An afternoon of operetta

ON a beautiful autumn Sunday an enthusiastic and appreciative audience heard the first of many concerts to raise funds for the Cathedral’s Music Foundation.

Robyn Antoine, a keen lover and fine singer of operetta, gathered an outstanding group of singers, named Enduring Classics to join her for Operetta in the Cathedral.

The ensemble featured Antoine, Sophie Salvesani, Lyndon Green, Steward Greedy, Vincent Sully and accompanist Geoff Urquhart. A surprise addition to the group was the Dean, the Very Rev’d Chris Chataway, whose fine tenor voice added depth to a number of rousing choruses.

In welcoming the audience, the Dean gave an overview of the Music Foundation and how it will contribute to the future of the growth of young people with an interest in expanding their knowledge of music.

The program commenced with a rendition from The Student Prince and from the first notes the audience knew they were in for a first-class afternoon’s entertainment.

Salvesani is currently singing in West Side Story with Opera Australia, and it was Ballarat’s good fortune that a tour in south east Asia had been cancelled and she was able to fly down from Brisbane. Her duet with tenor Green was whimsical and coquettish and the singing sublime.

Greedy with his fine bass voice demonstrated his love and understanding of operetta and showed this off to good effect when he sang Ol’ Man River and I Won’t Send Roses.

The final two pieces of the concert were I Vow to Thee My Country, lead by Antoine and You Raise Me Up.

The next in the series of Cathedral Music Foundation is on Sunday, 9 June when the Penny Quartet will play Haydn and Prokofiev.

Tickets available at the door. On Saturday, 15 June, Cordelia’s Potted Operas have teamed up Van Dieman’s Land Opera to present greatest hits from opera and musicals. It will star Martin Thomas, principal Tenor from Opera Australia. Tickets available at the door or from operavandiemansland.com.au.