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 30th 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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