Music filled the Swifts Creek Community Hall on Sunday, September 13, as a bus carrying nearly 50 musicians arrived over the Great Alpine Road from Bairnsdale for a special afternoon concert.
The performance provided a welcome community lift for the High Country township, bringing dynamic live music and a bustling crowd to the classic red-curtained hall.
The afternoon featured joint performances by the Phoenix Singers choir and the Canzona Brass trio. Musician group Canzona Brass — featuring John Schmidli, John Mourant and Kees Dogger — delivered two brass brackets ranging from stirring fanfares to reflective arrangements.
Led by Bairnsdale-based musical director Kim Green and accompanied by pianist Julie Trewin, the Phoenix Singers presented a varied repertoire designed to offer something for all musical tastes. Highlights from the program included Hello, Dolly!, the traditional spiritual Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Any Dream Will Do.
Organisers acknowledged East Gippsland Music in the event program for supplying the choir risers used during the performance.
Following the concert, audience members enjoyed an afternoon tea provided by the Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre, with all proceeds from the event donated directly to support the local Bush Nursing Centre’s ongoing healthcare services across the district.
