Remembrance

During this period of the centenary of the First World War there have been several concerts remembering this momentous event in our history. This was perhaps one of the more successful.

It was a multi-layered concept. There was a choir of over a hundred, including members of various community choirs from Victorian country centres. Orchestra Victoria, in fine form, occupied the main stage area in front of the choir. Soloists, mainly members of the Victorian Opera Masters of Music program, acted out various scenarios in front of the orchestra, while photos and text were displayed on a screen. It was very effective.

It did not gloss over the horrors of the war, but interspersed were several bawdy songs sung by the diggers. These were based on popular songs and hymns of the time and very funny. Having the words on the screen was a great help, though this didn’t happen for all songs.

Most of the vocal music comprised songs of the era. Linking these, and underpinning the narration, was dramatic orchestra music composed by Richard Mills.

Tenor David Hobson played a war correspondent, effectively a narrator, while the other singers were various soldiers, nurses or relatives. The action was well choreographed and one scene flowed into another.

The young professional singers all sang well and the choral work was excellent. This was a very moving tribute to our diggers.

Graham Ford

Images: (top) David Hobson and (lower) Victorian Opera’s developing artists, Orchestra Victoria and Community Chorus. Photographer: Charlie Kinross.