A sad time
How fortunate we are to have Wesley of Warragul. Its size and acoustics make it an ideal venue for intimate performances, such as we’ve enjoyed in the past month.
Dr Brian Chapman’s all-Beethoven piano recital will remain long in my memory. He played five of the great composer’s Sonatas with consummate touch and feeling, concluding with the marvellous Appassionata, performed with passion entirely in keeping with that which Beethoven poured into its composition. The finale truly tested the limits of his instrument, and the capacity of Wesley to complement the glorious sounds.
That was a fittingly high point on which to end, but the piece de resistance was undoubtedly the much-loved Moonlight. Dr Chapman convincingly reinterpreted this work, as inspired not by romance but by Beethoven’s anguish at his encroaching deafness, and he gave a moving performance of its three movements in terms of grief, denial and rage.
The Renaissance Warragul 2016 series of concerts culminated in the Early Arts Guild of Victoria’s traditional Christmas Pageant, a feast of 16th and 17th century music and dance by the Early Music Consort of Melbourne, playing period instruments, with the Rippon Lea Renaissance and Baroque Dancers’ magnificently costumed for their stately dancing, and fine singing by soprano Erika Tandiono.
The West Gippsland Chorale’s performances of its Christmas Concert were, as always, a highlight of the Wesley year. This year’s program traversed the gamut of Christmas music from mediaeval to contemporary, and from around the world. Of particular note was the premiere of A Gippsland Carol, a setting by Dr Brian Chapman of words by the Revd Dr Jim Connelly. Another Australian work, Bright Stars by Stephen Leek, taxed the Chorale with its unusual vocal demands for many sounds but few words. Both pieces were enthusiastically received.
It’s been a memorable end to another wonderful year at Wesley of Warragul. John Hart Warragul
I was delighted to receive a thoughtful message, "A letter from the Editor" of the Warragul & Drouin Gazette,
Carolyn Turner, acknowledging letter writers to the paper and sending season's greetings to all.
For animal advocates Christmas is a very sad time, as we know billions of turkeys, pigs, chickens, fish and other animals are purpose bred and are slaughtered for temporary taste bud pleasure.
There are countless food options and so many delicious non animal, cruelty free recipes on the net and in libraries.
We can only look forward to the day we can truly celebrate "peace and goodwill to all," when animals receive the respect they deserve. Di Cornelius Seacliff Park South Australia