WHAT A GREAT DAY FOR THE IRISH AND EVERYONE WHO CAME TO ENJOY!

Esk Community Choir with soloists Robert Hardy and Kathleen Watts - Danny Boy / Air From County Derry

What is it about that Ol' Emerald Isle which inspires its people to sing?  Judging from the expectant faces amongst the audience at the Somerset Civic Centre on March 20th, it was evident there was no shortage of Irish ancestry floating through the Auditorium as even from each side of the closed stage curtains; the sounds of singing were unstoppable during Matthew Lukritz's faultless trumpet rendition of Australia's National Anthem.   Then, from behind the drawn curtain,  a sea of green and the smiling faces of Alexis FitzGerald's  ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR and SEMITONES greeted the eager concert goers who came in numbers, many in costume, to enjoy 'The Wearin' o' the Green', a celebration of music from Ireland.

Adding another layer of loveliness to the massed choral sounds was the Sunshine Coast's DAVONSKI CONCERT ORCHESTRA who, alongside the paragon of the piano, Margaret Philp,  provided for this bracket, the uplifting orchestral accompaniment.

Davonski Orchestra from the Sunshine Coast

"Top of the Mornin'' by the Choir and Semitones,  ushered in by the lovely tenor voice of soloist Eric Von Nida,  set the giddy mood for what was to follow.  Though the meaning behind the words to "Danny Boy" can be somewhat less joyful, there was nothing but euphoria felt when Kathleen Watts and Bob Hardy each paved the way in sublime solo, their voices then uniting with the Choir for the singing of the words of "Air from County Derry" penned and, at another time, sung for Princess Diana's funeral in 1997.

The Semitones

Trevor Davis

And what would be an Irish Concert without the heady sounds of the Bagpipes?    Piper Trevor Davis certainly did not disappoint with a display of his extraordinary talent, equalled only by his stamina, so vital for such an emotive performance as this was.

Lloyd and Carolyn King

"My Irish Song of Songs", the duet sung by Carolyn and Lloyd King told so beautifully its story through its  lilting Irish sounds and  with Irish sounds of a different kind, Alan Roughan's comical quips, the logic of which have become synonymous with the Irish,  kept the audience thoroughly entertained.  The talented little group, The Semitones could have jumped right off the pages of an Irish storybook so cute they were as they took to the stage.  Katie FitzGerald and Nedi Granzien each were outstanding  in duet with "A Little Dash of Dublin" and with Shillelaghs in hand, the Semitones brought laughter, smiles and many Kodak moments as they performed brilliantly their rousing songs, their confidence and talents  seemingly growing on a par with their  numbers.

With a  twist on tradition, each section of the Choir was instructed to prepare and perform their own musical selection and so it was that behind closed doors, the Altos, Basses, Tenors and Sopranos each put their sectional heads together to come up with  enough shenanigans and a whole lot of blarney, the enjoyment of which was not only felt by the audience but by their fellow choristers and perhaps a Choir Director who may possibly be having second thoughts of a similar scenario at next year's concert!!

Robyn, Gail, Nola, Judy (Altos)

Karen, Iris, Sue, Yvonne, Lynette (Altos)

 

Judy, Elaine, Kerry, Christine, Desma, Jan behind (Altos

 

Eric, Trevor, Phil, Roland and Lloyd (Tenors)

The Magician of the Lagerphone

 

Tom, Roger, Alan, Wally, Bob, Steve & Andy obscured.(Basses)

Only the Sopranos can get away with Football Socks and Boots as accessories to an Evening Gown. ☺

Raffles were drawn and won and interval over it was the turn of Davonski's Cellist, Graeme Souster together with the gifted Anne Bowyer on piano, to perform their sublime rendition of "The Swan", the grace and melody of this piece playing out the tranquillity of its visual sounds.   Maestro Lloyd Robins and his Davonski Concert Orchestra then took their places on stage and in a display of the mastery and professionalism by which this wonderful orchestra has achieved its acclaim, had every foot in the house tapping to the well-loved tunes by Wagner, Gershwin, Lara and Myers, culminating in the inspirational overture to "Pirates of Penzance" by Arthur Sullivan.  A standing ovation and an éncore performance spoke volumes of the joy this wonderful orchestra brought to those who came to listen.

The concert culminated in a final fabulous collaboration of voices and orchestra with what was "A Great Day for the Irish"... and for each and every captivated concert goer that day as they headed off to the sumptuous afternoon tea tables to prolong what was a magical afternoon of music.

To Alexis FitzGerald go bounteous bouquets, affection, admiration and too many superlatives to fit on this page, for her patience, talents and dreams which make all things possible.  To Margaret Philp, friend, and accompanist, who is as generous with her time as she is a genius at the keyboard and to all our Choir followers and supporters including Boutique Meats, Harcourt's Real Estate, Bribie Island and The Somerset Newspaper, goes our undying gratitude for your continual belief in us.

By Sue Walker

Winners: Kevin Kruger & Joy & Warwick Grewcoe. ☺