Victoria Welsh Choir

Shipwreck Story

Filming at the Welsh Church, 2 Feb 2013

For a couple of hours 31 choristers and the music team and some family extras were part of Australian footage for a new documentary about the ill-fated ship The Royal Charter. Lorna our accompanist took off her shoes and set about taming the organ; Lyn warmed us up and Faleiry took us through a few repetitions of Calon Lân and then countless renditions of the final choruses of her and Lorna’s arrangement of Waltzing Matilda, with its surprise Welsh twist.

Andrea Ulbrick, the producer organized everybody then the director Amanda Rees arrived with a cameraman and a sound recordist. Various camera angles were tried, including some forensic close-ups, before it was announced that Gwen the presenter would come down the aisle as we sang Waltzing Matilda and then would speak to camera. When we finished with a great flourish with plenty of hwyl, we naturally turned to the presenter who, probably contrary to her contract, was in no position to speak at all – the music had cast its spell on her and she was totally overcome! For our part I guess we couldn’t help but feel pride that we had had such an emotional effect on her.

After she had partially collected herself, and between snuffles and scarves, she tried to explain in Welsh to Amanda and Faleiry what had happened to her. One part we did understand was hiraeth mawr, that is a huge sense of longing and nostalgia had hit her.

All the while the camera kept rolling so it will be interesting to see how much of that exchange – and indeed how much of us – will make it to the final cut.

For more about the Royal Charter see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIVBiF4S8bI

Birthday Surprise

16 February 2013, Beaumaris RSL

On 16th February 2013 our Côr Bach sprang a birthday surprise at the Beaumaris RSL Club.  Arriving in dribs and drabs and trying to be inconspicuous without our jackets or ties (but still wearing white shirts and black trousers!), we were sneaked into a back room.  Then when we got the word we marched in on the party, which was already gathering steam, singing Men of Harlech, followed by seven more favourites from our repertoire.  Most of these were Welsh, because the birthday girl grew up in Wales and loves its music - indeed she is a regular at our concerts.  After a short break we sang another five items, including a medley of pop songs from the Sixties, well received by young and old alike.  Finally the birthday girl joined us in singing our unique Welsh Australian version of Waltzing Matilda, before saying a few somewhat emotional words of thanks. Job done, we then left the party-goers to kick on into the night.  .  

Welsh Missionaries and British Imperialism

Côr Bach, 1st March 2013, Wesley Anne, Northcote

The book Welsh Missionaries and British Imperialism, by Andrew J May, was launched, appropriately, on St David's Day, 1st March. Drew Hopkins reports:

 It was a great pleasure for the Côr Bach to sing at the launch of this important book dealing with the Welsh missionary influence in north-east India in the nineteenth century.

The book, entitled Welsh Missionaries and British Imperialism, was written by University of Melbourne historian, Associate Professor Andrew May, and examined the work of his ancestor, Thomas Jones, who was sent by the Welsh Missionary Society in 1841 to evangelise the tribal peoples of the Khasi hills. A notable feature of Thomas Jones’ work was his contribution to recording and  preserving the Khasi language  - a task a Welshman would realise the importance of, given the threat to the survival of the Welsh language during the nineteenth century.

The choir sought to capture the flavour of the music that the Welsh missionaries took to the world. Accordingly, the first bracket of songs opened with Men of Harlech (in Welsh – Gwŷr Harlech), followed by enthusiastic singing of some fine hymns – Calon Lân, Amazing Grace and Cwm Rhondda (with the audience joining in the chorus in English).  The choir then sang All Through the Night, featuring the rich voice of second tenor Rushan Hewawasam singing the first verse.

Then there was a break for speeches and the launching of the book, followed by a second bracket of songs. Our Musical Director had planned some soft a capella singing for this bracket. However, by 6:30 pm, the noise from the jazz bar next door, and the Friday evening traffic meant a somewhat less subtle musical program was required. So the choir swung into its medley of rock/pop songs from the 1960s – House of the Rising Sun, He Ain't Heavy He’s my Brother, Yesterday, Little Deuce Coupe and Da Do Ron Ron. We completed the evening with the concluding segment of our Welsh-Australian version of Waltzing Matilda.

So it was an enjoyable evening for both the choristers and the book-launch audience, and several of us purchased copies of the book and set off home for a good read.

Grand Annual St David’s Day Concert

2nd March 2013, Robert Blackwood Hall: "REJUVENATION!" "my best concert in years" "contrast of sopranos with choir inspired" "music superb, pianist outstanding - I’ll be back!!"

A warm evening presaged the warmth and delight that patrons came ready to enjoy at Robert Blackwood Hall on 2 March.

The choir started off with the rousing Men of Harlech in Welsh first, then in English with the audience joining in, reading the words off the printed sheet or from the program. Throats having been suitably cleared, everyone sat back to a bracket of old favourites culminating in a new arrangement of Calon Lân.

Ambrose Morgan made the hall laugh along to Hymns and Arias, then our two sopranos Rhonda Yates and Melinda Ash blended their voices superbly to lead us into the beautiful Benedictus.

Faleiry (left) stepped off the podium and settled in behind her Welsh harp as Deputy Musical Director Lyn Henshall took over the baton for three lullabies. Stephen Lynn soloed on Suo Gân then Mel guided us All Through the Night. The choir finished with a well-modulated a capella Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi.

The next three songs were heard at last July’s Choir of the World concert, of which we were a part. The first, Anfonaf Angel was actually sung by Bryn Terfel, but we liked it so much we were given an arrangement by Ilid Anne Jones who was our guest conductor last year. The second, Pemulwuy was a new song for us as part of the Australasian contingent and which we thoroughly enjoy now we’ve mastered its intricacies – and clearly the audience did too, especially having received a first-class explanation of who Pemulwuy was by our erudite and versatile compère Drew Hopkins The first half then closed with a special arrangement (sung by 520 choristers in London) of When the Saints Go Marching In, the end of which featured the combined voices of the audience and our sopranos.

