Welsh choir to make triumphant return

THE Victoria Welsh Choir is poised to end an unwelcome 18-month performance hiatus when it pairs its unique four-part harmonies with the distinguished voice of Australian soprano Merlyn Quaife at Ulumbarra Theatre later this month.

The concert has been put together in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bendigo South to raise funds for special grants for up-and-coming performers, two of whom will perform on the day – singer Morgan McDermott and percussionist David Stockwell, both Bendigo Senior Secondary College alumni.

Victoria Welsh Choir Bendigo chapter member and second tenor Garry Salisbury said after so much time in the wilderness, the choir is “really hanging out for the Bendigo concert.”

“We’ve really missed it,” he said. “It’s just really important for us to be able to get back out in public and perform, and get live entertainment happening again.”

As Salisbury explained, the makeup of the community-based choir consists of members from what he describes as “quite diverse backgrounds” and has “a couple of functions.”

“You’ve got doctors and businessmen and teachers and farmers. You’ve only got to ask them to find out the most surprising backgrounds of people,” he said.

“It’s a bit like a men’s shed, where it’s a chance for people who have this common love of singing to get together, but it’s also companionship and friendship. It’s terrific.”

The Bendigo chapter of the Choir is always welcoming new members, and no experience is required.

Prospective singers are encouraged to get in contact with Keva Lloyd on 0418 579 998.

Merlyn Quaife with The Victoria Welsh Choir is due to take place at Ulumbarra Theatre on Sunday, 15 August. Tickets can be purchased on the Bendigo Region website via bit.ly/2TMSZsh.