Concerts

Thank you, Jim – a big round of applause for our wonderful compere!

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

Once upon a time, in a concert hall not so very far from Neverland, a group of perfectly sensible people sat down expecting a nice, quiet afternoon of music… and instead found themselves dropped head-first into a library where all the books had escaped and turned into sound.

That, in a nutshell, is Read All About It: Books, Tales and Stories.

Todays program has really been a tour of the shelves, each tale hand picked by our programming subcommittee.

From the “Epic Classics” section, taken from the top shelf was Aida and we were joined by Dominique who rattled the shelves with her spectacular rendition. Thank you Dominique! From the “Science & Nature” section we have a tale with teeth, really big teeth, in Jurassic Park. From the “Adventure” aisle we had the Raiders March and from the “Children’s Classics” shelf – the one adults pretend is for the grandkids but mysteriously know all the stories by heart, we had The Polar Express and the ever lovable The Wind in the Willows. Rossie did a magnificent job once again as our narrator! Thanks Rossie.

The Theme from Schindler’s List, with our soloist Fan Yang, provided the opportunity for us to experience the gravity of this enduring story. Thank you Fan! 

We are so fortunate to have such wonderful guests joining us today. 

Through all of this, you’ve essentially been members of a very large, very enthusiastic book club – the kind where nobody has to pretend they finished the book, because the orchestra has kindly read it aloud for you in surround sound.

Now, like every good novel, todays concert comes with an acknowledgements section.

Our deepest thanks go to our wonderful volunteers and helpers – the editors, typesetters and indexers of the KGWO story. From parking and front-of-house, to raffle tickets, programs, wonderful artwork, audio-visual, stage crew and all the mysterious backstage jobs that appear to require both wizardry and spreadsheets – you are the reason this story makes it to print each term. This tradition of shared effort and gratitude is, as you know, a long-running series. Thank you for writing, editing and illustrating each new chapter the orchestra takes on. 

This time, I’d like to shine a special reading lamp on our parking crew. They are the heroic souls who conduct a live-action puzzle involving cars, limited space, and optimistic turning circles. Think of them as our prologue – without them, many of us would still be circling chapter one.

And, as always, the entire orchestra extends our heartfelt thanks to our Music Director, Dale Hubbard. Every good book needs an author with a plan, and occasionally the nerve to cut the boring bits. Dale is our head storyteller, bravely turning the pages, keeping us in the same chapter, and making sure we all arrive at the final full stop together. Thank you, Dale.

Of course, no saga would be complete without a sequel. Our next concert will open a brand-new chapter – a fresh set of themes, new adventures, and more music you’ll recognise from the soundtrack of your lives. You’ll find details in your program and on our website, and we would be delighted if you’d bookmark the date and join us again, so we can continue the story together.

Finally, to you – our audience, our loyal readership – thank you for turning up every term, for listening so intently, for clapping in all the right places, and for supporting community music. Without you, we’d just be a group of people rehearsing plot twists in an empty room.

Now, every good story needs a surprise ending… and in the grand tradition of KGWO, ours involves prizes. It is time to turn to the last page but one and draw our raffle!

Get your tickets ready – and may your number have a very happy ending.

My lords, ladies, nobles of the realm, and honoured guests— We bid you welcome to this most noble gathering, whereupon the KGWO Orchestra hath presented a musical tribute fit for crowns both real and metaphorical. 

Tonight, we doff our collective caps to sovereigns of every kind—monarchs, muses, and music-makers—those crowned by history and those knighted by popularity.

Yet before we proceed, it is meet that we pause in solemn remembrance. This court has lost a most faithful steward—our past president, Denis Madigan—who departed this realm unexpectedly, but whose presence abides still in the very fabric of our fellowship. For more than twenty years he guided this orchestra with wisdom, patience, and unflagging devotion. His was a reign not of pomp, but of quiet service; not of command, but of diligence and care. Tonight, as the music crowns our gathering, let it also stand as a tribute to his legacy, and may our gratitude to him be as enduring as the harmonies he helped sustain.

