Mid-Year Concert time comes around ever-so soon here at the NBCA, even when the date falls in August. There was much excitement around this year’s concert repertoire; some fanciful fun for both choristers and artistic staff. The occasion also marked the first concert for Mr Andrew Bainbridge as Co-Artistic Director. The fun of combining Cats with segments of choral delights from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory made for a warming winter’s evening at Robert Blackwood Hall. This year, the combined Elementary and Junior opener featured the uplifting piece from Ian Jefferson Let Your Voice Be Heard, as well as the jolly folk piece Chumbara by Dave and Jean Perry. Elementary and Junior boys were filled with excitement, as every year, when it’s their time to shine onstage in front of friends and family. Then, it was on to the Performing Choir who closed off the first half with a dusting of Australian classics including Botany Bay and Click Go the Shears. South Australia (A Capstan Chanty) provided an apt nod to the Choir’s September tour to the ‘festival state’. By the second half, the Performing Choir let their Cats talents roam from Skimbleshanks to Memory. Mr Bainbridge took advantage of Robert Blackwood Hall’s organ to perform the solo piece Toccata & fugue in d minor, earning him the title of ‘organ god’ from one of our parents! 531 Wonka Bars: Songs from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was a sweet closing to the evening and a night of repertoire to add to the NBCA’s list of unforgettable performances.
