A CELEBRATION OF ‘MUSIC THROUGH THE AGES’ WITH THE ESK LADIES’ ENSEMBLE

 

When there’s music in your soul, there’s soul in your music, a maxim into which the Esk Community Ladies’ Ensemble gave breath when on 30^th March at the Somerset Civic Centre, Alexis FitzGerald OAM and her choir took concert goers on a hallowed journey of the music which has endured through the centuries to today.

It was only the joy of waking to a brilliant blue sky following weeks of precipitation that could have equalled the atmosphere and artistry both on and off the stage as concert goers found their places around colourfully decorated tables echoing the colour theme of the choir on stage. 

Before a rolling backdrop of ethereal scenes reflecting the soul in each song, under the inspired and masterly direction of Alexis; to the impeccable accompaniments  by both Alexis,  Ruth Skippen and Suzanne Clemence and so capably understudied on occasion  at the music stand by Kathleen Watts, the Ladies Ensemble gave an impassioned performance  transporting patrons through a kaleidoscope of compositions by the likes of  Mozart, Bortniansky, Handel,  Vaughan Williams, Australian composer Mark Puddy and the incomparable English composer, Sir John Rutter.

Culminating with a counterpoint costumed performance of the magic of a My Fair Lady Medley and a cacophony of musical sounds surrounding the music of Strauss, The Circus,  it was enthusiastic acclamation and high praise by a most appreciative audience and importantly, by  Mr Matthews Tyson.  Mr Tyson, an acclaimed international music examiner and teacher who hails from Launceston Tasmania is owner and Director of the St Cecilia School of Music.  How fortunate are we that since his first visit in 2014 for a series of examinations,  Esk has become one of Matthews Tyson’s preferred destinations where singers, choirs and instrumentalists have reaped the benefits of his intuitive comments  over many years and again on this day when the Esk Ladies’ Ensemble was awarded a Pass with Distinction grading,  a true reflection of the commitment to rehearsals by members of the choir.  Basking in the glow of this inspiring afternoon of sublime choral singing, those lovely choir followers who came to see a choir sing were equally appreciative of the satisfying afternoon tea which followed.

Hats off to our all-work-and-no-pay choir volunteers who continually enable an event such as this to run so smoothly.  To Nicky and her Esk Fruit Shop, Sue,  Di and their team of kitchen angels for an impeccable presentation of fruit boxes and a lovely afternoon tea; to David Finn of the  Somerset Civic Centre for working so perfectly the lighting and sound; and to Ann Grant and staff at Toogoolawah’s Two Galah’s Gallery who never blink when asked to support ticket sales for our choir events.

However, the final word of thanks must go to Alexis, whose gift of music knows no bounds; for her guidance, patience, encouragement, kind words and her unwavering belief during a bazillion rehearsals before, after and around choir practices.  ‘Thank you’ never seems enough.  Perhaps slavish devotion to a lady who is the beating heart of this choir, who transforms our lives and without whom our music would be silence.

By Sue Walker 

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A CELEBRATION OF WHAT IT IS TO BE AUSTRALIAN IN 2025

On a steamy hot Friday on January 24th this writer was privileged to be seated on the stage in the cool of the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk as part of the Esk Community Choir to observe as Aussie flag-bearing Australians and soon-to-be Australians made their way to their seats for a celebration of all that it means to be Australian.  Two little boys lolling on the floor at the feet of their parents, were clearly oblivious of the tough decisions made by their family and so many others there, to leave family and friends behind to make a new life in Australia, this region now so enriched having embraced these new citizens from so many backgrounds and traditions.

Suzanne Clemence

Brady Schultz

Energetic emcee, Brady Schultz, certainly a personification of his Healthy Lifestyles Australia, opened the proceedings with a spirited welcome to a capacity audience together with so many local and state dignitaries.  Though Waltzing Matilda is a song about a bloke who pinches a sheep then commits suicide, it was like a great breath of Aussie fresh air to embrace the day’s celebration with A.B. Patterson’s most famous verse, this day, a ‘gold winning’ performance by Suzanne on flute, in alliance with Alexis on piano.