Even after laying down the mantle of leadership, Denis gave many more years in service as a volunteer. And no court may prosper without its steadfast stewards. 

Today we extend a gracious thanks to all whose labours have made this performance possible. To our loyal ushers, who welcome each guest with courtly charm; to our stagehands, who labour unseen like the tireless servants of a castle; to our artists that transform our stage into a regal hall, to our raffle keepers—guardians of chance and fortune—we bestow our deepest gratitude, and to our AV teams, a special thank you for preserving this memory.

Above all, we bend the knee to our Queen of Hearts, Dale Hubbard, who with baton in hand rules this realm of harmony. By her guidance, these many voices become one, as if by decree. And to our guest vocalist, Gillian, whose voice is itself a royal proclamation, we extend the honour of the crown.

Good people of the court, remain steadfast in your seats, for the banquet of music is not yet ended. And when the final chord has faded, we bid you return again to our kingdom on Sunday, November the 30th, where tales and stories shall spring to life in our final concert for the year…“Read All About It.”

Until then, let the banners fly, let the trumpets sound, and let the music reign.

Thank you for your gracious patronage.

What a scoundrel! I go backstage for just a moment and it's mutiny is it? I’d have him keelhauled… if we went so short on horn players! 

Thank you, Rossie! A hearty round of applause for our marvellous compere and her steady hand at the musical helm!

Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for joining us on the good ship KGWO, and I hope you are enjoying our swashbuckling adventures in: Treasure Hunt! It’s not every day you get to enjoy an afternoon of plundering the high Cs – musically speaking, of course. 

Today we’ve embarked on a journey filled with gold, glitter, and great bounties, and I trust you've all found a few musical jewels buried in our program so far. If you followed the treasure map each week on our Facebook and YouTube you will be well versed in each stop along the way. We hope you found it educational.

And what a crew we have on board today! Firstly, please join me in a hearty cheer for our dashing and dulcet guest vocalist, Connor Willmore, whose golden pipes could charm a siren off a rock. And a round of applause for the talented students from St Columba’s Honours Program, who’ve lent youthful energy to the deck and helped keep this musical ship on course. May your instruments remain forever in tune, and your sheet music dry!

Now, every fine ship needs a crew that keeps it afloat – and while you may not see them swabbing the decks, our volunteer teams are the true treasure of this orchestra. From front of house to back of stage, parking to programs, raffles to backdrops – your efforts sparkle more brilliantly than a pirate's hoard at high noon. Thank you all for your tireless dedication.

Of course, we’d be lost at sea without our chart makers and compass holders: the management and programming committees, plus our wonderful art and AV teams, and the tireless Steve Mogridge, who, I suspect, may have cloned himself at least twice to get through it all. Thank you, Steve.

And to our Musical Director, Dale Hubbard – the captain of this fine vessel – thank you once again for steering us through this musical adventure with patience, precision, and enough flair to warrant your magnificent pirate outfit.

Looking ahead to our next concert on Sunday 31st August at 2pm, we shall be trading our treasure maps for crowns and sceptres as we explore a realm of Kings and Queens – where every note is noble and every bar demands a royal fanfare. Do join us as we explore the royal family tree in full orchestral bloom. 

And if, by any chance, you’re sitting there thinking “I’ve always wanted to play in an orchestra” or “I played trumpet in 1986 and still remember where the valves go”, we’d love to hear from you. New players are always welcome – think of it less as joining a group, and more like finding your musical tribe.

And now, my final duty: to dig up the treasure that is… our raffle! May your ticket be the map that leads to riches – or at least a nicely wrapped box of goodies. Sav-y!

Thank you for your patronage, and fair winds to you all!

Thank you, Jim, for guiding us through today's concert with your signature wit and charm. Please show your appreciation to Jim!

This afternoon, we danced our way through music that spans continents, cultures, and centuries. We’ve experienced the stately sweep of the Danube, the energetic frenzy of the Sabre Dance, and the inexplicable brilliance of Mambo No. 5—which, like all great mysteries, is better embraced than explained.