Another new tune Yr Utgorn (The Trumpet) blasted off the second half in great fashion and included some sprightly trumpeting from 13 year old Tom. Rhonda’s bell-like voice made us happy to be Back Once More in Dear Wales, then our small choir (Côr Bach) entertained everyone with an entirely new song Yfory (Tomorrow). On reflection, we should probably have sung the Beatles’ Yesterday before this….

The choir went a capella again with Myfanwy then it was time for some comic relief with Professor (promoted from Sgt) Pepper with a challenging Welsh lesson.

As the choir is lucky and talented enough to have within it quite a number of soloists, our next bracket, entitled Choir Kaleidoscope, featured a choir medley with Col Evans on the anvil, Barry McMahon being stout-hearted, Graeme Sanderson seeking help in his police work, Roger Bartlett nostalgically crossing the Mersey and old rockers Ed Hughes and Drew Hopkins racing their hotrod in Little Deuce Coupe.

Suitably exhausted it was then time to sit back and be transported by Rhonda and Mel (left) in two beautiful duets, finishing with the Flower Duet from Lakmé which elicited huge roars of approval from a totally enchanted audience.

The finale from Les Mis is always a favourite - for the choir and patrons alike - and this occasion was no exception. Rhonda skilfully caught the pathos of Fantine’s I Dreamed a Dream then Mel, as Fantine’s daughter Cosette, tugged at our hearts with Castle on a Cloud. Roger Bartlett featured on the emotional Bring Him Home and, finally, the choristers and concert-goers alike were fired up with Do You Hear the People Sing.

There only remained Waltzing Matilda with Bob Ash and Roger leading the segue into the Welsh National Anthem and another magnificent St David’s Day concert brought continued and heartfelt applause from the appreciative audience. To shouts of “Encore” choristers marched off the stage to Men of Harlech before surrounding patrons to tenderly thank and farewell them with Eli Jenkins’ Prayer. We were humbled but pleased to see that many in the hall were visibly affected by the sheer emotion of being part of such a wonderful evening’s musical journey.

Audience feedback included:

• Walked in tired from a ghastly week - ten minutes and REJUVENATION. Rhonda and Melinda – superb! Loved the trumpet and great selection. We particularly liked the new young man – centre front, his enjoyment added to our pleasure, many thanks once again. Anne
• The best concert I have been to in years (heard in the Ladies' loo).
• We come to see the choir and were very pleased it was more choir-based this year - we did enjoy the soprano voices. It was a well balanced concert and we liked the 'kaleidoscope' part where individual choristers were featured.
• A very good night. Murray
• Very good concert. Frank
• The second half was much better, a stronger performance and more varied. Loved 'kaleidoscope', and as always Rhonda Yates sang beautifully as did Melinda Ash. Segment of songs from Les Mis was great and beautifully sung.
• The concert was excellent. Roger
• Wonderful concert. The duet from Lakmé just beautiful, keep it up.
• Enjoyed the concert. The choir sound was good, loved Rhonda and Melinda. Janet
• The music was superb, pianist outstanding. (This is my 4th concert) I’ll be back!! Ruth
• Wonderful as always. John
• The concert was great. Loved the format – audience participation, humour (I’ve always loved the ‘up yours’ element in Welsh place names), beautiful harmonies – very relaxing. Sent us to the bookshelves to revisit Welsh history. Friend of Jill.
• My wife and I have attended all of the choir’s St. David’s Day concerts for the last 19 or 20 years. The concert last Saturday night was the best since those at Storey Hall in the 1990s. We do not need supporting acts, just the choir singing a mix of old and new songs. An excellent performance. Very enjoyable. Thank you. Sincerely, John.
• I took my wife and parents along with me and we all thoroughly enjoyed the concert. My mum was particularly complimentary about your Les Mis medley, while the contrast of the sopranos with those of the choir voices was inspired. What was most noticeable for me though was how much you were all enjoying entertaining us! Gareth
• Congratulations for a most enjoyable St David's Day concert - just wonderful. Excellent compère, warm capable and friendly. Benedictus and other lullabies simply beautiful. Even When The Saints, which I don't normally like, sounded good. Stephen's rendition (LlanfairPG) was done in a most entertaining way. The duets from Rhonda and Belinda were just beautiful - especially the second (from Lakmé) - it was so quiet in our section one could've heard a pin drop! I think we were all holding our collective breaths. Very impressed with the medley from Les Mis - with the addition of Rhonda and Melinda it was simply superb! I'm always impressed with Men of Harlech and the beautiful Under Milk Wood always moistens my eyes - so much better with the choir only a few feet away. Stuart.

Cymanfa Ganu

3rd March 2013, St Michael's Church, Melbourne

The day after our annual St David's Day Concert, Victoria Welsh joined with other local Welsh choirs to participate in the annual St David's Day Cymanfa Ganu (hymn festival) organised by the Melbourne Welsh Church, held at St Michael's Church in Collins St, and led for the first time by an Australian conductor (albeit with a Welsh name), Trevor Jones, with organist Lachlan Redd.  The programme consisted of:

• Twelve well-known hymns sung lustily in 4-part harmony, in both English and Welsh, by the whole congregation. 
• Two items (Be Thou My Vision and Vaughan Williams' "Old Hundredth") sung by the four choirs
• Harp solos by the inimitable Huw Jones, former harpist with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

For the first time the singing of the two choir items and some of the congregational hymns was complemented by two trumpeters and a tympanist.  The congregation, which came close to filling the large church, left feeling they had well and truly done justice to this traditional Welsh celebration.

Echuca Moama Celtic Festival

Côr Bach 17 March 2013, Moama Bowling Club, NSW: "superb" " fantastic - great harmonies" "uplifting" "a fully engaging experience"

A concert given by our Côr Bach was the main event on the last day of the Echuca Moama Celtic Festival at the Bowling Club in Moama NSW on St Patrick's Day.

