alburycity carols by candlelight

AlburyCity Carols by CandlelightCelebrating Christmas 2017

Mayoral Welcome

Welcome to Carols by Candlelight 2017. We’re so proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this wonderful event being presented by AlburyCity.

So much has changed since 1977 – Malcolm Fraser was the PM, a loaf of bread was 25 cents and Advance Australia Fair became the new national anthem. The VFL televised the football grand final live for the first time and the first personal computers were introduced. There were no mobiles, no tablets, we drove Holden Kingswoods and the shops closed at 12 o’clock on Saturdays.

Despite so much change in our lives over decades and even on a daily basis these days, one of the things that remains treasured by our community is the wonderful spirit and tradition of Christmas of which Carols forms a special part. It’s a time for families and friends, celebration, reflection but also giving and caring and I encourage everyone to embrace this Christmas season and look out for those around you.

I congratulate everyone involved in Carols tonight - the amazing cast, the crew, band and choir as well as our local partners, volunteers and supporters who help to put this event together. We are blessed to have such great talent and all the technical and support services right here in the Albury region to produce a show of national quality.

On behalf of AlburyCity Councillors and staff, we hope you enjoy a magical event and have a safe and happy festive season. Happy 40th birthday AlburyCity Carols.

Cr Kevin MackMayor, AlburyCity

2

BROADCAST DETAILS – 7PMCatch all the magic of this year’s Carols by Candlelight live on 1494 2AY, stream via www.2ay.com.au or download the free 2AY app at the Apple App Store and Android’s Google Play Store.

2AY1494

Tonight’s Program 6pm – Albury City Band

7pm – Carols Show

3

HALLELUJAH

JOY/ GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN/ JESUS WHAT A WONDERFUL CHILD MEDLEYJosh Thurling

WE 2 BLOKESJohn Walker and John Parry

JINGLE BELL ROCKMica Torre

MARY DID YOU KNOWCharissa and Bronte Wade

AWAY IN A MANGERJacob McCrohan

RUDOLPHTilly Pearson and Cohen Thorp

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWNMerryn, Sahara, Macey and Cohen Thorp

HERE COME THE REINDEER/JINGLE BELLS“Santa”

SILENT NIGHTJaide Brussen

WINTER WONDERLANDStella Klironomakis, Steph Holden and Maddie Johnson

RUN RUDOLPH, RUNBrendan Lee and John Parry

UNTO YOU THIS NIGHTEliza and Zac Spalding

ALL I WANT FOR XMASJacob Dowlan

IN DULCI JUBILOSean, David and Anthony Lee

THE CHRISTMAS SONGCatherine Cunningham

BLUE XMASElvis

GROWN UP XMAS LISTAmy Murray

DRIVING HOME FOR XMASGreg Harrison

O HOLY NIGHTJosh Thurling

ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGHBrook Dainer

THE FIRST NOELJacob McCrohan

O COME ALL YE FAITHFULIva Mahoni

O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEMGreg Harrison

WHAT CHILD IS THISKierra Oates

JOY TO THE WORLDMica Torre

BREATH OF HEAVENMerryn Thorp

WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVEAll Star Finale

4

Our Production TeamLizzie PogsonLizzie puts her years of experience to work to bring new concepts to each show, tying in and mentoring the new talent, whilst drawing out the best in all our cast and dance troupes. “It’s an absolute favourite community commitment for me, and there is nothing like being part of that Finale and seeing the Carols joy we’ve brought to Albury!”

William BonniciWill’s experience as a Carols performer of 12 years in itself is amazing, but he takes time out of his thriving real estate business to act as a mentor and coach to the cast. He cites Carols as one of his favourite activities each year which reflects his wonderful commitment to young local talent.

Paul GibbsNow a legend of Albury Carols, Paul leads the team for the 15th year as Musical Director bringing us another huge line up of talent backed by his selected local musicians who make up the Carols band. Paul’s arrangements and musical creativity continue to be a highlight of the show.

Simone WorsnopSimone Worsnop is a passionate choir conductor and worship leader and loves a good groove.This year will be her fourth time conducting the joyous Carols choir and celebrating this season of love.

Presenting...Your Host: John WalkerAlthough known mostly for his work as a comic actor on the Channel 7 hit comedy Full Frontal (1994-1999) John has worked as a theatre actor, corporate compere, writer, director, event manager/MC for over 35 years around Australia and overseas. His work locally has included the Murray River Performing Group, HotHouse Theatre, Albury-Wodonga Theatre Company, The Flying Fruit Fly Circus, ABC Radio and Prime Television.

John is currently employed in Learning Support with Catholic College Wodonga and is very excited to be invited back to host his second Albury Carols.

The BandThis awesome combination of local musicians helps set Albury Carols apart. Combined with amazing backing vocals of Treena Mannering, this group of professionals adds elements to the show rarely seen in regional Carols shows. Well done guys!

