‘MORNING MELODIES’ IN MAY AT THE SOMERSET CIVIC CENTRE

Alexis FitzGerald OAM

 ‘Music, to lift you out of your life…music, a language more precious than speech…and so we sing!’ And sing the Esk Community Choir did as they carried an appreciative audience ‘into a world of delight’ sharing the joy of music, singing and a tiny bit of scintillating tap at the Somerset Regional Council’s ‘Morning Melodies’ on Wednesday 17^th May. 

Some of the great pleasures of being audience to this Choir’s performances are the opportunities to behold a showcase of talented individuals. This day provided the perfect platform.   Sublime solos by Bob Hardy, the lusty, lilting soprano voices of Patrina McLeod, Carolyn King, Sue Kinraid, Marina Crichton, Di Chaplin, and the rich resonance of altos, Ruth Skippen and the sassy Anna Wheildon all lit up the stage with their celebrated songs from musicals and musical theatre. 

Harmony was on show with an intimate vocal duet by husband-and-wife duo, Roland, and Sue Cox. Esteemed choir flautists, Suzanne Clemence and Ruth Skippen, so ably accompanied on piano by Alexis, recreated Schubert’s Polonaise.  Kathleen Watts with tap dancer extraordinaire, Erin Davis, were the epitome of Anything Goes.   Bob Hardy and Roland Cox tag teamed with the choir for an Impossible Dream, and the quartet of Susie Walker, Ruth Skippen, Roland Cox and Roger Woodman sang their way through a medley of songs by the incomparable paring of Rodgers and Hammerstein creating some memorable mayhem,  the entertainment culminating with the quartet of sublime choral songs by the choir, not the least of which was a  ‘Happy Birthday’ rendition to May Masters, an audience member who, along with the large number of appreciative concert goers seated around tables, were treated to an epicurean selection of delectable treats and hot drinks served for morning tea by the lovely ladies from the Somerset Civic Centre.

Alexis at work

It is the role of an accompanist which may go unnoticed, so often overshadowed by the performances of the singer or choir.  However, it is difficult to put into words the gratitude this choir feels for Alexis, whose variety and preponderance of accompaniment performances on this day may well have been the showstoppers, always whose brilliance, generosity of spirit and gift of music has enriched and inspired each member of her choir as individuals, as a choir and as a community.

Dave

To Dave, the man on audio for your expertise around sound, the Somerset Regional Council and the staff of the Somerset Civic Centre for your hospitality and initiative in providing for this community such an enjoyable morning of entertainment, and fellowship, Alexis and her Esk Community Choir give their sincere thanks.   

By: Sue Walker

Carolyn and Warren

Bob and Lloyd