Starlets and Sparkles Dazzle at the Somerset Civic Centre

Let Me Entertain You - Opening the Show

Over the years, the Esk Community Choir has often performed under testing circumstances, from chasing flies from the back of a hay wagon to finding space in an obsolete Shearing Shed amid spider webs and dust, the audience perched on engorged wool bales. However, a temporary black-out during the opening musical bracket at 'STARLETS AND SPARKLES' on July 19th has to have been not just another first but a testament to the extraordinary talents of the 'Hostess with the Mostest', Alexis FitzGerald, when she was able to continue her sublime accompaniment in complete darkness without missing a beat!

Nola Niemeyer

It was a shared love of music which brought so many concert goers to the Somerset Civic Centre for this afternoon of uplifting performances from members and friends of the Esk Community Choir and The Semitones. Many came early and, with a complimentary glass of bubbly in hand, perused the many pieces of exquisite jewellery, perchance to make purchases at bargain prices. At 2.30pm, with a colourful opening of songs by animated small groups as well as the warmth of Nola Neimeyer's 'Getting to Know You' , the audience was left in no doubt of the fun and surprises that lay ahead and it was on with the show!

With music by Jule Styne, Col Porter and Rodgers and Hammerstein

having set the scene,

The Semitones

The Semitones, scattering sweets as they came
to the stage, also brought something of their ownmusical magic to the afternoon with songs from'Oliver', 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' and
'The Little Mermaid', including Nedi Granzien's heart warming performance
of "Part of Your World'; a soaring little bright star.

Nedi Granzien

Eric von Nida and Maree Lansdown

Marina's sound could well have been that ' Nightingale in Berkley Square'. John Caffin gave a heady performance of 'The Impossible Dream'. Who could not feel the happiness during Maree and Eric's duet? and move over Judith Durham...Robyn Bagster's 'Georgy Girl' has just moved in!

What better way to hail the half- way of a concert full of sparkle than with Kathleen Watts' glowing performance of 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend'?


Elvis in the Building

With Raffles and all manner of other prizes drawn and won, interval was over and a hush began to filter through the auditorium along with a mysterious cloud of fog. A 'Suprise Guest'!! But who could it be? Then out of the mist, in all his white gleaming glory, 'Elvis' aka Lloyd King, bounded onto the stage and, with mannerisms and a voice second only to 'The Pelvis' himself, gave his all to the excited audience. Two songs later, 'Elvis' may have left the building but also a thrilled audience wanting more.

Variety being the spice, of which this concert was made, an immediate change of pace saw the rest of the programme filled with some beautiful songs from Musical Theatre. Sue Walker's passionate performance of Lloyd- Webber's 'Tell Me on a Sunday', Jo Robbins' lovely rendition of the celebrated 'Caro Mio Ben'; 'Seeing is Believing', another by Lloyd-Webber performed by Kathleen and John with all the emotion this song portrayed, all gave way to the brilliant performance by pianist, Emiko Ota.

How lucky is this Region to have someone of the calibre of this accomplished pianist whose motivation is her need to share her music with all who will listen. Mozart was truly gifted. Emiko Ota brought his music to life once more on this afternoon.

With Sue Walker frocked up as Eliza Doolittle and Roger Woodman as her Dad along with the entire cast of performers, it was with a medley of songs from Lerner and Lowe's 'My Fair Lady' which climaxed in fitting style this sparkling afternoon of music.

Full of the joy that music brings, concert goers trickled into the foyer to further fill on kindly conversation over a glass of wine and platters of tantalizing titbits so creatively put together by Culinary Queen, Sue Cox and her band of energetic Angels.

Emiko creating coffee magic

To all who came to share in this day, the 2016 Esk Touring Choir wishes to give their thanks for your generous support of this fund-raising event. To Alexis, without whom this day would not have been, your guidance, energy and talents are limitless and for this, a Choir and a Community are constantly grateful, and to our many benefactors whose arms seem never too tired to reach out, the Esk Community Choir will always be indebted.