack Clarke on 19 December 2016 at the Camberwell Uniting Church, where he and Elaine worshipped for many years. Not surprisingly, the church was absolutely crammed full of family, friends and colleagues, all united to pay their respects to this most admired and universally loved humanitarian.

The Rev. Ian Brown officiated, assisted by the Rev. Prof. Robert Gribben, a long-standing friend and ex-student, who reflected on the text in 1 Corinthians 13.

An ex-colleague and friend John Castles AM delivered a splendid eulogy, as did grand-daughter Amy Parsons on behalf of the grandchildren and son David Clarke for the four children. Grand-daughters Sarah and Emma Kerr read extracts from the bible and daughter Jenny Parsons sang her own heartfelt tribute with the classic John Rutter anthem For The Beauty Of The Earth.

Choristers sat together and led the singing of three hymns: Now Thank We All Our God, Thine Be The Glory and Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.

Love was the abiding theme of the service – love of family, love of friends, love of music and compassion for all. A truly remarkable man who touched many of our lives.

Ballarat

23rd December 2016 at St Patrick's Cathedral

The Vic Welsh finished the musical year with an exhilarating evening of singing at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat on 23 December. A group of 15 of our choristers joined three mixed male and female voice Ballarat choirs in the Cathedral’s service of Nine Lessons and Carols. The Musical Director for the evening was Michael Murphy, who in 2016 had been taking the Vic Welsh Ballarat Chapter’s rehearsals. Our choristers at the service were drawn from our main branch of the choir in Blackburn South, plus choristers from our Ballarat and Bendigo chapters.

With the combined Ballarat choirs, we sang several traditional Christmas carols as an SATB choir, and supported the congregational singing on other carols. In addition, each choir sang at least one hymn, carol or Christmas song of their own. For our solo piece, the Vic Welsh sang an a capella version of the lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi .

On some of the carols, the choirs were accompanied by the Creswick Brass. One especially entertaining item of the evening was the singing of a jolly, Bavarian version of Silent Night, in which the Creswick Brass provided an accompaniment with a traditional German “oompah” rhythm.

The evening finished with a rousing rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. It was a wonderful way to commence the Christmas festival, and finish our singing year.

Report by Drew Hopkins

Performances in 2015

Back to History

Vic Welsh Performances in 2016

St Davids Day Celtic Celebration

The capacity crowd at Melbourne Recital Centre eagerly answered with enthusiastic applause the opening question What Would I Do Without My Music.

Audience comments included:

Terrific – getting better all the time.
The program tonight was a wonderful mix. One of the best concerts I’ve seen.
Overall a great concert and the inclusion of Co-cheòl Gaelic singing an added treat – beautiful harmony.
Cyngherdd bendigedig (a blessed concert)
I have attended many concerts previously and I have enjoyed every one of them. The professionality displayed by all is a credit to them! This was my 3rd St. David’s Day concert and they just keep getting better – congratulations to all concerned.
I enjoyed the venue. The choir was magnificent. The conductors – brilliant. The accompanist – superb. Rhys Meirion, VP Pipe Band and Co-cheòl, words fail me. More More More please.
We really enjoyed the whole concert. The men’s choir sounds lovely in this venue. Also having the pipes and drums & Co-cheòl group – I like the Celtic aspect of it best! A wonderful evening.
We enjoyed the whole concert immensely.
I think it was your best concert ever. Great professional acts. Venue has great acoustics which is so important.
Always enjoyable – particularly so this time.
I can’t wait for Co-cheòl’s CD. Their performance was stunning.
Thank you – Wonderful evening – Grateful Celt.
Good show – very good venue. Great ladies’ quartet .
Co-cheòl were brilliant! Rhys Meirion was exceptional.
The venue is very striking. As well as Rhys, the other soloists were good.
An enjoyable concert – especially as we are not Welsh.
Rob Nicholls brought a crisp harmonising tone to the choir and kept them in strict time. Excellent performance. Co-cheòl were magnificent. Congratulations!
Thank you for the pronunciation of the Welsh National Anthem in the program and sheet. I sang with gusto now I can pronounce the language better.
Thanks for a great concert last night. I have been following you since the Celts Kilts & Jazz concerts at RMIT and last night was one of the best.
In answer to the question Was Rhys’ inclusion the main reason you attended?: No, but I was glad to hear him sing./ No, but we are glad he sang./ Not main reason – but a wonderful adjunct! / No, but he would be now./ Rhys’ performance lifted our enjoyment and exceeded expectations.

