2015 marks the 37th year the ESK COMMUNITY
CHOIR has been showcasing their talents as their music has resonated with
audiences around halls, hallowed walls and open spaces near and far. On Sunday, 15th February, the 'Opening
Concert' at Alexandra Hall, Toogoolawah was yet another afternoon of uplifting
pleasure, delighting the small band of
dedicated supporters old and new who came to enjoy.
While this venue evoked memories of glory days
enjoyed by many long standing members of the Choir, for others, along with the
next generation of little Choristers, The
Semitones, it was an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of past
performers, as on this day they all took to the stage for an entré of uplifting
sacred songs heralded by The Semitones' stirring delivery of the Anthem.
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| The Semitones |
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| Patrina McLeod |
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| Matthew Lukritz |
The much loved I Don't Know How to Love Him from Jesus
Christ Superstar will remain so following Patrina McLeod's sublime solo
performance and Kathleen Watts and Sue Walker's punchy rhythms and sweet
harmonies during their duet Every Time I
Feel the Spirit was truly uplifting as was the pure clarity of
multi-talented Matthew Lukritz's rendition of the African/American Spiritual, Let Us Break Bread Together.
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| Katie FitzGerald |
Evidence of the Choir's versatility continued
as the 10 member Choir Ensemble gave an ethereal performance of Trees, the song inspired by the
illuminating words of poet Joyce Kilmer, and the tender delivery of the
diminutive Katie FitzGerald's debut solo I
Praise You Lord was further proof of her gigantic musical future. Always inspiring is Handel's The Lord's Prayer and Roland Cox did it
fine justice, leading in solo, supported by the Choir for the stirring
crescendo of final words.
Her unquenchable love of music and her
infinite talents had Alexis FitzGerald flitting from her role as the eloquent
emcee de jour, Choir Director/Conductor to her outstanding performance in piano
duet with Choir Accompanist, the incomparable Margaret Philp, as they gave, on
duel pianos, a passionate performance of Sanctuary
of the Heart together with an interjection of chocolaty choral sounds from
the Esk Choir Men. Perhaps following
this day, the RSPCA might rethink their advertising following 10 little
Semitones' bright and beautiful
arrangement of All Things Bright and Beautiful
complete with bandages and one very cute,
seemingly well-fed wombat called Joshua!
Unbeknownst to an audience, rarely does a
Concert run to plan but, as a wise man once said...'when
one door closes,
another one opens', and on this occasion it happened to let in one Ms Emiko Ota, a gifted pianist,
recently relocated with her partner
to the Somerset Region. After 33
years of performing, for the most part in and around her country of birth,
Japan, and in the earlier years, under the tutelage of the highly regarded
classical pianist, Yoko Tohei, Emiko's passion for music has continued to be
inspired by others who simply love music.
On this day, Emiko's dynamic piano performances of two of Claude
Debussy's provoking compositions will surely be just the beginning of a
wonderful collaboration with the Esk Community Choir and their mutual desire to
connect with appreciative audiences.
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| Emiko Ota |
A fitting finalé to a magical afternoon of
music was the Choir's rendition of Sing
for Joy...because that is what they do.
by Susan Walker
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