Paul Gibbs: Keyboards Kevin McGrath: Drums and percussionChris Mangan: Bass/ BanjoGeoff Haymes: Electric GuitarIan McLeod: Acoustic GuitarBrett Spokes: SaxophonesLuke Godfrey: TrumpetColin Anderson: Saxophone/Clarinet/HarmonicaTreena Mannering: Backing Vocals

5

Albury Carols ChoirFollowing stellar performances in 2015 and 2016, Simone Worsnop has again assembled an amazing choral group to back the cast with a big Christmas sound.

Simone’s passion for performance excellence is reflected in our wonderful Carols Choir.

Our Special Guest in Red!A much loved hero and great fan of ours is Santa who has been with us for all forty years of Albury Carols.

Thank you Santa for all the wonderful songs, dances, memories and joy you’ve brought to the people of Albury and we welcome you back to our 40th anniversary show!

A special ho ho ho to Santa’s Albury helper, Rodney Vincent who continues to entertain people across Australia.

Merry Christmas!

6

Carols by Candlelight PerformersJosh ThurlingMaking his debut this year at Albury Carols by Candlelight, Josh is ecstatic to be joining the cast to give back to the Albury community. Josh brings passion and enthusiasm from many years of stage show performances, as well as vocal stylings of jazz and gospel. Christmas is an important time to celebrate with family and friends, as well as reflect on the year that’s been, which is why Josh is looking forward to participating in Carols this year!

John ParryWith over thirty years of stage experience, John has performed in local productions including roles as ‘Cogsworth the Clock’ in Beauty and the Beast, the ‘Local Cop’ in Strange Bedfellows the Musical, ‘McDuff’ in MacBeth and most recently ‘the Wizard’ in Wicked for which he has now won Best Supporting Performance in a Musical in the regions “Georgy” Awards. Currently John and his wife are building a house in Bellbridge, but performing at Albury Carols as he did last year, remains a constant highlight.

Mica TorreMica started acting in television, movies, and theatre at the age of five and continued her centre stage performances working with professional artists and musicians touring the Philippines. In 2010, she travelled to the USA to compete for the ‘World Championships of the Performing Arts’ and in 2011, she was chosen to perform in Singapore where she starred in a movie and performed as Young ‘Nala’ for Walt Disney’s The Lion King. She is a scholar of Murray Conservatorium and the vocalist for the Albury City Band. Mica is a seasoned Carols performer.

Bronte WadeBronte is 15 years old and enjoys being home schooled. Her love for singing extends as far as she can remember. She has been surrounded by the arts and dance from a young age, performing in many eisteddfods and concerts and recently enjoyed the opportunity to be in BYTESized Productions, Beauty and the Beast. This will be Bronte’s third year of Albury Carols and she looks forward to another amazing show.

Charissa WadeCharissa is 16 years old and has grown up with music and arts playing a big part in her life. She has given multiple singing performances at events and concerts and has performed with the White Wall Gospel Choir since its inception. Charissa has also been dancing since she was very young and has been involved in many dance competitions and concerts with the Regional Academy of Performing Arts. She has stepped onto our stage before as both a soloist and in the Carols Choir.

Jacob McCrohanThis is Jacob’s third Albury Carols performance. He has been singing classical, jazz and musical theatre for five years and has been in many local theatre productions including most recently Livid Production’s Annie and Les Miserables. Jacob currently takes classes under scholarship at the Murray Conservatorium. Christmas Carols are his favourite part of the Christmas Season.

7

Matilda PearsonTilly is ten years old and is in year 4 at Talgarno Primary School. She has performed in the local productions of Oliver, The Marriage of Figaro and most recently played the role of ‘Chip’ in Beauty and the Beast. This is her first time at Carols, and she is looking forward to the opportunity to sing in front of the huge Albury crowd.

Merryn ThorpMerryn has been living in Wodonga with her family for almost seven years. She has been performing since she was a young girl and has experience in concert bands, vocal groups, choirs and musical theatre. This is Merryn’s third year with AlburyCity Carols both as a chorister and soloist.

Sahara, Macey and Cohen ThorpSahara has just finished at Wodonga Primary where she participated in the school choir and represented the school at the Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod and Wodonga Carols by Candlelight. She has also been learning piano for several years.Macey attends Wodonga Primary School, she too learns the piano and loves to sing. She has performed in the Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod and returns to Albury Carols for her second year.Cohen is excited to be performing for the first time at this year’s Carols by Candlelight. He participated in his first eisteddfod earlier this year and began learning the guitar.

Jaide BrussenJaide is 16 years old and a year 10 student at Catholic College Wodonga. She began music lessons at a young age. From the minute she started learning guitar she loved it and quickly became interested in all other things music. Jaide has done many gigs around the border and she’s excited to be involved in her first Albury Carols by Candlelight.

Madeleine JohnsonMaddie (17) is a year 10 student at Catholic College Wodonga. She was inspired to take to the stage this year after participating in the Carols choir in 2016. Aside from horse-riding, Maddie has always taken interest in the performing arts, participating in multiple school productions and choir. She is excited to perform for Albury this year and give back to the community by sharing the Christmas spirit with everyone.