Yarrambat Memorial

5th April 2016

On 5th April 2016 our Côr Bach (small choir) took part in a celebration of the life of proud Welshman Arthur "Ossie" Hollister in Yarrambat.

We were very happy to have been able to make this contribution to the celebration of Ossie's life.

Williamstown

10th April 2016 at Holy Trinity Church: "love all the harmonising" "Beautiful - loved the rich male voices" "brilliant sound " "fantastic concert!" "Wonderful experience! Great harmony"

On the afternoon of Sunday 10th April Victoria Welsh returned after 3 years to Holy Trinity Church in Williamstown. Audience comments included:

Lovely! Just love anything with all the harmonising!! Bought 3 CDs. Thank you. Barb
Beautiful - loved the choir and the rich male voices. Robyn
Fabulous! Loved how you did the last song (Sunset Poem - Ed). Brilliant sound in this glorious building. Bob is a great compère. Sue
What a fantastic concert! Well done!
Really enjoyable, great to see a dedicated group enjoying their craft. A nice mixed program. Robert
It was a wonderful experience! Great harmony etc !!
Absolutely wonderful. Thank you. I'm looking forward to enjoying the CDs. Irene

Doncaster

Excellent - a find! Anthony
Great harmony; very good soloists and accompaniment; must be the result of great leadership. Tim
A great performance. Well done. Ken
An excellent presentation of enjoyable music. Ken and Pat
Very good. Most enjoyable. Linda
Thank you for a great concert. I think Faleiry was just wonderful. Good compere with quirky sense of humour, good variety of songs and very listenable voices.
Well polished performance. Terrific accompanist and conductor. Good to see soloists nurtured in the choir. Well done, fellas! Esther
First time since I saw and listened to the Welsh Choir in Hamer Hall in the late 80s or early 90s - loved today's concert. Only thing to add would be a solo by Bryn Terfel! Charles
Excellent singing. Enjoyed it very much, especially the last song in amongst us. Peggy
Delightful. Most enjoyable. Carole
Wonderfully professional and enjoyable. Uplifting and much appreciated. Thank you all. Betty
Beautiful singing. Superb surround sound for the encore. Rosemary

Cardiff Tabernacl with Côr Meibion Taf

20th May 2016 at Tabernacl Church, Cardiff

We kicked off our tour of Wales and Worcestershire as guests of Côr Meibion Taf in their concert at the Tabernacl Church in Cardiff on 20th May.

Gabalfa with Cantorion Creigiau

21st May 2016 at St. Mark's Church

The next evening our hosts at St. Mark's, Gabalfa, were the mixed choir Cantorion Creigiau.

Finally our hosts unexpectedly invited us to join them in Unwaith Eto'n'Ngymru Annwyl, which fortunately most of us know quite well!

Another great night!

Aberaeron with Ceredigion Women's Institute Choir

25th May 2016 at the Memorial Hall

For the third concert in our tour we travelled north-west to Aberaeron where our hosts were the Ceredigion Women's Institute Choir.

The first half of the concert consisted of three brackets presented by us interspersed with solos and duets from local singers Eleri and Aled Edwards, both winners of the prestigious Blue Riband.

For our second bracket we sang The Rose, You'll Never Walk Alone and Si Hei Lwli Mabi, finishing with Pemulwuy, which was again very well received.

To end the first half we presented a medley from Les Misérables (soloist Rushan Hewawasam) - and received our third standing ovation of the tour.

To wind up, the two choirs surrounded the audience and sang, a cappella, Eli Jenkins' Prayer (Sunset Poem) from Under Milk Wood, leaving the audience well satisfied.

Pershore Abbey with Worcester Male Choir

27th May 2016

For our fourth tour concert we travelled to Pershore in Worcestershire to sing with the Worcester Male Voice Choir in the breath-taking ambience and superb acoustic of the ancient Pershore Abbey.

After our hosts had sung their first bracket we joined them in singing Gwahoddiad.

Then as a finale we joined our hosts in the Welsh standards Rachie and Morte Criste.

