2010 China Tour - Cranbourne Chorale

2010 China Tour

2010 China Tour - Cranbourne Chorale

Cranbourne Chorale returns from triumphant tour of China.

At the end of September,  34 singers, their conductor Anne Credlin, accompanist , Simon Loveless and 12 supporters returned from a 2 week tour where they sang with local choirs in each of Xiamen, Shanghai and Beijing. The music and friendship that they shared was a wonderful experience.  The choir was welcomed enthusiastically everywhere they went.  Their first performance on arrival in China was at a corporate function in Xiamen to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and the audience of 650 was extremely appreciative and set the tone for the remainder of the tour.

Whilst the high winds and rain from typhoon Fanapi prevented the group from visiting Gulang Island, it didn’t put a dampener on the group’s enthusiasm.

The Xiamen choir gave them a wonderful welcome and all enjoyed the very emotional experience of sharing songs from each other’s country. Waltzing Matilda, I Still Call Australia Home and What a Wonderful World were sung enthusiastically by both choirs and Cranbourne Chorale were delighted to be able to sing “Song and Smile” in Mandarin with the local Qiaoyou Chorus.

In Shanghai, as well as singing with 2 local choirs, the group had a chance to visit the World Expo 2010 and whilst waiting in the very long queues the choir delighted fellow queuers with an impromptu performance which was greeted with loud applause.  The formal performance in Shanghai was attended by the Deputy Australian Consul-General who was moved by the Australian content of the choir’s repertoire as well as the many other numbers sung by both choirs.

The final performance was probably the highlight of the trip as it took place on the Great Wall.  With clear blue skies and the imposing structure of the Wall as the backdrop, Cranbourne Chorale sang their own repertoire and then joined with Kalinka choir from Beijing to sing the combined numbers. Adrenalin and emotions made it difficult to sing. The line of one song in particular moved a lot of the singers.  It was difficult to sing “Can you imagine a piece of the universe more fit for princes and  kings” which although written about another country seemed particularly relevant as they gazed out at the magnificent scenery. To finish the performance with I Still Call Australia Home just put the icing on the cake!!

It was a fun-filled two weeks  which, apart from the musical content and the friendly meetings with the Chinese choirs, it  included some spectacular sightseeing, some wonderful culinary experiences and of course, the chance to really get to  know their fellow singers.  

The choir is hoping that at least some of the singers form the Chinese choirs will come to Cranbourne next year to help Cranbourne Chorale celebrate their 20th birthday.