The full-length concert included two new love songs with a positive flavour (almost unheard-of for Welsh love songs!) - Anfonaf Angel (I'll Send an Angel) and Yfory (Tomorrow), both by Robat Arwyn; Yr Utgorn (The Trumpet); Paul Jarman's powerful tribute to the aboriginal warrior Pemulwuy; and a medley of songs from opera, musicals and the sixties which we call Caleidosgop (think about it).

The capacity audience responded warmly, and also joined us heartily in the singing of Men of Harlech, Cwm Rhondda, When The Saints, our Welsh-flavoured version of Waltzing Matilda and, of course, Danny Boy.  Their feedback included:

• Wonderful! Thank you !  Margreth and Rose
• Thank you for taking my sister and me back to Wales for a couple of hours. We enjoyed it very much. DIOLCH YN FAWR.  Anna and Gwyneth
• Superb singing - superb pianist - super way to spend Sunday afternoon. Thank you.
• Thoroughly enjoyable. Presentation excellent.  Ken
• Absolutely fantastic. Great harmonies. A joy to listen to.  Mavis
• Wonderful concert. Great variety of songs. Thank you.  Margaret
• An uplifting performance. Wonderful. Thank-you sincerely.  Betty
• The concert was fantastic. A great mix of different styles of music. The Kaleidoscope and  ''Les Mis'' medleys were brilliant. Well done!!  Pam and Marj
• Excellent, beautiful sequence of songs to suit all.  Siân
• The Choir was magnificent and will be well remembered by all who witnessed this event. Feedback from people I met as they left the auditorium indicated the great pleasure which was imparted by your performance. For this hopelessly romantic Welshman it was a fully engaging experience and certainly had the required effect of inducing tears of joy and nostalgia. The last two numbers were particularly memorable.  Would you please pass on to the choristers my profound thanks for a unique experience, so very far from those hills and valleys we remember so well.  Michael (the lad from Porthcawl)

Holy Trinity Church Williamstown

21st April 2013: "great voices and variety." "Les Mis selection fantastic" I love the new arrangement of Calon Lân "Can't wait for the next concert"

We were very pleased to return to Williamstown for the fifth time since 2000 on a bright Sunday afternoon with refreshing sea breezes.
The audience came ready to enjoy themselves as they were swept along in an extremely varied program – and they got to do a bit of singing as well.

Comments from patrons afterwards remarked on the number of soloists drawn from the choir. We are indeed blessed with an incredible number of choristers who just love to perform on their own, or with a partner, as well as blending in harmoniously when singing with their section.

Soloists were Ambrose Morgan, Col Evans on anvil, Steve Lynn and Barry McMahon.  John Hales and Geoff Serpell hammed it up with a great première performance of the Gendarmes Duet, complete with truncheons. Bob Ash’s poignantly bitter-sweet And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda reminded everybody that the 25th was around the corner in our ANZAC homage bracket.

Graham Warner did sterling double duty as compère and brother rocker with Ed Hughes. Roger Bartlett featured in our Kaleidoscope section and in the Les Mis finale, as well as a sidekick to Drew Hopkins’ dilettante in Cherchez La Femme. Drew also joined with Rushan Hewawasam in the beautifully sung second première of the day with Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears.

Audience feedback included:

• Wonderful concert. Well produced and directed. Most enjoyable afternoon.  Ann
• Delightful performance. Loved listening to Rushan - give him more solos!  Caroline
• Most enjoyable.  Irene
• I really enjoyed the concert. Great variety with so many soloists – Janice.
• It was great. I'll see it again and again.  Jo
• I love the new arrangement of Calon Lân.  Joan
• Wonderful singing and lots of fun. Can't wait for the next concert. Mary
• Always a great pleasure. Just marvellous.  Rosalie
• Well done, excellent afternoon. Always love the Welsh hymns, Les Mis selection fantastic. Diolch Yn Fawr.  Yvonne
• Wonderful as usual.
• Beautiful afternoon of entertainment. Love to hear the choir sing.
• Lovely. Most enjoyable. Young Tom great. All choir marvellous. Loved Les Miserables. Great.
• Excellent. A wonderful afternoon.
• Fabulous! Great concert! Diolch yn Fawr.
• An excellent concert - great voices and variety.
• Just a wonderful afternoon!  Gwen
• A wonderful concert. A special treat. We heard the choir in Beaumaris last year. We were here for the day and saw the concert advertised. We were lucky to get tickets.
• A lively afternoon of harmony - it was a joy to be able to hear every word sung. Come again!
• Fantastic concert. Bravo.

One audience member wrote all this:

• Loved all the songs from the 60s/70s! Loved the 'solo' about the ferry - great singing - even better if it was slightly slower - would have brought out his voice even more! Great conducting - showed great empathy with choir and audience.
  Thoroughly entertaining!
  Nearly forgot - what a great pianist!
  PS I know a Cwm is a glacial valley (also called a Cirque) - was I a Geography teacher?
  Bob Ash - no music but very tuneful - how did he remember it all? Fantastic!
  Liked the duet about Ellis Island - very nice - interesting when you have been there!!! Great presentation!!!  John B

For more information about Holy Trinity Williamstown go to www.htw.org.au

Castlemaine with Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir

26th May 2013: "better than heaven" "vibrant singing" "sheer joy" "my feet were tapping the whole time" "It just gets better and better" "a real once-in-a-lifetime treat"

On Sunday 26th May Victoria Welsh Choir joined forces with the Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir for a concert at the Castlemaine Town Hall. Audience feedback included:

• A wonderful afternoon of song. Very uplifting!
• Wonderful - again.
• Super - two choirs for the price of one.
• Music - better than heaven
• Always a joy - Margaret
• Wonderful! So glad I made the effort to come!
• Very good afternoon's entertainment. Exceptional voices - lovely to listen to.
• Lovely Sunday afternoon. Thank you!!
• We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to hear such wonderful voices in a regional town. Thank you for making the effort to come up to Castlemaine.
• Lovely vibrant singing from both choirs - loved the soloists!! Humour and banter made the concert very ''user'' friendly.
• Really enjoyed the singing and harmony was great.
• Loved it all especially medley from Les Miserables, The Rhythm of Life, Choir Kaleidoscope and Working Man, Be Thou my Vision (my favourite hymn).
• Once again, an afternoon of sheer joy. Many thanks.
• This is my 8th concert. It just gets better and better. Thank you.
• Marvellous entertainment - what magnificent voices!
• Enjoyed it very much thank you.  Looking forward to Bendigo (on 22nd September).
• Loved every bit of the whole concert, my feet were tapping the whole time.
• The Echuca concert the best concert I'd ever been to.
• It was just beautiful - inspiring, joyful and moving. I loved the blend of both choirs.
• It has been a real once-in-a-lifetime treat. Iona Beth
• Very enjoyable concert and good presentation.

For more information about the Geelong Welsh Ladies' Choir visit https://geelongwelshlc.com.au/

Crown Palladium - Côr Bach

24 August 2013

On Saturday 24th August Côr Bach had an interesting gig, backing The Aussie Boys at the 2013 Susan Alberti Medical Research Signature Ball. Despite it being just for one number, I Still Call Australia Home, the choristers had to be there hours before for rehearsals. Ms Alberti personally thanked the guys as they came off stage.



How Green Was My Valley

25 August 2013, John Ford’s Iconic Movie at the Astor Theatre, St Kilda: "lifted the morale" "such a delight" "holding back the tears" "best day I’ve had in a long while" "keep singing"

After a gap of 11 years, Vic Welsh reprised our presentation of a concert preceding this film at the renowned art-deco Astor Theatre. 

A large and very keen audience was anxious to secure the best seats well in advance of the 2.00 pm start. Introductions were carried out by compère Drew Hopkins and President Tony Davies provided a narration about the film and its themes and parallels between the Morgan family and his own. This was broken up by the choir singing two or three specially chosen and relevant songs in each bracket. Patrons also played their part by joining in with the old favourite Amazing Grace. Other soloists were Stephen Pepper and Gordon Parsons and Bob Ash with the very relevant Working Man.

After an interval, in which all the choc tops sold out, the film was shown without intermission.

Audience feedback included:

Woodend - Côr Bach

8 September 2013, St Ambrose Catholic Church

On Sunday 8th September Côr Bach (our “Small Choir”) were very pleased to return to Woodend to support our friend and former chorister Keith Beman and the Woodend CFA volunteers for a third time. On this occasion Côr Bach was reinforced by a number of soloists from our Bendigo chapter.

The program included two love songs with a positive flavour - Anfonaf Angel (I'll Send an Angel) and Yfory (Tomorrow), both by Robat Arwyn, Yr Utgorn (The Trumpet), Paul Jarman's powerful tribute to the aboriginal warrior Pemulwuy and a medley of songs from opera, musicals and the sixties.The near capacity audience came ready to enjoy themselves in an extremely varied program, responding warmly and enthusiastically to join us in the singing of Men of Harlech, Cwm Rhondda and When the Saints Go Marching In.

We are indeed blessed with a remarkable number of choristers who enjoy performing on their own or with a partner, as well as blending in harmoniously when singing with their section. Soloists included Barry McMahon. Ken Simpson and Ed Hughes. Roger Bartlett featured in both our Kaleidoscope section and in the Les Mis finale, and Drew Hopkins who joined with Rushan Hewawasam in the beautifully sung Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears. Bob Ashe did sterling double duty as both our compère and Working Man soloist.

Our Music Director and Huw Jones thrilled the audience as they played their harps together producing a delightful sound. Once again our Music Team of Faleiry Koczkar and Lorna Ogilvie excelled themselves and were ably backed up by Ann Roberts at the sound desk as well as our outstanding team of supporters at the ‘front of house’.  (Report by Andrew Naylor)

Audience comments received were very positive:

• Loved it all. The last piece with choristers down the church was a fabulous change in dynamics. Enjoyed the solos. Great mix of pieces too. Fabulous to include the instrumentals via harps. Fay.
• Excellent, moving, well done.
• Absolutely wonderful. Joy and Norma
• Excellent. Robyn
• A most enjoyable concert today. I thought the ‘mix’ was great with some newer numbers amidst the more familiar. The light hearted compering was very good. Huw Jones – most entertaining. Rushan and Drew’s song – beautiful. Anfonaf Angel really sounded good.
• Excellent. 21 men obeying 1 woman – great! Only problem (probably the sound system) I could not hear all the excellent jokes. Malcolm
• Wonderful, thank you so much.
• Thank you all for a wonderful afternoon.
• Enjoyed the variety. “Pemulwuy” was a wonderful surprise! Beautiful singing. Margaret
• Excellent. More of it. Linda
• Beautiful singing, loved the concert. Jean
• What a wonderful way of spending a Sunday afternoon – quite inspirational!! Kudos to choir leader, the pianist plus accolades to Huw Jones, harpist. Pam and Alan
• Very impressed with inclusion of ‘Pemulwuy’ song, and whole presentation and explanation of songs. The tenor duet ‘Ellis Island’ also particularly pertinent. Please keep this wonderful variety going. Bravo. Judy

Bendigo

22 September 2013, Capital Theatre: "great concert put on by such professional people" "executed brilliantly" "Wonderful mix" "Best concert I’ve been to – strong chorus work and great harmonies" "A very professional outfit" "unbeatable value" "unforgettable" "Please come annually"

On 22nd September. a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Victoria Welsh Choir returned to the splendid Capital Theatre in Bendigo after nearly 12 years for its Springtime concert, organised by the choir's flourishing Bendigo chapter. The audience came ready for an excellent afternoon's entertainment and this they got in abundance.