The sell-out audience appeared to be well satisfied.

Worcester Cathedral

28th May 2016

We continued with The Rose, You'll Never Walk Alone and Robat Arwyn's Anfonaf Angel (flute Nigel McGuckian), after which Alex van Mens sang Dafydd Y Garreg Wen (David of the White Rock).

Buninyong

26th June 2016 at the Church of St Peter and St Paul
Includes report from Buninyong Times

John Hales and Geoff Serpell entertained the audience with an accomplished humorous performance of Ah Still Suits Me from Showboat.

In the Les Misérables finale, the mellifluous voices of Rushan and Roger once again plucked at the heartstrings on I Dreamed A Dream and Bring Him Home.

The hills came alive with the music of Wales

From the Buninyong Times, July 2016.

Popular

Stirring

Rare

Cranbourne - Côr Bach

Congregation members Peter Giles and Tony Downey educated patrons about the various British national anthems, including the choir singing the refrain from Trelawny, and the history of the Celts.

Native Welsh speaker Stephen Pepper skilfully steered the proceedings throughout the afternoon.

The fiercely patriotic O Gymru was followed by the sobering Working Man with soloist Bob Ash.

Comments from audience members included:

Words cannot describe the amount of pleasure and enjoyment that your choir has given to my husband and I. Thank you. Loris
A great performance. Ken
First time since I saw and listened to the Welsh Choir in Hamer Hall in the late 80s early 90s. Loved today's concert. Only thing is to add would be a solo by Bryn Terfel. Charles
Absolutely beautiful! A most enjoyable afternoon of music. Veronica
Excellent. The duets and solos were lovely. The history bit was great and the poetry too.
Very enjoyable. Verna
Lovely concert - great choice of tunes. Thelma
Very nice - a most enjoyable afternoon.
Wonderful songs and harmonies - as always. Sally
Today's concert was wonderful, a fabulous blend of voices. Thank you for the enjoyment. Naree
Excellent. Isabell and Aileen
Superb afternoon of brilliant, enthusiastic singing. Priya and Sam
Very enjoyable - pleased to sing-a-long and have familiar music in the programme. Jenny

Barwon Heads - Côr Bach

Audience feedback included:

An afternoon of musical bliss!! Allan
Great songs, great participation for the audience. An emotional afternoon. John
Amazing concert. The sound spine-tingling! Special mention to Lorna Ogilvie - an incredible accompanist. Faleiry Koczkar - great rapport with choir. Jo
Beautiful music. Gorgeous voices. Phillipa
Da iawn! Absolutely fantastic, very rousing, great variety of pieces.
Most enjoyable.
What I really liked were the songs but especially the explanations, soloists etc and the fact that the audience could sing as well. Gail
Thanks you for a wonderful afternoon's entertainment. It is so wonderful to hear male voices in harmony. Lynne

Strathmore - Côr Bach

Comments from members of the audience included:

Thoroughly enjoyable, much loved your singing over many, many years. Pure pleasure to have you visit Strathmore again and hear your voices locally to my home. Congratulations, keep up the good work. Barbara
Beautiful afternoon’s music. Very uplifting. Cheryl
As usual – excellent. Sheila.

Last Night of the Proms with Legends of Brass

21st August 2016 at the Ivanhoe Civic Centre

The choir were guests of The Legends of Brass at their gala Last Night of the Proms concert at The Centre Ivanhoe.

Rosebud - Côr Bach
27th August 2016 at All Saints' Church: "loved the audience participation" "I thoroughly enjoyed it" "Please come again" "beautiful harmony" "wonderful choir leader and pianist"

After a reprise of the last chorus and a fulsome vote of thanks by the vicar we were delighted to top off our shared musical journey with patrons by surrounding them with the magical Sunset Poem.

Audience feedback included:

Really enjoyed - loved the audience participation. Jan
A good friend invited me along and I was so pleased I accepted. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Blanche
Wonderful day. Thank you so much. Please come again. Joy
Always the greatest pleasure to listen to male voices in such beautiful harmony, with their wonderful choir leader and pianist. Jan
Most enjoyable. A good programme - plenty of variety. It was good we were able to participate with the choir. Yvonne

Blackburn

On 11th September Victoria Welsh Male Choir presented a concert at St Edward's Church Blackburn, our Melbourne rehearsal venue.

