MELBOURNE Operatic Society’s concert ‘A feast of Christmas cheer’ at the Assembly Rooms had plenty to raise the spirits of the packed audience.
Introducing the show, chairman Mike McGhee said there were new songs to enjoy and some new faces among the chorus, before he launched into his traditional festive joke – actually two this year!
The programme included many crowd-pleasing carols, like Rutter’s Candlelight Carol, Gritton’s Follow That Star and From a Distance by Gold. Also included were some ‘world’ music songs, like the African Crib Carol and Calypso Carol which had been cleverly arranged by musical director David Henshaw.
Readings from Malcolm Key, Jenny Smith and Helen Blatch, who gave a timely Health (Elf) and Safety lecture about the perils of riding a one-horse open sleigh, and various ensemble numbers added to the evening’s variety and entertainment.
Among many fine solo slots, two guest appearances from Katie Sturla and brother David deserve special mention, and mum, Allie Sturla, singing Ave Maria, showed where their musical genes came from!
Departing slightly from the Christmas theme, a rendition of California Dreaming, the 1960s Mamas and Papas hit, was accompanied by guitars and flute.
In Mike’s introduction he mentioned that accompanist Philip Heath had been involved with the ‘Operatic’ at the tender age of 12. What he didn’t say was that he was actually turned down for the main piano accompanist job then! Some 50 years on, at the concert, he performed with effortless professionalism and his solo piece – a ‘mashup’ of Christmas tunes which just came into his head’ – was a crowd pleaser.
Finally, praise is due to musical director David Henshaw, who put together a really enjoyable programme, added a personal touch to some of the arrangements, accompanied many of the soloists and kept the whole show moving.
Christmas done, next on the M.O.S agenda is the main production of Pirates of Penzance, which will be performed from April 15 to 18 at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton. – Frank Hughes
Village Voice – January 2026