This concert isn’t just about hearing music; it’s about seeing it brought to life. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible artistry of our dancers. 

The Watkins Academy of Irish Dance gave us the kind of precision that makes atomic clocks look unreliable. Bravo to Dance Captain Ella and her team—Abbie, Matilda, and Aa-li-yah!

We also had the elegant Curtis and Courtney from Orchard’s Dance Studio, who danced a subline waltz, and Laurie and Mike —who gave us a riot of zoot suiting. Thank you all for reminding us that music and movement belong together, like a pair of shakers and a spontaneous conga line.

On vocals, Brianna provided an absolutely knockout rendition of Flashdance I am sure you will agree, and also joining us again are students from the St Columba’s Primary School Honours Band Program. We are thrilled to have these young performers with us today.

Behind the scenes, the dance moves are even more impressive. A huge thank you to all of our volunteer helpers - from front of house, to car parking, raffle organising and ticket sales to stage managing, program printing to backdrop artists, and an amazing AV crew - we are indebted to your ongoing support. A special call out to Denis, Neville and Max, our intrepid videographers, who join us every concert to record our performances. You guys are awesome, thank you!

Now, a word about what’s next  (put on pirates hat).... can you guess the theme? Our first concert of 2025, Treasure Hunt, promises an adventure worthy of pirates, explorers, and those who set out with a vague map and no sense of direction. To build anticipation, we’re launching an online scavenger hunt starting in February - we will release a weekly clue tied to a piece of music from the concert, leading you to a place in the world connected to that music’s story. It’s a chance to explore music, history, culture, and geography—all without leaving your couch. Think of it as the ultimate game of “Where’s Waldo?” except Waldo is a place, and he’s hiding in a musical riddle. Hopefully you get the idea. Check the website and facebook for the details!

Before I wrap up, let’s take a moment to applaud the master choreographer who transforms our orchestra’s chaos into harmony: our conductor, Dale Hubbard. Thank you, Dale, for keeping us all in step!

Finally, I’ll leave you with this thought: music, like dancing, isn’t something we do because it’s useful. We do it because it’s joyful, maddening, and a little absurd—qualities that, I think you’ll agree, make life worth living. Thank you for spending your afternoon with us and letting us share that joyful absurdity with you. We truly appreciate your continued support.

Now, it’s time for the raffle—proof that even in a universe governed by chaos, there’s room for a lucky break. Good luck, and we’ll see you at Treasure Hunt!

Concert Speech 2024 Concert 2 - Fantasies and Fables

Good afternoon, music enthusiasts. I hope you have enjoyed our "Fantasies and Fables" concert as we journey through realms of imagination and wonder through the power of music.

As we gather here today, we're reminded of the transformative power of music and storytelling. From the whimsical to the profound, the pieces we have played today transport us to worlds beyond our own, a musical voyage that spans a rich tapestry of fantasies and fables.

Each piece on the program, in its own way, speaks to the human experience - our dreams, our fears, our triumphs, and our connections to one another. They remind us that music has the unique ability to bridge the gap between reality and imagination. 

The story from "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" as featured in Fantasia reminds us that even with magic, things can run amok, and it's no small feat to stage a concert like todays without the more earthly magic of our many supporters, volunteers and most importantly, you, our wonderful audience. 

I'd like to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the unsung heroes of today's performance - our dedicated volunteers. From our parking attendants to our ushers, from our raffle organizers and ticket selers to our stage crew, from audio visual to visual arts - your tireless efforts behind the scenes make events like this possible. Your commitment to the arts and to our community is truly appreciated.

To our guest performers, thank you for lending your exceptional talents to our stage today. Ross evoked the story of the Jungle Book with great flair, and Angelia has demonstrated again her multidimensional talents on vocals. I know Let It Go will be with you for the rest of the day - a better earworm you could not imagine, or… could you?? Let's see.