Bendigo boy Rob Hopman ably emceed the concert and was the very proud father of Janelle who treated everybody to two contrasting brackets of very distinct and probably little heard songs. Her first two were from shows: Still Hurting from The Last Five Years and I Can Cook Too from On The Town.  Her second bracket, where she accompanied herself on piano, were 20 Años by Omara Portuondo and Bob Dylan's To Make You Feel My Love. The feedback comments showed how much patrons had enjoyed Janelle's beautifully sung numbers.  She also sang with the choir on Benedictus, When the Saints Go Marching In, All Through The Night and in the Les Mis finale.

Interspersed in the wide-ranging ensemble choral songs, a number of choristers also featured and added to the musical variety of the concert. Tenors Rushan Hewawasam and Drew Hopkins charmed the audience with the lilting Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears. Graham Warner and Colin Edwards confidently led the choir into Highland Cathedral after a rousing opening by a Bendigo bagpiper Warren Matheson and snare drum by versatile part-time blacksmith Colin Evans. In the Caleidosgob section, Barry McMahon was suitably macho in Stouthearted Men, Ed Hughes got his hips swinging in Little Deuce Coupe and Bob Ash nailed Working Man.  In the Gendarmes' Duet, Geoff Serpell and John Hales were suitably scary and entertaining, complete with potential head-cracking truncheons. Rushan came back for a second time in the emotionally charged finale with Janelle.

Despite the inherent problems singing from a proscenium arch stage, the acoustics were skilfully sorted out by Bill Denholm and crew and the concert was adjudged to one of our best.  Audience comments follow:

• First time ever and needed to take out some friends in return for services rendered. It was variety packed, with a good dash of fun and humour. Very balanced program, many thanks for a super afternoon. Diane
• The presentation, the diversity of content and harmonies were terrific. Loved the audience participation. The a cappella section was well done. Pemulwuy – technically difficult but executed brilliantly. Overall a great afternoon’s entertainment.
• Wonderful mix of traditional and modern music. Duets were very good and harmonies of choir were very enjoyable and entertaining.
• The show was very good and Janelle Hopman was very good as well.
• Men of Harlech start and finish was wonderful. Enjoyed the soloist and the duets very much. Was interested in watching the way different sections of the choir sang, then blended in. The piper stirred my Scottish blood. But my overall favourite was Verdi – Speed your Journey. This was spellbinding. I don’t remember breathing during that!
• Drove home singing We’ll Keep a Welcome and all the music is still with me now as I write. THANK YOU ALL.
• Thoroughly enjoyed the performance- thank you all.
• Fantastic – Very entertaining. Loved the compere as well as his humour. Loved appearance – dress of all – Classy! Very polished overall performance. (new patron)
• Very uplifting and very interesting combination of music.
• We enjoyed the varied range of familiar songs. The strong united voice of the choir is perfect for the stirring songs and hymns.
• Each new concert attended provides a new and delightful surprise of equally excellent quality. Thank you very much.
• The choice of solo artists I consider were very good, professional to say the least. Both Kyneton and Bendigo venues are perfect for us and add a further enjoyment. Thank you again for putting on such an enjoyable afternoon. It always takes me back to my early chorister years.
• We came out with “a smile on our faces and a glow in our hearts.” Dioch-yn-fawr.
• A very professional outfit.
• Best concert I’ve been to – lots of strong chorus work and great harmonies. Brilliant guest artist & bagpipes was a bonus. Audience participation & choir soloists very good.
• Thoroughly enjoyed the entire performance. Major problem – I wanted to get up and sing along!  Wonderful birthday present – unforgettable.
• Special accolades to Faleiry and Lorna and the soloists.
• We enjoyed a great concert put on by such professional people. Congratulations!
• There was a great variety of duets, which I loved. It was great to see the pianist.
• An excellent concert in every respect – unbeatable value for money. Loved it and still singing.
• I really enjoyed the repertoire – a good mix.
• Venue – easy to book, comfortable, good parking.  Program – Excellent, varied, loved the different styles. Soloist – Amazing, audience loved her.
• Outstanding concerts – best concerts I’ve been to. I like the other artists as well as wonderful choir. Janelle outstanding in every way.
• Well worth the trip from Melbourne and great excuse for short stay in Bendigo. Rob Hopman did an excellent job as MC and Janelle sang beautifully. My sister and two teenage children took our mother (aged 88 and in a wheelchair) and all enjoyed the concert. Thank you. Lyn
• We enjoy the delightful blend of voices & the variety of items. We usually attend the Castlemaine performances. The intimacy of the smaller venues is a real plus although the Capital was excellent too.
• Wonderful accompanist.
• The entrance of the Scottish Bagpiper was very well received.
• Please come annually. Most enjoyable, especially for older people who do not go out at night.
• Pemulwuy was incredible, we loved it, well done everyone.
  

Snake Valley - Côr Bach

6 October 2013, Carngham Uniting Church: "happy and joyous." "beautiful sound - a real treat." "A very disciplined choir." "Such a diverse range of music." "melodies and resonance were wonderful as were the harmonies" "Faleiry held all those wonderful, strong voices in the palm of her hand!" "Great contrast of moods" "A heart-warming beautiful concert."

Standing Room Only

On 6th October Côr Bach journeyed into Swagman territory to perform at the acoustically blessed Carngham Uniting Church as a fundraiser for the nearby Linton Historical Society. Their local publicity had obviously been very effective as the church was full with chairs even in the aisles.

The first half comprised MC Drew Hopkins narrating extracts from Joseph Jenkins' Diary of a Welsh Swagman, with Tony Davies as the Swagman and appropriate songs from our repertoire interspersing the narration. A total of fourteen complete and part-songs were sung, including standout performances of Wandering the King's Highway by Barry McMahon and Working Man by Geoff Serpell.

