So says the banner for Dunedin Returned Services Choir and, from my second hearing of the gentlemen in scarlet regalia at the Town Hall, their music making goes from strength to strength. The end of their Midwinter Concert rang in the rafters with a rousing Handel's Hallelujah chorus and Parry's Jerusalem.
All credit to musical director Karen Knudson for disciplining this community choir of nearly 70 men (only) and giving their singing conviction, good diction and clarity (for the most part), as well as enthusiasm.
Their repertoire is wide ranging - including Paint it Black (Rolling Stones) and When I'm 64 (Lennon and McCartney) causing kilted compere Alasdair Morrison to quip ''It should have been titled 'When I WAS 64'''. Accompaniment was assuredly provided by Johnny Mottershead (piano) and David Burchell (organ).
As the centenaries of World War 1 battles pass by, choir historian Huia Ockwell reminded us of the human cost of war. He shared that the choir dates back to 1919 when Dunedin soldier Jimmy McNish returned from Gallipoli determined to start a soldiers' chorus back home.
With that wealth of history, the RSA choir has been paying it on, by awarding vocal scholarships to varsity classical voice students. Current recipients Beth Goulstone and Harry Grigg charmed us with humour and clear storytelling in Taylor the Latte Boy.
The choir was also joined by guest artists, Cellists of Otago directed by Dr Heleen du
Plessis (their bracket of three Spanish pieces needed more spice), Southern Youth Choir with assistant conductor,
Nathaniel Otley (their tone was sweet and true though their rendition of El Grillo needed a dash of deft satire), and the Banditen, four chaps with poly pipes and traffic cones (their contribution added little).
If there were one thing I'd wish for from this concert, it's a good dose of musical drama. I prefer my performances served with even more heart.
-By John Colwill