And to our esteemed conductor, Dale Hubbard, your guidance and vision have brought these fantastical worlds to life through music. As Leonard Bernstein once said, "To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time." Your meticulous planning and passionate execution have turned what seemed impossible into an enjoyable reality.

I am thrilled today to extend our thanks to the students from St Columbas Primary School’s music program, under the direction of Dale, who have joined us for several pieces today. It has been a pleasure having you play with us, and I hope that you have likewise enjoyed what I hope will be a formative experience, and one can repeat again in the future. There is nothing more rewarding than providing performance opportunities to young musicians, and this is a goal KGWO has always held as a core aspiration. 

A round of applause for our young players, and their families in the audience that support them in their musical endeavors.

Looking ahead, I'm excited to announce our next concert, "Everybody's Dancing." It is scheduled for Sunday the 1st December and tickets are available now!! We'll be exploring the rich tapestry of global dance traditions through music, promising an afternoon that will not only entertain but also broaden our cultural horizons. I hope to see some dancing in the isles by the end of the show!

In closing, let us remember that while the worlds we explored today may be of fantasy and fable, the emotions they evoke and the truths they reveal are very real. As we leave this concert hall, may we carry with us the magic of music and storytelling. 

Thank you all for your continued support of the arts in our community. I will now attempt to draw our raffle! Get your tickets ready and good luck.

Concert Speech 2024 Concert 1 - You Gotta Be Jokin'

I'm usually the only one sneaking off stage at this point in the concert.
It was a pleasure to have some company for camouflage!

And… thank you, Jim. A round of applause for our marvellous host!

I did consult C3PO on the chances of completing this speech without a hiccup… Apparently, they're slightly worse than navigating an asteroid field.  

Good evening, comedy connoisseurs! I'm so delighted to behold your grinning faces today that I could burst into song – but fear not, I'll spare you the earache. As Groucho Marx might quip if I did, "I've had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't it."

Laughter is indeed the best medicine, and with this concert, we're practically running a pharmacy. And remember, as the one and only Charlie Chaplin said, "A day without laughter is a day wasted." So let's ensure not a single moment is squandered!

As we orchestrate our symphony of snickers in our "You've Got to be Jokin" concert, let's strike a chord that resonates louder than a tuba in a library. Comedy, they say, is the universal language, and tonight, we're all fluent speakers. Well, at least we're trying our best not to get lost in translation.

Our next concert is shaping up to be so fantastical, it's like we're throwing a surprise party for reality – and trust me, reality has no inkling what's coming. Circle Sunday, August 4th, in your calendars with a marker so permanent, it will develop commitment anxiety! We'll be exploring the mysterious, the wondrous, and the downright whimsical in “Fantasies and Fables”. It's going to be more thrilling than finding out your blind date actually IS a superhero.

Please give a thunderous round of applause for our volunteers, the unsung heroes who are the real conductors on this laugh train. To our parking maestros, raffle virtuosos, our splendid artists, and our stage and sound wizards – you're the true headliners today, once again. Thank you!

A big thank you to our guest stars – D'Arne and Connor. Someone once said, "Singing is like a good joke - timing is everything, and when it lands just right, it's music to everyone's ears." And I've been told that your voices are so rich, that they pay their own taxes!

And let's not forget our illustrious conductor, Dale Hubbard. Dale, you're the alchemist who transforms a mere flick of the baton into a cavalcade of chuckles. As Victor Borge put it, 'Laughter is the shortest distance between two people,' and you, Dale, have brought us all closer together!

And you don't escape today without a couple of musical jokes to send you packing..

• What do you get when you drop a piano down a mine shaft?
  A flat minor.

• Why did the musician get locked out of their home?
  They left the keys in the piano.

• How do you fix a broken tuba?
  With a tuba glue.

Seems C3PO was right!

So remember, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade – and then find someone whose life gave them vodka, and have a party.
And if life gives you melons, well, you might just be dyslexic.

Thank you all for supporting us again today.

Now, let's see if we can pull a rabbit out of the raffle hat!