After interval, old favourites like When the Saints gave the audience an opportunity to have a sing, and new challenging numbers like Yr Utgorn and Pemulwuy were successfully performed.

Tenors Rushan Hewawasam and Drew tugged at everybody's heartstrings with the beautiful Irish song Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears. The musically appreciative audience definitely wanted to hear more from these two soloists and they did not have to wait long. Rushan's mellifluous voice caught the emotion in Bring Him Home as part of the Les Mis medley; and hard-working compère Drew teamed with bass Geoff Serpell in the modern arrangement of Waltzing Matilda.

The church had not been this full for many a year and, judging by the immediate feedback after the concert, everybody did really go home (after the tea and scones) with a smile on their face and a glow in their heart.

Audience comments included:

• Wonderful concert! Such an interesting account of Jenkins' life. Really interesting and enjoyable to have solo performances. The duet by Drew and Rushan was really great.  I would love Drew and Rushan to do the famous duet from The Pearl Fishers ''Oui, c'est elle, c'est la déesse.....'' etc.
• Fantastic as always - third concert I've seen and will be there for the fourth.  Thelma
• Great work - especially without any music scores. Liked the narration of the Swagman's Diary.
• Loved every minute! Thank you.
• The concert was so enjoyable. Beautiful singing and time went much too quickly.  Thank you, thank you for a wonderful afternoon's entertainment.
• Lovely voices, great acoustics - happy and joyous. Thank you.
• A wonderful show.
• As usual some beautiful sound - a real treat. A very disciplined choir. Working Man still a star!
• Fantastic, enjoyed every item! Such a diverse range of music. Such a delight to watch Faleiry conducting. Diary of Welsh Swagman my "favourite book" so when I saw choir and DWS I wanted to come. So well done telling this story - both men so great. Thank you.
• The melodies and resonance were wonderful as were the harmonies. I was drawn to one chorister who really looked to be enjoying himself - as I'm sure you all were.
• Wonderful and uplifting. Faleiry held all those wonderful, strong voices in the palm of her hand!
• Most enjoyable afternoon. Particularly liked the duet. Have seen Les Mis four times so enjoyed hearing those again. I've also read Diary of a WS. I think that was integrated well. Great contrast of moods.
• Working underground - brilliant.
• Brilliant.
• Superbly memorable.
• Wonderful relevance to Joseph Jenkins, who was a great pioneer of the region. A heart-warming beautiful concert.
• Absolutely fantastic.
• Absolutely wonderful. Church is amazing also.
• An excellent concert. We enjoyed the afternoon - great selection of music. Excellent venue and acoustics.
• Loved every minute of it. Wonderful voices.
• Excellent. really enjoyed the singing.
• As always the singing is stirring and wonderful.
• It was very exciting and enjoyable. Thanks very much.
• A wonderful birthday present, a lovely afternoon of song. 
• Fantastic. I enjoyed The Saints, Les Mis and all of the beautiful music from the Swagman's Diary.
• Thank you for a most wonderful afternoon - enjoyed every minute of your fabulous singing. Well done!!
• Absolutely marvellous concert.
• Loved it! especially the Swagman's Diary with narration - really felt connected with the music. Great for local people to have access to this.
• A most wonderful concert. Beautiful programme. Conductor - great control of all. Made my day. Pianist and organist tops.
• Fantastic! Enjoyed it all.

Dunkeld Festival

18 October 2013, Devon Park Woolshed: "Absolutely loved the tone, strength, harmony" "Powerful ... really ensnared the audience" "Bob's 'Working Man' is AWESOME - people in tears" "Absolutely loved the tone, strength, harmony" "the best thing I have been to for a long time"

On 18th October Victoria Welsh Male Choir was delighted to be chosen to present a concert to launch the Dunkeld Mosaic Festival. The venue was the biggest shearing shed most of us had seen and there were naturally a few problems in setting up an appropriate sound system. But, as usual, our techies got it sorted out and all was well, particularly when the capacity audience arrived in coats and scarves to enjoy their wine and canapés before settling down to the concert.

In probably another first, choristers and their partners were supplied with soup and rolls at the nearby magnificent farmhouse and choristers were able to change in the most well-appointed rooms made available to us for many a year. Our host, Mrs Suzie Clarke was wonderfully welcoming despite being stricken with pneumonia which, alas, rendered it impossible for her to attend the concert. Our thanks go out to her and the Dunkeld Festival organisers.

An opening bracket of Welsh favourites finished with an opportunity for the audience to warm up their voices with the Songs of Praises chorus.

Ambrose Morgan gave a polished performance of Hymns and Arias and a specially written new verse which was particular to Dunkeld residents, hit the mark. The next bracket culminated with a fine rendition of Working Man by Bob Ash. This was followed by a beautifully modulated duet by ever-busy compere Drew Hopkins and Rushan Hewawasam with Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears.

The first half closed with patrons being able to join in once again with numerous choruses of When the Saints.

The second half featured a veritable smorgasbord of musical talent drawn from members of the choir. Tom Morgan, Alex van Mens and Colin Edwards strongly stirred up the Scots with Highland Cathedral and Stephen Pepper involved and amused the audience with a well structured Welsh lesson.

Barry McMahon was a suitably Stout-Hearted Man, Gordon Parsons skilfully guided us All Through the Night and Ed Hughes got everybody rocking with Little Deuce Coupe. John Hales and Geoff Serpell charmed everybody with the clever and droll Gendarmes' Duet, complete with articles designed for corporal punishment.

In the Les Mis medley, the choir was joined by Rushan once again with the emotional Bring Him Home. Finally, Drew and Geoff and the choir surprised but delighted many patrons with a modern arrangement of Waltzing Matilda segueing into the Welsh National Anthem. And what more fitting surroundings when singing about a jumbuck than the choir proudly standing up in front of half a dozen shearing machines.

