GIFTS OF MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS FROM THE ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR

Esk Community Choir 2014

On Sunday afternoon 7th December at the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk, much planning, preparation and a passion for music came to life in the form of the ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR'S 24th Christmas Variety Concert. For Alexis FitzGerald and her Choir, this was again a labour of love and the culmination of yet one more musically successful year in the Choir's 36 year history.

For the skillful execution of the National Anthem, the spotlight turned to Matthew Lukritz, the young rising star whose apparent musical talents are not only confined to his flare on this day's instrument of choice, the trumpet.

The Choir, made their entrance with an entrée of uplifting songs reflecting the spirit of Christmas including the 'Christmas Processional', each one setting the bar for some brilliant performances to follow. The purity of the youthful soprano voices of Emily FitzGerald and Aydan Forsyth who joined forces for their performance of 'Pie Jesu' was truly inspiring. It was not then surprising to see both Emily and Aydan line up with the sensational little Semitones whose popularity with audiences is now only exceeded by their delightful singing talents. They took the audience to a magical place under the sea with awsome excerpts from 'The Little Mermaid'.

The Semitones

The Semitones featuring Emily FitzGerald

Paul Barth

Making his Christmas Concert debut, Paul Barth, the highly talented 15 year old pianist visiting from Germany, was completely in the zone, bursting into his performances of 'Rhapsodie Mignonne' and 'Go Str8 4 It' with gusto and the skills of one who is obviously passionate about his music.

Students of the Esk State Primary School Choir - enjoying making music

On another level, and equally as passionate about the art of singing were the host of adorable little singers of the Esk State School's Junior and Senior Choirs under the direction and watchful eye of music specialist, Adam Smith. The audience's thorough enjoyment during their performance was tangible.

...And then came Percussimo!

Percussimo and also featuring the backdrop by Russell Zammitt

Percussimo

While on this Sunday afternoon Mother Nature took a break from unleashing her by now regular spectacle of light and sound in the skies above, the eight member percussion ensemble, Percussimo, more than made up for it on stage as they gave world-class performances which elicited their own thunderous applause. Under the brilliant creative direction of Tina Liu, in a master class of the percussive arts, Percussimo took the audience on a journey from a palpitating beat of Brazillian Street dancing to the celestial, almost spiritual sounds from the 'Edge of the World' and back to a bit of Michael Jackson boogie. When they took to the stage following interval, out came the pots, pans, wooden spoons and other kitchen utensils including the rubbish bins in a hand-clapping foot tapping arrangement of fun with things that go BANG, even at one point, furnishing audience members with triangles to enhance the magic of making music and rhythm with percussion instruments. The almighty force of their final 'Sabre Dance' left the audience in raptures and hungry for more of this masterful ensemble.

It was wonderful to welcome back to Esk's performance stage the chocolaty bass voice of Robert Biggs who gave a moving performance of "Star of God" accompanied by his wife, Beverley. Both staunch Choir supporters, Beverley has, in the past, been a valued Chorister and accompanist for the Esk Choir. Her sublime accompaniment alongside the artistry of Margaret Philp also added another colour to the rainbow of Choral sounds throughout the afternoon.

Along with Matthew who was able to bend the melody in bluesy style with his brilliant trumpet playing, the Scherzi Christmas trio of Sue Walker, Kathleen Watts and Maree Landsdown, in a piece of madcap mayhem delighted concert goers with the Christmas Shopping induced 'Blues'. The Esk Male Choir, led in solo by the mellifluent bass voice of Robert Hardy, gave an inspiring performance of 'The King's Prayer' and the etherial singing of Zaninelli's 'Alleluia, Silent Night' by the ladies of the Choir and the undeniable abilities of Suzanne Clemence on flute were all a measure of the extraordinary diversity and talent this amazing Choir can bring to the stage.

SCHERZI: featuring Maree, Sue and Kathleen with guest appearance by Matthew Lukritz, Tom Byrne and Nola Niemeyer

The magic of Christmas was conveyed in song during the finalé of Carols, climaxing, as has become the tradition, in the exhilarating 'Hallelujah Chorus' from 'The Messiah' which again left a thrilled audience in no doubt of the quality of wonderful musical events in store for the coming year.

To the Esk Community Choir's Musical Director, Alexis FitzGerald, whose patience, commitment and extraordinary talents brought this concert to life, from a very large 'family' who had the good fortune to have Alexis decide to make her home in Esk, go their deepest gratitude.

by: Sue Walker