THOSE who gathered in St Agnes’ Catholic Church in Port Macquarie for Sir Karl Jenkins’ “The Armed Man – a Concert for Peace” on Sunday 9 August were treated to a glorious vocal and instrumental spectacle.
Robyn Ryan, OAM, coordinated and conducted the performance, leading the 80-strong choir with brass, woodwind, strings and percussion in a moving 90-minute reflection on war and peace.
The church, including the choir loft, was packed to the rafters.
Heather Moen-Boyd, a renowned organist from Sydney, pulled out all the stops on the digital pipe organ.
The orchestral ensemble was mostly locals, adding dramatic colour and energy to the performance.
Jason Heise, Peter Gott and Jeff Barnsley were triumphant on trumpet, Michaeli Whitney’s cello was evocative, and Samantha Barnsley’s piccolo and flute were delightful.
Simeon Broadbent and Sharon Green on percussion and Carol Irving with additional woodwind completed the orchestra.
All were warmly applauded.
There were some spectacular solo voices – bass Joshua Salter, tenor John Thompson, contralto Evelyn Geh and sopranos Elizabeth Ryrie and Deidre Sutherland.
The performance was a triumph for musicians and singers alike.
Anne O’Brien, Deputy CEO of St Agnes’ Parish said the parish was deeply grateful to Ms Ryan for sharing her extraordinary musical gift.
“To every singer and musician who gave so generously of their time and talent, thank you for creating an afternoon our community will long remember,” she said.
The concert was a wonderful event, bringing the parish community together in friendship and shared celebration, while also raising valuable funds for the St Agnes’ Foundation.
Jenkins’ stirring message of peace was woven throughout the concert, beginning with the beautifully stirring “L’Homme Armé.”
The final moments highlighted the hope for a future without war.
The moving lyrics of “Better is Peace” and “God Shall Wipe Away all Tears” reminded us of the importance of peace. “Better is peace than evermore war.”
By Pauline CAIN
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