Helen from the Somerset Regional Council officiated the Citizenship ceremony, each individual pledging their patriotism and proudly receiving their Citizenship certificates from Mayor Wendt and Shayne Neumann M.P., their ‘kodak moments’ captured by the bevy of clicking cameras.  The singing of the Australian National Anthem led by the choir was again an endorsement of the Australian way.

Representatives of so many worthy categories, nominated from their various fields of high achievement were in turn, called to the podium to be presented with an Australia Day Certificate of Achievement, each category winner, awarded with their winning medal.  Amongst an extensive list of deserving nominees all of whom have given outstanding service to their community over many years, Denise Modistach for her years of community service in the Kilcoy region was conferred with the title, ‘Citizen of the Year’.

Denise Modistach  'Citizen of the Year’.

Mr William “Bill” Nancarrow

Somerset’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador, Mr William “Bill” Nancarrow, Senior Training Officer for Queensland Health and Australian Powerlifting Para Olympian, was a true representation of what it means to be Australian.  A victim of an horrific motorcycle accident at 16, and faced with a dubious future, William was the epitome of resilience, a determination to keep moving forward no matter the hurdles and to be stronger than his fears.

The choir’s singing of ‘I Am Australian’ was the culmination of a magnificent day of celebration of everything that brings Australians together, a reflection of a future with optimism and determination.  Why even the very polite but distinctive Australian reptiles all the way from Geckoes Wildlife appeared to be enjoying all the attention as everyone thronged to the rear of the Centre to enjoy a sumptuous, very Aussie morning tea sourced from  Toogoolawah’s unique one stop Picnic Shop, The Picnic Society and, from Niki’s Esk Fruit Shop,  some luscious fruit skewers and free ice creams, always ‘top shelf’ on any Aussie Day..

Australian Wildlife

To Jo Maxwell and her team from the Somerset Regional Council whose initiative made this day a wonderful day of celebration for all, Alexis and the members of the Esk Community Choir give their sincere thanks.                    

By: Sue Walker

LIGHTING UP THE LIVES OF THE MANY AT ALKIRA IN 2024

Carollers  from the Esk Community Choir and a troupe of jolly little elves

 

While twinkling houses festooned with sparkling strands of lights and glowing reindeer are certainly a merry drawcard for families and others to gather and enjoy a complimentary piece of Christmas cheer, there are also so many who are unable to be with the people they long for most at this time of year.  

However,  the notion of giving which underpins the joys of Christmas was a glowing  presence once more at Toogoolawah’s Alkira Home for the Aged when a merry jingle of Carollers  from the Esk Community Choir and a troupe of jolly little elves gathered around Ruth Skippen at the piano to entertain the residents with so many of those beloved Christmas Carols…perchance to encourage some of the ol’folk to join in…simple pleasures that create a spectacle of their own, lighting up the lives of all those who had come to hear. 

Christmas should not be all about presents but the presence of people who care and on this morning at Alkira it was a wonderful feeling of togetherness.  Ruth and her ensemble of carollers who afterwards lunched together for their final gathering for 2024 were so grateful to the residents and the caring staff at Alkira for the opportunity to spread the joys of Christmas.

By: Sue Walker

Mischief - Caitlin and Jo

Christine sharing her smile

The leader of the band - Ruth

Jan, ready to strum a tune. 

Kerry taking it easy

Liz Sharing a painted rock 💕

A GREAT NIGHT WAS HAD AT GATTON’S COLONIAL CAFÉ IN CELEBRATION OF 2024

 

There is something wonderful about becoming a member of the Esk Community Choir.  You come along to your first rehearsal a relative stranger and leave it as part of a Choir family.   And so it was on Tuesday 10^th of December that this amazing Choir family gathered at Gatton’s Colonial Café to kick back and celebrate having made it to the end of another wonderful year of making music together. 

