Music does have a wonderful way of bringing people together and on July 6th, fresh from the PemulwuyMale Voice Festival held in Brisbane, around 50 young men and boys from Melbourne’s National Boys Choir rolled into the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk, with infectious enthusiasm, energy to spare, exemplary manners and voices that belied their years, treating a large audience to a free musical experience that was nothing short of exceptional.
Hosted by the Esk Community
Choir, and under the Musical Direction of conductor / entertaining emcee Andrew
Bainbridge, and to the impeccable accompaniment of Jane Matheson, the boys’
choir and young men’s ensemble presented a delightfully varied programme of
classical favourites, traditional folk and contemporary selections.
...and those sausages? …well, following
the performance, the entire visiting group were treated to a well-earned
sausage sizzle, plenty of open space to run around, burn off some energy, and a
BBQ crew wondering if they’d ordered enough sausages!
One of the day’s most touching moments came later at Toogoolawah’s Alkira Home for the Aged where the choir shared another beautiful concert with the residents. Their voices again soared to the heights bringing smiles, memories and more than a few tears. Afterwards, the boys took time to chat with many of those old folk who had come to listen; simple conversations, to some, just as meaningful as the music itself and for Warren, who was brought to tears by the performance and the kindness shown by the young boys, a reminder of music’s ability to bridge generations and touch hearts.
To Conductor Andrew, accompanist
Jane, Sam Collins and Tracey Eastwood, whose careful planning and support made
this trip for Alexis and members of Esk Community Choir such a memorable
occasion, we give our heartfelt thanks and hope the trip to Movie World became
a fitting finale piling on many happy memories of this trip to Queensland.
Sincere thanks are also extended
to Esk IGA for its generous donation of sausages, drinks and condiments and to
the many members of the Esk Community Choir whose time, enthusiasm and hard
work behind the scenes ensured the success of this visit along with the warmth
and generosity shown by the Esk community who made the National Boys’ Choir’s
visit one that will be fondly remembered by all involved.
By: Sue Walker
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