David Ashton-Smith has an affinity to Bendigo thanks to his singing career.
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As a young performer he won the Bendigo Advertiser aria award at one of the Bendigo Competitions Society eisteddfods in the 1960s.
He became the Melbourne Welsh Male Choir’s director in early 2016 and will bring the choir to Bendigo at the end of June.
“When I was a singing student, I used to enter that aria (competition). It was quite a big affair then and kick-started my career,” he said.
“I’ve sung at one of the churches up there, not the cathedral unfortunately. I would love to put a concert on there.”
“Bendigo has become such a cultural hub for all Victorians. I have been associated with singing and choral music performances in Bendigo for over 40 years.”
Ashton-Smith’s 50-year musical career includes principal roles at the English National Opera Company and four years directing the Australian Pops Orchestra.
“I still sing a bit but have been conducting choirs for 30 years,” Ashton-Smith said.
“The Welsh choir is quite unique in that the age ranges from about 40 to 88. Some of those older blokes have fantastic voices.
“When they sing together it quite moving and stirring.”
The Melbourne Welsh Male Choir, which formed in 1984, is the youngest of the three Welsh male choirs in Victoria.
Acclaimed New Zealand born bass-baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Melbourne soprano Kate Amos will join the the 50-voice strong choir performs in Bendigo.
“We’re bringing a program that has a lot of variety,” Ashton-Smith said.
“The choir will sing some traditional Welsh songs but also there is quite a bit of music theatre including songs from Chess and Paint Your Wagon and some other lighter songs.
“Teddy will be there captivating everyone with his wonderful voice and personality, and Kate Amos will balance that program.
“They will perform some cheeky duets and play up a bit together which will be great.
“We will also have some rousing songs like You’ll Never Walk Alone and World in Union.”
The Melbourne Welsh Male Choir performs at Ulumbarra Theatre on June 24.
Visit www.thecapital.com.au/Whats_On for details.
Chris Pedler
Chris has been with the Bendigo Advertiser for more than 10 years. He has great passion for the performing arts and is very supportive of the Bendigo live music scene. Outside of the news world Chris plays golf and, regardless of the result, loves watching St Kilda play in the AFL. He loves community theatre and has performed on stage with the Bendigo Theatre Company and worked with Baldrick himself, Tony Robinson. Story tips: chris.pedler@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Chris has been with the Bendigo Advertiser for more than 10 years. He has great passion for the performing arts and is very supportive of the Bendigo live music scene. Outside of the news world Chris plays golf and, regardless of the result, loves watching St Kilda play in the AFL. He loves community theatre and has performed on stage with the Bendigo Theatre Company and worked with Baldrick himself, Tony Robinson. Story tips: chris.pedler@austcommunitymedia.com.au