Should one do a quick rehash over the many events during 2024 one would be forgiven for feeling the saturation effects of a very busy year.  However, this evening was not a time to be clocking out and with everyone seated around the tables decorated as tastefully as the Christmas fare served, the high spirits soon surfaced.  With Grace steering the entertainment with her innate flare and joie de vivre, so many took to the microphone with all the confidence of a pro, inhibitions out the window, all a nod to the versatility and talents apparent in this choir.

To Ruth Sk. whose contributions to choir are far too extensive to fit on this page …but we all know…and to Alexis, the beating heart of our choir who has brought us all along for the ride for the past 46 years;  for her love and belief in her choir; her kindly spirit which shines through at rehearsals making us all feel that this choir business is a whole lot of fun and not hard work,  we give our utmost thanks.  

Another year gone…a new year approaching with already a showcase of wonderful events to enjoy.  Bring it on I say!!!!  

By: Sue Walker   

Stay in touch with what's coming up next on our Website   https://www.eskcommunitychoir.com.au/performances

AN INSTRUMENTAL EXTRAVAGANZA BRINGING THE JOYS OF CHRISTMAS TO ESK

Esk Community Choir Ladies Ensemble 

It has been almost four decades since the Esk Community Choir  began to bring the sounds of Christmas to audiences in the Somerset Region and by all accounts, this year’s Christmas Variety Concert at the Somerset Civic Centre was a spectacle of Advent sights and sounds which seemed to lift the bar on many performances which had gone before.

On Sunday, December 8^th, it was just plain hot!  The weather gurus who had predicted a long hot summer had certainly got it right.  However, there was nothing but high spirits as concert goers, with raffle tickets, condiments, crafts, plants and all manner of stocking fillers in hand, made their way into the cool of the auditorium.  The giant Christmas tree, erected proudly at the entrance and adorned with vibrant ornaments, each reflecting the soft glow of the dozens of fairy lights, stood as an inviting spectacle to all who came to enjoy the sounds of Christmas.

Following the customary welcome by emcee extraordinaire Sean Choat, the joy of the season was brought to life with choral sounds from the Esk Community Choir, Esk Men’s Choir, Esk Ladies Choir, and the masterful instrumental performance of Elgar’s Salut d’Amour (Love’s Greeting) with the indisputable expertise of Alexis on piano, our sublime flautists, Suzanne and Ruth together with Chrissy Davis’s superb string ensemble, Strings ‘n Things, all of whom  created a perfect prelude for the extravaganza to come. 

Strings  'n  Things with Alexis at the piano

Music and painting are two different types of art which, as evidenced on this day, can interact so beautifully.  Introducing this year a slight twist to the customary musical path, two of SASI’s gifted artists, Shirley and Nikki, sat quietly creating on canvas the mood, harmony, emotion, colour, shape, and composition reflecting their interpretations of the songs filling the auditorium.

It was such an honour to host 17 members of the Blackbutt Singers who, under the direction of Judy Lawrence, presented their uplifting harmonies and upbeat songs to great audience acclamation.  These choir members who share an obsession with singing have been making great music and fostering friendships in the South Burnett area and beyond for many years.

Blackbutt Singsers

This concert, hailed as an ‘Instrumental Extravaganza’ was grounds for the introduction of featured guest artists Full Spectrum Brass. Comprised of a quartet of two trumpets, a trombone and tuba, these consummate musicians, all members of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, had the audience spirited away with their playlist of everything from up tempo Christmas favourites to sultry New Orleans Jazz and shades in between.

Full Spectrum Brass

Esk State School Band  with teacher Paul Edwards 

The talented Glenrock Uke ensemble together with a few wacky warblers were a shot in the arm for energetic audience participation of some upbeat Christmas classics; the  debut performance by Recorder Resonance brought a whole new appreciation to this much maligned instrument; and another entre to the stage, this time by Patti Jaenke’s glittering Somerset Tappers was a triumphant and captivating  performance by this group of women with so much life in their years.  To complete the essence of an ‘Instrumental Extravaganza’, under the direction and expertise of their teacher, Paul Edwards, the six fine little musicians from the Esk State School Band charmed concert goers with their delightful Christmas tunes.

