ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR AND FRIENDS WITH THE HEALING SOUNDS OF MUSIC

Reluctant as this writer is to mention the ‘C’ word in an environment that is now imbued with its daily use and concerning implications, it was on that Sunday afternoon on March 15^th when concertgoers at the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk could blow away the dust of ‘Coronaviris’, at least for a couple of hours with the diversion of a captivating musical performance by the Esk Community Choir and Friends at this year’s ‘Opening Concert’.

Amidst growing community unease and with all achievable hygiene protocols in place, it was reassuring that so many of the choir faithful chose to take their places in the ‘socially distanced’ seating around the Auditorium festooned with the colours of Ireland. With so many ‘Eskimos’ and others able to trace their roots back to the ‘Ol’ Sod’, not even a pandemic was about to get between those ‘leefs’ and a good ol’ St Paddy’s Day celebration!

With Choir Director Alexis FitzGerald’s words of welcome and heartfelt gratitude to all comers followed by her formal presentation of the Choir’s new President, Marina Crichton, it was over to emcee extraordinaire, Councillor Sean Choat whose impeccable eloquence from the outset, ably steered the afternoon’s performances through to the concert’s climactic conclusion.

The emotive ‘Irish Blessing’ sung in rounds by the Choir heralded the entry on stage of the Sweethearts of Song, Kathleen, Maree, Caroline and Susie. Formally frocked, their appearance belied the ballyhoo of their opening song leaving the audience in no doubt that it was going to be ‘A Great Day for the Irish’! Tania, David and Matthew Play Brass were a masterclass in brass, hitting all the right notes with the audience as they accompanied the singing of some endearing Irish evergreens.

Brass Trio: Tania, Matthew and David Lukritz

The Accidentals, a compilation of talented instrumentalists from the Choir who, under the guidance of Alexis and utilising an assortment of keyboards, some tuned to replicate other stringed instruments, as well as flutes, recorders, euphonium, drums and egg shakers, made their amazing ‘bravo!’ debut performance with the reworking of Dvorak’s sublime Largo and the Irish folk favourite, Londonderry Air.

The Accidentals

Seoneidin and Eric

Seoneidin Granzien and Eric von Nida are no strangers to the Somerset Civic Centre stage both having thrilled audiences with scintillating performances both as soloists and in duet. On this day yet one more notch was added to their musical belts when they teamed as a cute couple for a sparkling performance of the Irish polka I Have a Bonnet Trimmed With Blue… which is more than one can say for the clumsy but conniving Kitty of Coleraine as outlined in the witty ditty from the north of Ireland performed by the Esk Ladies Choir and few could control the urge to bounce to the beat when the Choir men joined with the ladies for the uplifting performance of The Kerry Dance.

For a change of pace, it was the Sunshine Coast String Ensemble, Strings and Things who are becoming quite the regulars at Choir performances. Under the direction of violinist, Iain MacLean, they delivered a stellar performance of 2^nd Movement of Mendelssohn’s Concerto in D as well as the all-time favourites, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Sunrise Sunset and Climb Every Mountain. Subsequently, adding a touch more spice to the variety, husband and wife Brian and Marina Crichton, sharing perhaps a little more than their daughter, Grace, director of the witty One Act Play needed to know, delivered a delightfully polished performance of Post-its (Notes on a marriage)!

Strings and Things

Following a short interval and the presentation to winners of some fabulous raffle prizes including a beautifully hand-crafted wall hanging gifted to the Choir by Christine Garrett, the audience was treated to a medley of soul-stirring Celtic sounds by The Sweethearts of Song, turning on heart-lights with, amongst others, the beautiful Caledonia, a harmony of sounds supported by their great little backing group, Di Chaplin, Grace Crichton and Eric von Nida.

‘Brought together by their experiences with cancer, the Something to Sing About Choir sings for those who can’t and those who wish they could’. With such positivity in the face of adversity it was a joy to have this choir from the Lockyer Valley, directed by Gary Young, with accompanist Patti Pocock, come to sing their trio of beautiful Irish songs for concertgoers in Esk.

Kathie Watts -
His Love Makes Me Beautiful

Fanny Brice, brilliantly portrayed by Barbra Streisand in the 1964 musical, Funny Girl certainly left her mark on musical theatre along with some very big shoes to fill for those who have followed. The performances of three of those Styne and Merrill songs by Kathleen Watts with the Men’s Chorus, Susie Walker and Eric von Nida and his ‘mannequins’ followed by the full choir for a powerful rendition of People certainly sent a message that music is the greatest kind of magic.

Eric von Nida - You are Woman I am Man
Caitlin, Desma, Grace, Judy and Nola

Susan Walker - Don't Rain on My Parade

Suzanne Clemence

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Polonaise performed by pianist, Alexis alongside Suzanne Clemence on flute was simply a piece of art, through the ears and straight to the heart. When a bloke, considered one of the greatest composers of all time, has a birth milestone, nothing less could have been an apt acknowledgement of his 250^th year. And for a felicitous finale, two choirs and the string ensemble united for an inspired performance of Joyful Joyful, We Adore Thee, adapted from Beethoven’s glorious music written for that poem of peace, Ode to Joy.

Combined Choirs : Esk Community Choir with Something to Sing About Choir

It is never wise to underestimate the healing powers of music and while ‘Covid 19’ continues to be a concerning force with which to be reckoned, it was for at least a moment on a Sunday afternoon when its impact was diminished. For this there are so many who need to be acknowledged and thanked. Tom Byrne and his team who managed the staging with seemingly effortless impact; Di Chaplin, Sue Cox and their kitchen angels who delivered post- performance a delicious and decorative afternoon tea for all; audio aces Greg Skippen and Roland Cox for their dedication to perfecting a craft that connects our music to the audience; Damien FitzGerald’s Boutique Meats and the Editors of The Somerset who never fail to fill outstretched hands of support when it is needed; our fabulous friend and accompanist Margaret who has been stoic in the face of her own adversity yet continued to deliver faultlessly her musical talents at the keyboard and Alexis FitzGerald OAM, to whom ‘thanks’ never really seems enough. Perhaps gratitude and slavish devotion to a lady who is the heart of this Choir and without whom our music would be silence.

By: Sue Walker