Wonderful as always. Thank you very much. Muriel
Beautiful! Privilege to hear you! Liz
Thoroughly enjoyed this concert. Fiona
Great singing, presentation. Ian
Exhilarating, great choice of music. Joan
Excellent. Beautiful music, well performed.
Beautiful harmonies, very enjoyable. Desirée
Absolutely a beautiful, emotional journey carrying me back in time. Shirley
Lovely harmony. Very very very good. Rhonda
A wonderful choir and harmony. John
Wonderful ++++ choir, fantastic pianist and your lady conductor is amazing the way she holds each voice in her hand. Again, wonderful ++++. As the choir uses our church hall I take every opportunity to hear it even from outside on practice night. Pauline
Very disciplined choir and a delight to listen to. We follow their presentations at every opportunity. Jim
Excellent programme. Great response from audience. Ann
It was my first time and I was transporte4d!! I bought the CD with Guardian Angel. Judy
Most enjoyable. Jeff
Thoroughly enjoyed the harmonies and the blend of voices. Loved singing Glory, Glory Allelluia. Simone
Absolutely terrific. Shirley
Thoroughly enjoyed the singing and the sense of humour. Thank you. Miriam
The best choir ever. Couldn't get enough. Hair stood on end. Tears over several. Come back soon! Elgin
Absolutely wonderful. Very emotional for me – I'm Welsh! Great humour and rapport with audience. Marilyn and Martin

Birthday Celebration Templestowe

Bairnsdale

Choristers eagerly looked forward to singing in St Mary’s Catholic Church, the famous ‘painted’ church in the main street of Bairnsdale, a town with an obvious connection to our fellow Celts.

I gave my mother a ticket to your concert for her birthday and have just picked her up. She is quite teary, when I asked her the reason she replied "that was the most moving experience of my life". Thank the Welsh Men's Choir for giving her an extra special Birthday. Shelly
Excellent, well presented. Most entertaining. Great concert, very enjoyable. Graham
Beautiful harmonies, lovely solos, some sublime moments. Wonderful conductor (fun singalong) Thank you for coming to Bairnsdale. X Bronwyn
The concert was wonderful. Pat
Excellent entertainment. Special mention – choir conductress with her great sense of humour which showed through the choir. Beryl
“Working Man” is one of my favourites. Zenith
Wonderful. I even found my voice. Well Done Everybody.
Most enjoyable. Loved being able to join in. Faleiry is a great conductor – great fun. Frances.
Sublime singing, uplifting, wonderful harmonies. Can’t fault anything. Come back soon to Bairnsdale. Elsbeth & Lois.
Really enjoyed the show. Selection of songs was really good. Working Man – sensational and very moving. Great to include the local lass. Michael
Pianist is brilliant. Harmony is Excellent. Brings back memories of my childhood in Wales. Lovely to see quality performances here!
Just wonderful. Thank you for a beautiful afternoon.
Absolutely wonderful. Glenda
A beautiful presentation thank you. We are blessed.
We love the choir. Lovely harmonies. We used to be in the Melb. Austrian Choir and sang together at concerts. Much preferred the lovely Welsh songs. Inge & Willie
An afternoon of excellence. Maida
Wonderful performance and delighted for it to be one of the very first activities we have joined in since moving to the area – very first time attending the Vic W Choir.

Vale Dale Sayers

Reflecting Dale’s time in a pipe band, Donald Drysdale played the bagpipes both at the beginning and end of the service.

Silvie Paladino

Although the choir had worked with Silvie on previous occasions, this was the first time at the prestigious Melbourne Recital Centre and what a stupendous concert it turned out to be.

Once the audience had settled, the lights came up to dramatically reveal the immaculately dressed choristers as they launched into the opening number What Would I Do Without My Music.

What a wonderful (musical) world indeed.

