Musical memories honour centenary
A SPECTACULAR open-air show marked the Armistice centenary with a musical tribute involving some of the Far North’s brightest talent.
Saturday’s Voices of Remembrance concert at Munro Martin Parklands was led by performances from singer Katie Noonan and New Zealand baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes.
But St Augustine’s College student George Taifalos also took to the big stage to accompany Katie Noonan in a rendition of And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda.
The Year 10 student said it meant a lot to play his part in the commemorations.
“I’ve grown up in Australia and represented the community in dawn services with my music, so it feels very special,” he said.
“It’s an important one – it’s a hundred years of Armistice, which means a lot for a lot of people.”
George was one of 180 local performers that took part in the concert – 120 choristers plus 80 instrumentalists.
The Voices of Remembrance concert told the story of World War I through music, expressing patriotism, pride and sorrow.
These included all the war- time classics such as Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag and It’s A Long Road to Tipperary, mixed in with contemporary works such as A Mother’s Plea and the world premiere of Eleven by Gordon Hamilton.
The show used archived World War I photographs from the Queensland State Library that were projected in the background.
Music director Dr Johnathan Welch said the music put a magnifying glass on the story of the centenary.
“In the case of this concert, you see the arc not just musically, but through the photographs threaded through the show,” he said.
“I think it’s important to reflect and be grateful for the sacrifice that was made, and the men and women who are still serving.”
Show director Daniel Evans said he was blown away by the talent on display from the Cairns performers.
“It sounded absolutely phenomenal in this beautiful open-air amphitheatre, and it’s an especially fitting tribute to the strength and resilience of our country and New Zealand,” he said.