A festive afternoon to unite the community

A FREE community lunch, followed by a Winter Soiree, will be held at St Matthew’s Anglican Church this Saturday, 13 July, bringing people together to share some fun, love and good music.

At 12.15pm until 1.45pm, anyone is welcome to enjoy lunch for free before an afternoon of music theatre and opera excerpts kick off at 2pm in the Parish Hall.

The Soiree will include the sounds of sopranos Maxine Montgomery and Kelly-Louise Austin, mezzo-soprano Christine Heald, the Pyrenees Chorale, and pianist Maria Carras-Kerr. Tickets will be available for $20 at the door.

Parish Priest, Father Constantine Osuchukwu said the concert is a way of raising funds to help create a new wellbeing space at the church.

“We are exploring the possibility of a Community Reflection Garden for people who access the medical precinct in Howitt Street, as well as for all in our community, especially those who are lonely and marginalised,” Fr Constantine said.

“We live in an increasingly fragmented and lonely society. In response, St Matthew’s Anglican Parish seeks to create spaces for people to meet together for presence, encounter and community.”

Soprano, Maxine Montgomery has been supported by members of the St Matthew’s community in the past and is pleased to give back through song.

“This is just the most beautiful way to pay back kindness and generosity,” she said. “Let’s just use what we have and give back a little something. We don’t do it often enough.”

Attendees can expect bits and pieces of opera and well-known musical theatre. Highlights for Ms Montgomery include Habanera from Carmen, and the Flower Duet by Lakme.

“The Flower Duet keeps getting brought back. It’s a beautiful piece of music you never get sick of hearing,” she said.

Andrew Lloyd Webber love songs, as well as music from Chess and Wicked will be performed.

Contact Verna on 5334 6738 or Fr Constantine on 5339 1315 for more information. Find St Matthew’s Anglican Church at 204 Forest Street, Wendouree.