Feedback from members of the audience included:

I was there with my partner for this marvellous concert featuring Silvie Paladino. What a joyful, melodious, emotional afternoon's entertainment by this renowned Choir and beautiful Silvie. Maureen
A delightful afternoon. The MRC was a delightful intimate venue.
Great show, amazing voices
The choir is wonderful. I most enjoyed the ethereal sound of the harmonies, similar to the first item of the performance on 30.10.2016. Silvie Paladino a great choice and encouraged me to attend. Thankyou to all choir members and support team. They give a wonderful experience. June
I absolutely loved the “Les Mis” segment.
I enjoyed the choir and Silvie Paladino.
Another lovely afternoon of music.
Looking forward to more great singing in 2017.
It is such a thrill to hear the harmony of a male voice choir. The choir is excellent. It brings back memories of Wales, and my links to the country are renewed. Elaine
A beautiful balance of strong male voices with Silvie’s strong voice. Good fun when we the audience were invited to sing! Loved Rushan's solo – a beautiful voice! Thanks for a great afternoon.
I really enjoyed the audience participation. Veronica
Really love Melbourne Recital Centre.
Wonderful concert last Sunday, great that the concert is now in the afternoon. Good for country travellers.
Professional with a hint of Welsh community . Joy-filled. Brian
Loved it and I can now tell people I have sung at the MRC and have sung with the Vic Welsh Choir.
I really liked the way your musical director encouraged audience participation. Sandra
I accompanied a 90 year old lady living in residential care. I have not previously witnessed a concert – I just loved it. Silvie Paladino was absolutely superb, very talented and very personable. Would attend such concerts if possible in future. All very professional and observed all choir members seemed to be enjoying the whole event. Joy
What a lovely afternoon, great venue – lovely seating. Great day! Marg
One of our group is 90 years and thoroughly enjoyed the whole afternoon. Very uplifting, left feeling we were on a high.
Enjoyed the interactive aspect.
The choir and Silvie Paladino were magic. Great afternoon. Valerie
A wonderful show. We travelled down from Mulwala today to be in the dress circle. Thank you very much for a lovely concert Len and Sandra
Beautiful sound. Comfy seats, wonderful experience.

Remembrance Day

ConChord then squeezed back on stage to combine beautifully with VicWelsh on Benedictus, conducted by Faleiry and then the lilting Sri Lankan love song Ganga Addara conducted by Rushan.

XLI Club - Côr Bach

1st December 2016 at Rivers Edge

On 1st December Côr Bach (our small choir) was engaged to sing at the Rivers Edge Function Centre for the Christmas lunch of the XLI Club, most of whose members are retirees from the police force.

A wide variety of numbers, in Welsh and English, were presented including some relevant Christmas tunes.

The lunch party was also tickled by Geoff Serpell and John Hales giving a spirited theatrical performance of the Gendarmes Duet.

Camberwell Wedding

2nd December 2016 at Camberwell Baptist Church

Buninyong

As befitted a Christmas concert, the final number was The Holy City, delivered beautifully by first tenor Ed Hughes.

The organisers wrote to us: "entertainment of the highest order and fine musicianship to boot"

Audience members commented:

What an absolute pleasure - a wonderful blend of voices and just the right amount of audience participation. Wendy
The choir is absolutely fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed the choir for the third time. Ivan and Eileen
Beautiful - performance standard very HIGH; emotional; enjoyable; wonderful. Fay
Thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Members of the choir - so professional and entertaining. You couldn't improve any further - loved it!!
Such a musical and fun performance but such disciplined singing. It never fails to impress. Ann and Bill
Great variety, clear diction, light and shade ensemble, balance - all without music and good to have audience participation too. June
We have been to many of your concerts. All marvellous and this was the BEST EVER! Thank you.
Another good afternoon. John

Vale Jack Clarke

19th December 2016 at Camberwell Uniting Church

Vale Jack Clarke OAM 19 May 1921 - 13 December 2016

The Rev. Ian Brown officiated, assisted by the Rev. Prof. Robert Gribben, a long-standing friend and ex-student, who reflected on the text in 1 Corinthians 13.

Choristers sat together and led the singing of three hymns: Now Thank We All Our God, Thine Be The Glory and Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.

Love was the abiding theme of the service – love of family, love of friends, love of music and compassion for all. A truly remarkable man who touched many of our lives.

Ballarat

23rd December 2016 at St Patrick's Cathedral

The evening finished with a rousing rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. It was a wonderful way to commence the Christmas festival, and finish our singing year.

Report by Drew Hopkins

Performances in 2015