THE iconic Bowraville Theatre was again at the Nambucca Valley’s cultural heart over the weekend as the Bowraville Theatre Singers (BTS) delivered two sold-out concerts that brought audiences to their feet calling for more.
Under the leadership of renowned composer, musician and conductor Paul Jarman, the choir took concertgoers on a moving and joyful journey through Australia’s rich musical and cultural landscape during their production of ‘We are Many: Songs of Australia’.
From the moment the choir opened with a deeply moving rendition of “Wuuban Barri”, sung in the Gumbaynggirr language and arranged by Jarman after being taught by Elder Micklo Jarrett, it was clear the evening would be something extraordinary.
What followed was a powerful showcase of Australian music and storytelling that included new works, beloved classics, original songs by Jarman and his wife Bonnie Nilsson, and local compositions that celebrated our country’s landscapes, stories and people.
The concert wove together themes of gratitude, hope, reflection and joy.
Highlights included Jarman’s stirring “Sampan”, honouring Chinese migrants during the Gold Rush era, and chorister Robin Steadman’s soaring performance of Kamahl’s anthem “My Home”.
The audience was moved to laughter and tears as the choir presented a captivating mix of stories and styles, including music and dance from the Torres Strait Islands, and even a stock whip demonstration.
Local singer-songwriter Stewart Peters shared his original song “Hallelujah”, written about the joy of moving to the area a decade ago, and led a heartfelt ‘all in’ rendition of “Throw Your Arms Around Me” by Hunters and Collectors.
The choir was accompanied by the exquisite piano work of Lesa Scully, Artistic Director of the Arts Orchestra at the University of Newcastle Conservatorium of Music.
This marks her second appearance with the BTS, following their Fire and Rain concert in May.
“The choir has gone to another level in this concert,” Scully remarked after the show.
Adding to the magic was 17-year-old cellist Laura McNeil from the Bellingen Youth Orchestra, whose soulful playing brought tears to many in the room.
Her performance added a haunting depth and warmth to the program.
Conductor Jarman once again demonstrated why he is one of Australia’s most sought-after musical directors.
Switching effortlessly between piano, Irish whistle, French bombarde and even stock whip, his energy, passion, and storytelling elevated the performance to world-class heights.
Audience members, some of whom had travelled from outside the region, described the concert as one of the best live experiences they had ever attended, with several comparing it favourably to international performances.
While the concerts were the glittering tip of the iceberg, choir members shared with News Of The Area that the real joy lies in the weekly rehearsals, the camaraderie, laughter, and shared sense of purpose.
“It’s known that singing helps with health and well-being,” one chorister told NOTA.
“It lifts our hearts every Tuesday night.”
The Bowraville Theatre Singers welcome new members who love to sing.
Rehearsals take place every Tuesday at 5pm at the Uniting Church Hall, Ridge Street, Nambucca Heads.
By Mick BIRTLES
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