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THE PERTH
MALE VOICE CHOIR ASSOCIATION INCORPORATE
Should you happen to be in the vicinity of
the "The Bob Daniel Centre" in Inglewood on most Wednesday evenings, you
may just overhear the mellifluous tones of around forty male voices
singing items from opera, shows, folk, traditional and spiritual, in the
type of four-part harmony one usually associates with Welsh Male Voice
Choirs.
Yes. You will have been listening
to the Perth Male Voice Choir at its weekly rehearsal under
the gentle but exacting coaching of its musical director,
Don Gollagher and ably accompanied on the piano by Prue
Mews.
The choir has been in existence
since 1926. Its first public performance, under the baton of
its then director, O G Campbell-Egan, was given at the
Fremantle Town Hall. The concert raised funds for the Perth
Children’s Hospital; now Princess Margaret Hospital. The
choir has raised many thousands of dollars [and pounds!] for
good causes over the years.
It is a remarkable and possibly
unique fact, that in its first 75 years of existence, the
choir had but two musical directors.
“Cam” Egan held the position until his demise
in 1960,
The then accompanist, Edgar Nottage took
over. Edgar was later to be awarded the O.B.E. for outstanding services
to youth and music. Edgar remained in this position until his retirement
in 2001. Both “Cam” and Edgar successively held the position of
Superintendent of Musical Education with the Education Department.
The choir looks forward to
continuing singing in its exacting tradition under its new
musical director, Don Gollagher, who accepted this position
from the start of 2002.
The choir is ably accompanied by piano
accompanist, Prue Mews, who took over from the choir’s accomplished
accompanist of many years, John Brearley.
Don comes with a wealth of
musical experience and is well known in Perth’s musical
circles. He is eminently qualified both in music and drama,
specialising in teaching over many years. He is currently
employed as a musical specialist with the WA Education
Department. In the past he has taught children and adults at
such diverse locations as Cunderdin, Armadale, Perth Modern
School, Graylands and Mt Lawley Teachers Colleges. He has
been conductor of the Perth Philharmonic Choir for, at least
half of his lifetime. Don also conducted the Metropolitan
Gleemen from 1966 to 1990.
Prue Mews, the choir’s piano
accompanist, is a well accomplished and a popular addition
to the choir. As a specialist in a difficult area, i.e. that
of accompanist, she demonstrates great skill and aplomb.
As can be appreciated, the choir
is in excellent hands and hopes to be part of the Perth
musical scene for years to come.
New members are certainly welcomed, so if you, dear reader,
know of anyone suitable, do point them in the direction of this friendly
group.
Conversely, if you would like to
use the services of the Perth Male Voice Choir please refer
to our
"Book the choir page"
The choir is a non-profit and incorporated organization |