The sold-out venue was, by this time, a little chilly but instead of the swagman jumping up, the whole audience rose to give the choir and music team a well-deserved standing ovation. Another really marvellous concert, according to everyone there.

 Audience comments:

• Just the best evening ever. Hope to see and hear you in Penshurst in the future. Thanks.  Margaret (P.O Box 86, Penshurst 3289)
• Powerful opening songs and familiar tunes really ensnared the audience. The audience loved singing along. Bob's Working Man is AWESOME - people in tears everywhere! Anfonaf Angel and Isle of Hope duet were lovely. People love the harmonies, the powerful choruses and the pathos/passion of the songs. This was a very good programme.
• Great ending with EJ's Prayer.  Ann
• Absolutely marvellous evening.  Zilma
• Absolutely loved the tone, strength, harmony. The last part from positions within the audience was a perfect ending to the night. THANK YOU!  Iris
• Wonderful - the best thing I have been to for a long time. Please come again soon.  Sally
• Fabulous. Thank you. Robin J.

Cymanfa Ganu

20 October 2013, St Michaels Collins St

On 20th October Vic Welsh joined the rest of the Welsh community in a Cymanfa Ganu (singing festival) at St. Michael's Church, Collins St. The guest conductor was Geraint Roberts of the Trelawnyd Choir in North Wales, who performed the same role in 2009. The guest organist was Mrs Angela Roberts.

NZ Male Choir Festival Auckland

27 October 2013, Holy Trinity Cathedral

In late October Victoria Welsh Choir paid our first visit to New Zealand since our tour of South Island in 1990.  This time we were special guests at the Festival of New Zealand Male Choirs, the climax of which was a concert at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Auckland on 27th October.

Among the highlights of the event for us were:

• One of the songs we sang on our own as the guest choir was Pemulwuy - a stunning song about a leader of the resistance by the Aborigines to European settlement of Australia in the late 1700's, written by Australian composer Paul Jarman. Members of the NZ Male Choir had sung Pemulwuy with us last year in London's Royal Festival Hall, and knew how challenging it was. This time when we finished they jumped to their feet and gave us a standing ovation.
• We ended our segment with our version of Waltzing Matilda, which this time had a new twist. In the final chorus half of us were singing something else - and one by one the audience realised that it was their own national anthem, God Defend New Zealand! The effect was electric, and led to our second standing ovation of the night.  

Remembrance Day Service

10 November 2013, Springvale War Cemetery

On Sunday 10th November 2013 Victoria Welsh Choir led the singing at the Remembrance Day Service at Springvale War Cemetery for the seventh time since 2004.

Hoppers Crossing with Werribee Concert Band

24 November 2013, St James Parish Hall: "beautiful harmonies" " Moved to tears" "Faleiry and accompanist both outstanding" "bless you all!" "Come out West more often"

On 24th November we were pleased to be invited to the fast-growing western suburb of Hoppers Crossing for a joint concert with the Werribee Concert Band, one of whose members is Tom Oski who features on trumpet on our latest CD. 

With minimal rehearsal we and the band jump-started the concert with a forceful arrangement of Battle Hymn which set the bar for the rest of the concert.

The Concert Band, under the direction of Mat Taylor, then showcased their considerable range with a varied bracket including a medley of familiar Mancini tunes.

The choir then sang a number of favourite Welsh tunes, culminating with Tom featuring on Yr Utgorn (The Trumpet) and Bob Ash delivering a stunning rendition of Working Man to close out the first half (photo by Gavin Ash - www.gavinash.com).

The second half began with what we now call our London arrangement of When the Saints and the audience willingly joined in (several times) along with Mat on his trumpet, to raise the considerable modern roof.  In the choir's next bracket the beautiful Anfonaf Angel raised many hairs on many necks. Another 'London' tune, the very modern Pemulwuy delighted patrons with its forceful lyrics and musical virtuosity. Waltzing Matilda, featuring soloists Geoff Serpell and compère Drew Hopkins, cast its spell on its listeners and even flushed out several Welsh natives as they realised part of the choir was singing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

The Band swung into their second bracket with some classical music and the very interesting music from The Incredibles, the original soundtrack of which was recorded on analogue tapes, not least because brass sounds better than on digital.

As a show-stopper the band and the choir combined on all-encompassing Les Mis medley, featuring Roger Bartlett on the emotional Bring Him Home. As the final line "Tomorrow comes" and the band's closing chord erupted, the audience was totally transported and the very appreciative and sustained clapping was proof that another terrific musical event had been achieved.

 But they hadn't finished with us yet. Cries of "More, more" were shouted out so, after a little rearrangement, the choir filed off stage to Men of Harlech and then, with the expectant hall hushed, we surrounded everybody and wrapped them up in the beautiful words and fond farewell of Eli Jenkins' Prayer. Only then was the audience satisfied and the musical magic of the afternoon allowed to come to a close.

        Geoff and Drew in duet - photo by Gavin Ash - www.gavinash.com).

Audience feedback included:

• Thank you for a beautiful performance.  Your beautiful harmonies plus smiling faces made for a special, emotional experience. Faleiry and accompanist both outstanding. Come out West more often, please!  Lauris.
• Welcome to our district and well sung!  Thoroughly enjoyed today's concert and choir!  Especially the hymns and spiritual songs!  The Lord bless you all!
  
• Very impressed with your sacrifice of time and effort . I would like to be involved but for 3 strokes. Ron and Maria
• Here more often would be better and the band were excellent, leader more than excellent. Deirdre
  
• Great concert as always. Michelle and Jim
  
• It was just great.
  
• Very enjoyable. Would love to see more of the Welsh Choir in the Western Suburbs.
  
• We absolutely loved it. Moved to tears. Thank you very much. Christine and Michael

Dromana Funeral

6 December 2013

On 6th December members of Victoria Welsh Male Choir attended the funeral mass of the late Jill Fitzpatrick, who was Welsh-born, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Dromana. During the service we sang the Welsh anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, All Through The NIght, Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer and Benedictus, and we also led the singing of Psalm 23.




