Friday, November 5, 2021

MR TYSON CAME TO TOWN AND HEARD A CHOIR SING

 


There must be something about Matthews for it was an unprecedented number of candidates who put up their hands to sit for the Concert Certificate Performance exams and two Grade Singing exams.  Or perhaps, now on the cusp of Queensland’s living- with- Covid existence, there was a reckless need to shed the veil of fear and replace it with confidence.  In any event, notwithstanding the hours of inspiring tuition and encouragement by Alexis, Matthews Tyson’s charm and warm demeanour many have come to know, must have played a significant role in convincing these choir members to embrace this challenge and sing as if no one was watching - which was patently not the case at St Agnes’ Hall on the 29th and 30th October.





Mr Matthews Tyson who hails from Launceston, Tasmania, is the Director and owner of the St Cecilia School of Music, established in 1974, his impetus to provide opportunities for students of all ages and development levels the chance to perform.  Now in a Covid world, the school still finds ways to conduct examinations, masterclasses, and private lessons to students throughout Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Italy, Asia and Esk, a town that happens to be high on Mr Tyson’s list of preferred destinations, where singers have, for many years, reaped the benefits of his inciteful comments and extensive skills as teacher, conductor, and music examiner.

There is something deeply human about feeling a nervousness when performing solo; a courageous act in anyone’s book. Yet, each having completed his or her performance, the shackles of fear were thrown off to be replaced by that overwhelming feeling of joy for some hitherto inconceivable achievements.

So well-received was the earlier March event, ‘Elegance with Ensembles and High Tea’ that this time, in a moment of impulse, Alexis felt the desire to re-work the blueprint for an encore performance to be held in the Somerset Civic Centre following the individual concert performance examinations.  And so it was that the newly dubbed ‘Holy Hallowed and H-outrageous With High Tea’ was to again attract a capacity audience which, at 12.30pm was ushered to seats around elaborately adorned tables for an afternoon of musical delight and indulgence, the performance again under the discerning appraisal of Mr Matthews Tyson.

Pushing the boundaries of musical excellence was our own flautist, Suzanne Clemence, who in polyphony with the glorious sounds of Alexis at the piano, presented a sublime examination performance at the outset, the perfect pathway for the Ensemble to take to the stage.

Under the masterly direction of Alexis and accompanied by our formidable pianist, Margaret, songs by Australian composer, Lyn Williams, Gluck, Mozart, John Rutter, David Haas, Lerner and Lowe and a medley from the great American Songbook of Broadway tunes had the audience transfixed to the stage for the entire performance.



For his evaluation of this performance, Mr Tyson stated, “Appropriate, perfect dress/stagecraft/discipline – immaculate.  A very disciplined and developed choral ensemble.  Excellent choice of items that were all appropriate to the strength of the choir. Alert and observant throughout.  Congratulations!”  …and awarded the Ensemble 98% with Higher Distinction.

Though pride was a luxury choir members afforded themselves on this occasion, so much of the credit for this success must go to Alexis for her patience, time and talents which have inspired choristers to realise their own abilities.  Bouquets must also go to Margaret for her faultless accompaniment and dedication to her craft.  

A powerful performance by the talented young Aydan Forsythe was the delightful surprise item to engage the audience as a choreography of choristers delivered exquisitely crafted boxes of sweet and savoury treats to the tables. The company of friends and enjoyable conversation followed as the two sassy envelope sellers ‘Pinky and Perky’ aka Kathleen and Susie, shamelessly sashayed around tables while others did the rounds with tickets for some fabulous raffle prizes.  With a little bit of Hungarian hilarity, the bevy of ‘Saucy maidens’ ultimately bid in song the sated audience a ‘Pleased to Meet You…Now GOODBYE”!


There is a saying that those who can do, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.  This choir is fortunate to be permeated with those special people whose contributions make events such as these appear to just happen.  A big thanks to Sue Cox and her catering Angels for the impeccable presentation of the auditorium and who, with her team of helpers behind the scenes, worked tirelessly and calmly under pressure for a smooth supply of High Tea treats for the concert-goers.

We are grateful too for Roland who has taken over with gusto the role of stage manager following the absence of Tom.  However, on this occasion we are indebted to the crackerjack sound and lighting team of Chane and his brother-in-law, John Caffin, who were called upon at the eleventh hour to ply their skills allowing for greater audience appreciation.  To the lady who wears all the ‘hats’, Kathleen, without whom we could lose our way amid the plethora of paperwork and paraphernalia, we also give our heartfelt thanks and to the wonderful ladies at 2 Galahs Gallery and the Esk Pharmacy who without question filled our need for the selling of tickets.  Thanks too to the editors of the Somerset Newspaper for sharing our stories with your readers allowing them to jump on our bandwagon.

Finally, to Alexis who makes sure we always put our best foot forward, every time; thank you for your expertise, your belief in your choir, and most of all, for your friendship.

By: Sue Walker

 












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