Friday, October 27, 2017

IT’S BEEN A GOOD NEWS WEEK AT THE 2017 SILKSTONE EISTEDDFOD



Esk Community Choir Ensemble
Margaret, Judy, Yvonne, Nola, Carolyn, Maree, Bob, Roger, Alexis, Tom, Eric, Di, Marina, Sue, Jo, Kathie


If ever there was a fast-track to a reality check for performers of any genre, it would be entering eisteddfods and this it has been for the handful of entrants from the Esk Community Choir, along with little Nedi Granzien, following their courageous performances scattered over 10 days and nights of competition at the 2017 Silkstone Eisteddfod.


In her very first eisteddfod, there were no jelly-legs for Nedi who completely commanded the stage with solos in Musical Theatre, Folk, Sacred, Girls Aged 12 years and Girls’ Championship 13 years and under; Four “seconds” and a highly commended or third placing.  Bravo Nedi!!
Susan Walker and Eric von Nida




Equally energetic was our Eric von Nida who floored most of his competitors in four different solo sections humbly receiving high praise from both adjudicator and audience with placings in each, finally to unite in duet with Susie Walker, their Golden Song proving just that when they came away with a first.









Di Chaplin



While placings are gratifying, they can also be subjective in a festival of the vocal arts adjudged by one.   Notwithstanding Ms Ireni Utley’s notable accreditation, it is also the commitment to fulfilling personal goals which deserves equal acknowledgement.  These were most certainly achieved when Di Chaplin gave her all with Autumn Leaves in the Ballad section and in Musical Theatre, Nola Niemeyer, always brilliant with her Why Am I Always the Bridesmaid, both our ladies receiving encouraging high praise, their joy no less for their efforts.  









A learned person once said ‘it takes a long time to become young’ and in two of the Choral Group sections, the Esk Choir Ensembles’ were clearly evidence of this when they were able to mix it with their youthful opposition in both talent and enthusiasm, separated only by a few energetic dance steps and 50 odd years of maturity. For I Love a Piano, the ladies were awarded a silver and for their efforts both visually and chorally, the ladies and gents in the My Fair Lady ensemble brought home the gold!  During her commentary in the presentation of awards for the Ensembles, Ms Utley stressed the need for the young school leavers to ‘do it for yourselves…go find a choir and continue to sing’, her comments clearly alluding to the obvious enjoyment showcased by our Choir during the performances.  

Margaret Philp



To Margaret, once again for your unquestioned giving of your spare moments and faultless accompaniment of our Ensemble songs;  and to Alexis, the heart and soul of our Choir, for a bazillion practices before, after and around choir rehearsals, for your gifting to all the soloist and dueters your time, teachings, beautiful accompaniment and encouragement without stopping to take a breath, we give our heartfelt thanks.

By: Susan Walker
 



Nedi Granzien

Nola Niemeyer



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