International Staff Songsters on song in Perth for tour opener
International Staff Songsters on song in Perth for tour opener
5 April 2017
The International Staff Songsters began their two-week tour of Australia and New Zealand last weekend in Perth. Photos: Anthony Lau
The International Staff Songsters have kicked off their two-week tour of Australia and New Zealand with a weekend of workshops and performances in Perth.
Despite a 20-hour flight from the United Kingdom, the staff songsters didn’t miss a beat, enthusiastically embracing their first official event – a divisional vocal workshop and high tea on Sunday afternoon – which was attended by around 100 Salvationists.
Vocalists from around the division preparing for their perfomance with the International Staff Songsters, who visited Perth last weekend.
Vocalists from around the division joined the International Staff Songsters (ISS), spending almost two hours working as a combined brigade under ISS leader Dorothy Nancekievill (pictured below, right). The group presented two pieces at Monday night’s concert, the first of six concert events over the next two weeks.
“Sitting alongside the ISS, and working under Dorothy, inspired us to give more of ourselves, to strive to produce something beyond what we have achieved before. It was a real blessing to be involved,” said Perth Fortress deputy songster leader HelenMulder.
More than 250 people packed the Perth Fortress auditorium to hear The Salvation Army’s premier choir perform.
“Many of those present have heard the ISS through their recordings, but to see them perform live was such a special opportunity,” Helen said. “They entertained and blessed us with favourites Just Like John and the Hallelujah Chorus as well as bringing new music such as Richard Phillips arrangement of Choral Symphony No 1. The music was wonderful, but what also stood out was their ministry to people. Whenever they had the opportunity the ISS members were out and about engaging and connecting with the people. This was as much a part of their ministry as their beautiful music".
Sitting in the audience was Jacqui Proctor, a founding member of the ISS back in 1980, who was acknowledged during the concert for her contribution to the group.
"It was lovely to meet again a few members I had sung with years ago, and to shake hands with those new to me," said Jacqui. "They are the happiest group of people one could ever hope to meet. They are totally committed to the criteria passed on by General Arnold Brown to the first International Staff Songsters.
"I also attended the Workshop and was thrilled to see so many local folk attending. Many would have come from corps with, perhaps, just a small singing group, and yet Dorothy, in her own caring way, made us feel that we were part of a wider group of Staff Songsters, singing the same songs, and sharing the same message."
Australian ISS member Kerry Sampson also had a precious reunion during the weekend with her grandmother, who lives in Perth.
On Tuesday, the ISS performed in Mandurah, south of Perth, at a seniors concert that was attended by around 240 people.
“There was a special moment, during the singing of The Holy City by songster Richard McIntosh where everyone in the audience joined in for the chorus. It was very moving.”
ISS founding member Jacqui Proctor (centre), now based in Perth, with current members of the brigade.
The ISS will perform a further six concerts in Australia and New Zealand. The Australian dates include Brisbane (5 April), Sydney (10 April), Canberra (11 April) and Hobart (12 April), concluding in Melbourne on 15 April.
For all tour details and concert bookings, go to sarmy.org.au/isstour
Comments
So glad our son, Richard McIntosh was chosen to sing the wonderful song 'Holy City' and that it made for a special 'moving moment` at the concert at Mandurah. Well done, ISS.