GK's Bring 'Simple Joys' to Epping

Our first concert of the year came at the perfect time

Following a year of separation and several months of socially-distanced rehearsals, the Golden Kangaroos Discovery, Explorer and Senior bands performed in the organisation's first concert for 2021.

Despite the restrictions brought in mere days before the big day, the concert saw a huge turnout of audience members.

"It was clear the audience really resonated with the simple joys theme, which reinforces just what a significant thing it is in people's lives to be able to enjoy live music, " Stephen O'Doherty told The Boomer Times.

"The response was so pleasing. I know we made people cry with Shenandoah - that' s always good music!"

The time away from music was also noticeable, with both conductors picking up on the change.

"Matthew and I had a long debrief afterwards, " Stephen said.

"We both feel all bands played better than pre-lockdown, and the difference can be felt as much as heard. The musicality of the performances was so fulfilling for us, and I could tell players and the audience felt similarly.

With a repertoire covering everything from traditional tunes to medleys of music from Dr Who and Porgy and Bess, there was something everyone could enjoy following our long hiatus.

The musicality of the performance was so fulfilling for us, and I could tell players and the audience felt similarly.

The timing of our concert couldn't have been better either, with Greater Sydney entering lockdown less than a week later.

Image: James McLeay

"I can't believe how fortunate we were to choose the last possible week before a new lockdown, " Stephen added.

The raffling of our various prizes and the giveaway of one of our limited edition 50th anniversary bottles of wine also went down a treat with our audience.