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
