Eric Bogle joins voices with Orange choir
Australian folk music legend Eric Bogle will be performing two unique concerts in Orange next month alongside the Orange Male Voice Choir.
On Friday November 8 and Saturday November 9, Bogle and supporting musicians will be joined by 30 members of the Orange Male Voice Choir performing a selection of the singer/songwriter’s extensive catalogue.
The Scottish-born folk musician is probably best known for his emotional anti-war songs “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda” and “No Man’s Land”, as well as his comedic “Nobody’s Moggy Now” and “The Aussie Bar-B-Q”.
But his body of work is vast and many of his songs have gone on to be covered by artists all over the world.
“It is a tribute concert to Eric in a way,” said David Woodside, member of the Orange Male Voice Choir.
“Eric came to Australia in ‘69, so 50 years he has been playing and singing folk music in Australia and most of it his own compositions… We thought it would be really great to arrange some of Eric's music and do a tribute to him at this stage of his career.”
The Orange Male Voice Choir has long included Bogle’s touching anthem “Shelter” in their repertoire and they have been enjoying the process of bring more of his work into the choral medium.
“A lot of his songs they are almost like anthems to Australia and his love of the people, the bush, the landscapes,” said choir conductor Barry Patterson.
“He is a social commentator as well as a larrikin, satirist — he does it all. And that is what is so wonderful about his music; that he can cross so many emotional spectrums.”
The Friday night performance at the Bloomfield Hall will be a “cabaret” style event, with seating at table of eight with a light supper included.
Saturday will see Bogle and the choir perform in the Orange Civic Theatre, with Bogle performing an extra solo set.
“It will be more of a concert,” said Barry, “where the Friday is a bit more laid-back and we are actually going to interview and have a chat with Eric onstage.”
Bogle’s music is being arranged for the Orange Male Voice Choir by well-known Australian multi-instrumentalist and composer Paul Jarman, who will also be guest conductor at both performances.
“Paul is a national icon in the choral world and like Eric, they both write about our history and culture and bring an Australian flavour to life through their music and lyrics,” said Barry.
“Yes, it is a great double coup, really, to have them both here to work together in Orange and to work with us at the same time,” said David.
Eric Bogle will be performing with the Orange Male Voice Choir on Friday, November 8 and the Bloomfield Hall and Saturday November 9, at the Orange Civic Theatre, 7pm for a 7.30 start. Tickets $60 at Ticketek.