1991, History and other events

The year 1991 saw The Gondoliers (in October) sandwiched between two oratorios, one of which was our second year of The Seasons. This was the last year in which the G&S was performed late in the year - after this we would use the July school vacation. DVS donated $4000 to charity, $17,900 in total.

The first social event for the year was a musical trivia night at the home of orchestra members Mary and Derek Wright. Supper was followed by a showing of the video of a recent concert by the orchestra. Perhaps we don't often realise that the orchestra does have a life of its own outside of our Gilbert and Sullivans, and we should acknowledge that it achieves a great deal in the course of a twelve month period.

The eisteddfod and concert seasons had started again. Jenni Williams opened the score by winning the 21 and under Musical Comedy section at Dandenong and received an honourable mention in the Art Song. Graham took his little group to Bendigo over the June long weekend. Marilyn got an honourable mention, Judith a second place, and Ingrid a second and a place in the aria final. Allan Luke had launched into straight drama, performing a role in Ten Times Table for Centre Stage at the Doncaster Playhouse.

The traditional trip to Euroa took place at the end of June, with performers Graham Ford, Dianne Richter, Peter Newton, Ellen Hundley and Allan Luke. Graham's brother, John, who plays a large role in the musical scene at Euroa, was the accompanist.

The following week a P.S.A. was held at Diamond Creek Uniting Church, John Bumford again providing accompaniment. Artists included Graham, Peter and Allan from the previous week, plus Hildegard Ziersch, Marilyn Billing and Judith O'Shea.

After Easter, Dance, Drama and Singing classes began again with Rhonda, Irene, Graham and Dianne in charge. These classes provide valuable preparation for the Gilbert and Sullivan production and are always well attended.

After a late production in 1991 the Diamond Valley Vocal Eisteddfod was upon us in no time. This year it was held at All Saints Anglican Church, Greensborough with the advantage of a marvellous grand piano. Janet Perkins was the accompanist, while the adjudicator, Noel Cislowski, was flown down from Sydney for the occasion. This greatly added to the Eisteddfod expenses but Noel proved to be a very positive and helpful adjudicator. Chris again headed the organising committee and Graham compered in his usual relaxed style, which again created a warm and friendly atmosphere. Catering was provided by Diamond Valley Singers, led by Dianne Richter. This was greatly appreciated, and, in fact, made a tidy little profit for the group. Diamond Valley Singers figured in the prizes, with Ellen Hundley winning the Ballad section, Ingrid Schipperheyn an honourable mention in the Ballad, and Judith an honourable mention the Ballad and the Aria.

This year's Eisteddfod was notable for the creation of the Neil Tupper Encouragement Award, in honour of one of our members who died tragically earlier in the year.

Participation in the Eltham Festival was by a small group only - the Ducal party from The Gondoliers (Beryl, Ingrid, Michael Knuckey and Michael Try).

The Annual General Meeting, held late in November, heralded some significant changes in Diamond Valley Singers, with the President, Secretary and Treasurer all stepping down from this positions, though still remaining on the executive. New office bearers were Irene Hayes (President), Merrill Hogan (Secretary) and Graham Ford (Treasurer), with Gael Shearer, Dianne Richter and Dennis Hickey filling the remaining positions. Another major change was the moving of the Gilbert and Sullivan production to a July time slot, mainly to allow more time to prepare the end of year choral work, which would probably be Messiah.

The last two musical activities for the year were participating in the Diamond Creek Carols by Candlelight and a program of carols presented at the Commonwealth Bank in Eltham as a gesture of thanks for their sponsorship of a section of the Diamond Valley Vocal Eisteddfod. The management were most encouraging and donated an extra $50. So ended yet another busy and successful musical year for Diamond Valley Singers.