Scots News Magazine - June/July 2021

Page 7

Best of British enjoyed by Scots News Magazine concert ticket winners.

NEWS

Marion Atkinson sums up the feeling in the concert hall, in this letter to the editor. HI Carmel, I cannot tell you how much Frank and I Pipe Major Bruce Grice and enjoyed the tickets I won to the Queensland Pops conductor Orchestra’s Best of British. It was absolutely amazing and Patrick Pickett I feel so lucky to have won that prize. From the moment we sat down – even though masked – the audience was on alert, the theatre was packed and we eagerly awaited the commencement of the concert. When Patrick Pickett walked on to the stage, the audience came to life. What a wonderful contribution he has made to this concert for many years and what a superb conductor. Then from the first notes of God Save The Queen, followed by Advance Australia Fair, the stage was set. The stirring rendition of God Save the Queen certainly made every person in that theatre aware and proud to have British blood in their veins. It was absolutely amazing and although Patrick Pickett apologised – which I felt he had no need to do – for the fact that some people did not like to hear that anthem, you were able to feel the throb in your chest, the pride in your stance and a tear in your eye – that is how magnificent it was. As our Queen, head of the Commonwealth of which Australia is a part, I think we need to be thankful that we have had such a wonderful monarch at our head, and although she has had to face many adversities, some of them personal, she has led the Commonwealth with strength and pride, and for all of that she is to be admired. Our national anthem, Advance Australia Fair, produced the same reaction. Once the two anthems were over, the audience was in raptures and everyone sat alert, ready to experience the wonderful afternoon’s entertainment. I am sure there was not one disappointed guest in the theatre. The music, the Irish and Scottish dancing, the beautiful singing, and the Scottish piper - oh the Scottish piper! – all definitely bringing tears to the eyes, and making it all an unforgettable experience. How proud and how lucky we all are to have this heritage and to be fortunate enough to live in this wonderful country and be able to appreciate a performance such as was presented to us at the matinee at QPAC on Saturday afternoon. Once again Carmel, I cannot thank you enough for making it possible for us to attend the concert. My very kind regards, Marion & Frank Atkinson

Don’t miss the Celtic Spectacular to be presented by the Queensland Pops Orchestra on Saturday October 9 in the Concert Hall at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.qpac.com.au/event/qpops_celtic_spectacular_21/

Books set in Queensland at never-to-be-repeated prices! Seven Deadly Sinners is set in outback Queensland in 1957 - can you guess the serial killer? The Last Hurrah is set in Brisbane and the South Pacific a sad, mature love story. $20 each, including postage, until June 30 only! Email scotsnews@iinet.net.au The cost of importing books from my publisher has risen dramatically. Buy now at this price.

Scots News Magazine June/July 2021

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