By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE NAMES Shirley Bassey, Bonnie Tyler and Charlotte Church only scratch the surface of internationally famous Welsh women singers.
Not to be outdone, Geelong has its own bevy of globe-trotting Welsh voices also vying for the ear of music lovers both here and overseas.
Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir has sung in Wales and in 2010 undertook an extensive tour of New Zealand, performing in eight cities.
Music director Jeanette John said the choir had another concert tour of New Zealand scheduled for October and last month sung under the direction of famed Welsh conductor Ilid Anne Jones.
The 36-member choir has been singing for 16 years after being founded to help Portarlington’s National Celtic Festival fly the Welsh musical flag.
“We raise all our own funds to go on our tours, with lots of cake stalls, trivia night and of course concerts – we raised $80,000 for the three week tour of Wales,” John explained.
“But we also support lots of community events, such as Pako Festa and many Celtic and other music festivals.
“It is hard work raising the funds and keeping the choir active and recruiting new members, but it’s a lot of fun and we get to go places we otherwise wouldn’t.”
The choir will present a Mother’s Day concert from 2.30pm 11 May at Barwon Park Manor, Winchelsea.
The varied Musical Treats for Mothers program will feature guest artist Geelong flautist Sian Williams.
Admission includes a pre-concert visit to the Manor and a “delicious” afternoon tea.
Tickets, costing $22.50 for adults, $20 for concession card-holders, $7.50 for students and are free for children aged under 16, are available from Heather Ridgwell by phoning 5243 9450 or visiting nationaltrust.org.au.