Glenrock Ukes with Wacky Warblers stirring up the audience 

Recorder Resonance

Somerset Tappers

The finale of this Instrumental Extravaganza, a tour de force with Strings ‘n Things, Full Spectrum Brass,  Recorder Resonance, the Blackbutt Singers and the entire Esk Community Choir all finding their positions on the stage and floor, the choirs’ instrument, their voice.  With Suzanne on flute and the Choir’s adaptable, all-round consummate musician Ruth Skippen at the keyboard and with a nod by Alexis to all instrumentalists and choirs,  Alexis raised her hands and the emotional depths of Beethoven’s Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee filled the room, to an audience reaction rarely heard before.  This audience on this day awoken to the joys of singing and music.  With gracious wishes for a safe and happy Christmas conveyed by Alexis, both audience and artists converged around the colourful afternoon tea tables to celebrate the fellowship that music inspires.

By: Sue Walker 

 

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the small white button on the bottom left. 

Esk Community Choir 

Glenrock Ukes with the Wacky Warblers 

Inspired by the music and performances during the concert 
Artist Nikki  from the  Sommerset Arts Society Incorporated titled 
this piece "Do you see what I see". 
At the end of the concert the artwork was auctioned. 

Elizabeth Brown with a her painting - donated to raffle

Suzanne and Jan, Jorja and Avalee, Jennifer and Leah 
Thank you for always helping with Front of House duties. 

RECONNECTING WITH MARGARET AND BEN WITH LOVE AND SONG. 2024

 

Few Choirs’ Musical Directors will ever question the value of a good choral accompanist and while the Esk Community Choir over the years has seen many accompanists come and leave for a variety of reasons, it was not until 2011 when the highly experienced and gifted accompanist, Margaret Philp, found her place at the choir keyboard and indeed her place in the choir family.

It has now been since late 2022 when, due to a fall, our Margaret lost much of her mobility resulting in the need for full-time care. However, Margaret has certainly never lost her love for music, her powers of recall of the many treasured moments during her years with the choir, nor her love for this choir which is why a convoy of cars carrying choristers coming from Esk, Coominya, Toowoomba, Laidley and places in between, made their way to Margaret’s new place of residence at Camp Hill in Brisbane to perform for her and a rec. room full of expectant residents, some of the songs which have been the storybook of Margaret’s choir life and others newly introduced to the choir’s repertoire. Solos, duets and choral numbers from mixed, men’s and ladies’ choirs as well as Eric’s crowd pleasing, brilliantly timed lyrical interpretation of the Flanders and Swann’s ‘The Gnu’. It was such a joy to be able to give this gift of song to Margaret who, up until she couldn’t, so selflessly gave so much to her choir.

However, the choir’s day was not yet complete for another of our choir family whose diminished mobility had forced his living situation to change to full-time care was awaiting our performance in Laidley. Following a delightful morning tea at CPSM Camp Hill, loving parting wishes and a promise of more to come for Margaret, it was again a cavalcade of cars up the highway to Tabeel Nursing Home for a repeat of our performance for Ben Nader and many of the residents at this delightful home for the aged.

As each item was executed beside Alexis’s and Ruth’s superlative accompaniments, there was not a sleepy soul to be seen amongst the sea of wheely-walkers and wheelchairs. Smiles were ever present on the faces of the old coves who clung to the sparks of enjoyment the well-loved items portrayed, some surely reliving memories of lives that once used to be. It has been said that music is God’s little reminder that there is something else besides us in this universe, an harmonic connection between all living things.

To the management and delightful staff of both CPSM Regis Aged Care and Tabeel and both appreciative audiences who made Alexis and her choir feel so welcomed we give our sincerest thanks.

By: Sue Walker