South Yarra Wedding - Côr Bach
7 December 2013

On 7th December 2013 our Côr Bach took part in a wedding in the Chapel of St Peter, Melbourne Grammar School, South Yarra,  During the service we sang You'll Never Walk Alone, Anfonaf Angel (Guardian Angel), and Amazing Grace, and led the congregation in Love DIvine, All Loves Excelling.  Then at the end we gave the bride and groom a rousing sendoff with Rachie and Men of Harlech.

Keilor Primary School - Côr Bach

8 December 2013: "Superlative" "lovely voices" "such joy" "Loved the harmony" "Very talented group" "Very professional, very moving, very spiritual" "overwhelmed" "loved the singing and the harmonies" "Brilliant! Just loved every minute" "beautiful harmonies" "so glad I came" "Going home singing" "great audience participation" "fun and fulfilling" "uplifting" "Please come back" "Heavenly voices" "touches my heart" "MORE, MORE, MORE" "You have it all" "Price charged was too cheap!"

On the afternoon of 8th December 2013 Vic Welsh's Côr Bach (small choir) presented a concert for the Brimbank City Council at Keilor Primary School. 

In memory of Nelson Mandela, whose death had recently been announced, we opened with Nkosi Sikelel'iAfrika (God Bless Africa), the hymn written in the Xhosa language which has now become part of the South African National Anthem. 

We started the first half with three staples of the Welsh repertoire, Men of Harlech, We'll Keep a Welcome and Cwm Rhondda (Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer). The audience joined in the last verse of the latter, and then every chorus of the fun song Hymns and Arias, led by Ambrose Morgan.  The lullaby Si Hei Lwli 'Mabi and Anfonaf Angel (I'll send an angel) were followed by Rushan Hewawasam and Drew Hopkins singing Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears. The half ended with Working Man (solo Bob Ash), the stunning Pemulwuy and the Rutter arrangement of When the Saints Go Marching In, with more audience participation.

The choir opened the second half with two more Welsh songs, Yr Utgorn (the Trumpet) and Yfory (Tomorrow).  After singing Maria, Roger Bartlett was joined by Rushan for a blended version of Little Drummer Boy and Peace on Earth. We maintained the Christmas theme with O Holy Night (solo Barry McMahon) before launching into a "Kaleidoscope" of songs with different soloists - the Anvil Chorus (Colin Evans on the anvil), You'll Never Walk Alone (Ken Simpson), Blue Moon (Drew Hopkins) and Little Deuce Coupe (Ed Hughes). We finished with a medley of five tunes from Les Miserables (solo Roger Bartlett) and, as an encore, Eli Jenkins' Prayer.

The audience's enthusiasm can be gauged from the following comments:

• Just beautiful!! An enjoyable afternoon.  Lorraine
• Just to say we really enjoyed the concert and all the solos.  Kelvin
• Superlative - from my heart, God bless.  John
• Enjoyed every moment.  Aurora
• Loved today's concert. Wonderful to listen to those beautiful male voices. Enjoyed the variety.  Barbara
• Great program and great performance, and audience participation. Liked program, humour songs.   Helen
• Thank you all for such lovely voices. I hope your group continues to grow and bring such joy to everyone.  Jean
• Loved the harmony. Thought the key changes excellent.  Ron
• A wonderful afternoon's entertainment. Very talented group of people.  Carmel
• Absolutely fantastic. Loved it. Very entertaining. Thank you. Dianne
• Absolutely fabulous. Great presentation. Loved it all.  Norma
• Very professional, very moving, very spiritual. I'm glad we came. Ken
• We were overwhelmed by the performance at Keilor today and appreciate the amount of work and talent involved.  Joan
• I loved the singing and the harmonies. Loved the last song (Sunset Poem - Ed).  Margaret
• Brilliant! Just loved every minute of the performance.  Carmel
• Choir excellent.  Les
• Really enjoyed the choir singing. Look forward to hearing them again in the new year. Wish them success in the future.  Cora
• Very interesting. I loved it.  Mathilda
• What a pleasure to listen to 'singing'. Long may you keep going. Sheila
• I really enjoyed the introduction to each song - really created an atmosphere. Really beautiful harmonies and lovely authentic smiling choir. Bubbly conductor, made me smile.  Cat
• I'm so glad I came for the concert. It was great to hear the fantastic voices and the very professional way the concert was held. I enjoyed it very much.  Dawn
• Your programme was just so lovely - organist terrific. My late father was of Welsh descent and my late husband and I used to travel around Melbourne to hear the choir.  Joyce
• Fantastic concert, compere and organist. Going home singing. Thank you.  Greta
• Wonderful presentation, very professional and great audience participation.  Judy
• My great pleasure and privilege to be here. Thank you for coming to Keilor - and for widening my musical experience further. I now will remember you and my recent experience at Opera at the Bowl when I play the CD We are one.  Annette
• Fantastic way to spend an afternoon. A real treat. thank YOU. Marilyn
• Thank you very much for your performance. What a great way to spend this afternoon. It was great to hear the background of the songs. Keep on enjoying singing together.  Marolyn
• Thank you for such and fun and fulfilling concert. I loved the audience participation, the history behind the music and the beautiful harmonies. An uplifting experience.  How about a Xmas CD? Please come back to Brimbank.  Sarina
• Enjoyed the concert immensely. High standard for work and interaction with the audience.  Leesa
• Wonderful choir experience. Heavenly voices, wonderful experience. Virginia
• It's all about enjoyment. Your type of music touches my heart. It is great to join in. I love the harmony. MORE, MORE, MORE!  Anne
• A great performance: Humour, drama, sensitive, audience performance. You have it all. Thank you.  Maureen
• Very enjoyable as always. Price charged was too cheap!  Mrs A.G.F.

Performances in 2012