Vika and Linda Bull. Photo by Darren Thomas.
Featuring the incredible Vika and Linda Bull, QPAC Concert Hall presented a benefit concert for the FHEAL Foundation that was uplifting and inspiring. Narrated by one of Australia’s’ favourite actors, Noni Hazlehurst, the evening proved to be heart-warming and entertaining.
The event was beautifully initiated by a Welcome to Country ceremony by Songwoman Maroochy of the Turball people who gave an outstanding performance and welcome. Followed by the Hope and Healing Choir of over 200 members comprising of the QPAC Choir, QPAC Youth Choir and for the first time, the Children’s Health Queensland Community Choir led by Timothy Sherlock, Choir Master. They performed Stabat Mater wonderfully, a 13th Century piece that had the audience in awe of the harmonies filling the space.
Enter Vika and Linda Bull whose sensitive rendition of Paul Kelly’s ‘If I Could Start the Day Again’ was exquisitely sung, and later in the evening they wowed the audience with ‘What You Want’ with their powerful vocals impressively hitting the groove. ‘Grandpa’s Song’ was a gift and very moving, a sweet personal piece. In ‘Gods Little Birds’ the incredible power of Vika’s voice is unbelievable! I really enjoyed Linda’s velvet melodic voice through the show too, these sisters are an incredible duo.
Jade New World Collective is QPAC’s newest ensemble in residence, their work was gorgeous, incorporating gentle rhythms combining guitar by Dr Anthony Garcia, Dheeraj Shresta on Nepalese tabla, Japanese koto Master Takako Haggerty and Indigenous didgeridoo musician David Williams.
The inspiring original music imbued a cultural fusion of an exquisite nature, infusing the night with a sense of peace and strength and grace. They were joined briefly by Carnatic vocalist Mani, a stunning artistic genre of lifting the spirit through voice. Mani performed again and enchanted the audience with her rich and delightful melodic voice.
Mzaza graced the stage with an energetic gypsy folk set that was both vibrant and dramatic. Impressive weaving of a fabric of Balkan French sounds they had an energetic intensity utilising accordion, violin, percussion, double bass and electric guitar. Singer, Pauline Mandy managing to get audience participation on one song in an ancient language was fun – they are a great band to experience the vibe of old and new.
Photo by Darren Thomas.
Eddie Nolan is a traditional Irish musician who performed An Chuilfhionn on the Uilleann pipes which was a treat, a splendid window to Irish traditional Music, and was compellingly beautiful. Gospel followed with the whole choir and we witnessed amazing harmonies and a very happy audience.
The concert featured Mark Ferguson as the Musical Director and on piano, he led the Hope and Healing band – they didn’t miss a beat.
The 1300 or so audience gave a standing ovation to a great night out for a great cause, the third concert at QPAC as a fundraising event for FHEAL, chaired by Adele Rice AM, an organisation that supports refugee children in schools with art therapy. Helping build a better society with social cohesion, compassion and kindness.
Rating: 4 stars ★★★★
Songs Of Hope And Healing with Vika and Linda
Featuring:
Noni Hazlehurst AM
JADE New World Collective
Mzaza
Songwoman Maroochy
QPAC Choir
Children’s Health Queensland Community Choir
18 March 2019
Qpac Concert Hall