Stephanie HoldenStephanie is 15 years of age and attends Catholic College Wodonga. This is Stephanie’s second year performing in Carols, making her debut in the Carols choir in 2016. Stephanie recently performed as a leading role ‘Ellen Dierwold’ in Catholic College Wodonga’s Robin Hood and participated in BYTESized Production’s ‘Try Everything’ program earlier in the year. She is studying Music and Drama at school and can’t wait to share another magical night at this year’s Carols.

8

Carols by Candlelight PerformersStella KlironomakisStella is 14 years old and is excited to be part of her first Albury Carols. She enjoys singing and acting and has been involved in many local theatre productions, including BYTESized’s Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan, AWTCo’s Oliver and Wicked, Livid’s Annie and TOTCo’s Butterfly Lounge. Stella competed in the Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod in 2016 winning the Under 16’s Vocal Championships and Vocal Age Aggregate.

Brendan LeeBrendan Lee is a priest, ex-Army chaplain and a columnist for three newspapers.Brendan is from a family of ten children and his interests includepeople, spirituality, philosophy, music, film, any sport, motorbikes, videogames, all foods and socialising. Carols 2017 will be Brendan’s first public performance in over ten years and we wish him well.

Eliza and Zac SpaldingEliza (15) has recently finished Year 9 at Wodonga Middle Years College and her younger brother Zac (12) has completed Year 6 at Wodonga West Primary. Both sing, play guitar and have written many songs collaboratively.Eliza is learning piano and recently graduated from the Country Music Academy of Australia (Junior Course) in Tamworth. The duo loves modern country music and is excited to be back at the Albury Carols this year.

Jacob DowlanJacob is eager for his trifecta performance at Albury Carols in 2017. He embarked on his career in IT this year and currently finds himself working at Victory Lutheran College in Wodonga. In his spare time, he enjoys writing music in his studio and walking the dog with his fiancé. Albury Carols is always a highlight of the year for Jacob and he is looking forward to another stellar show.

Anthony LeeAnthony Lee is a Year 10 student at Albury High School (AHS). He loves to play the guitar, piano, sing and perform. He recently featured in AHS’ Legally Blonde and Livid’s Les Miserables. Anthony is cast as the male lead in AHS’ upcoming performance of Fame: the Musical.

David LeeDavid Lee is a Year 12

student at Albury High School (AHS). He is a Grade six AMEB pianist, singer and performer, recently playing the lead

male in AHS’ Legally Blonde and starring in Livid’s Les Miserables.

Sean LeeSean Lee is a father of eight and has been a solicitor with Kell Moore Lawyers for eight years. Sean loves singing for his local church and recently played the role of ‘Bishop of Digne’ in Livid’s Les Miserables. He is proud to be performing tonight with sons Anthony and David.

9

Catherine Cunningham Being a lover of all things Christmas, Catherine is delighted to be singing in Albury Carols. Catherine has performed in many local theatre productions, and most recently played the renowned green witch, ‘Elphaba’ in Albury Wodonga Theatre Company’s adaptation of Wicked. Catherine loves singing and acting, and will continue to direct all her free time towards the development of her God-given artistic abilities.

Amy MurrayAmy has been performing in local theatre productions around the region since she moved to Australia from the UK over 10 years ago. Her theatre credits are endless and she was the Carols co-host for Albury Carols in 2016 which was an experience she will never forget. Amy is happy to once again be given the opportunity to sing at such a wonderful event that celebrates her favourite time of year.

Greg HarrisonGreg moved to Albury 35 years ago for a three-month stint as a solo artist. He loved the town so much he stayed and is now almost considered a local!! He has been performing as a musician and singer for many years and was a member of the original Albury Carols band.Greg has been a member of many local bands and is currently in the popular seven-piece band “Bogarts Call”.

Brooke DainerBrooke is a local Singer/Songwriter and Teacher at Holy Spirit Primary School, Lavington. Having studied a Bachelor of Education/ Arts in Canberra, she has enjoyed spending her first year back in Albury teaching and continuing to ignite her passion for music. Brooke has many fond memories of performing in Carols for several years since age 14 and is excited to return to this very special 40th Anniversary in 2017.

Iva Mahoni Iva is 13 years old and is in year 7 at school this year. Her interest in music started at a very young age, from playing the guitar at four years of age, to now writing and performing her own music at events around Albury. Iva won the Age Aggregate and Highest Mark in Music Award at this year’s Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod. She is looking forward to performing with such gifted and accomplished musicians.

Kierra Oates Kierra is a skilled singer and musician and has loved music from a young age. She has experience performing in various ensembles in and outside Trinity Anglican College and has performed in multiple eisteddfods and events. She has appeared in local productions such as Trinity’s Hairspray and High School Musical. Kierra is excited to once again be part of the Carols community and perform some beautiful music!

10

Carols to sing...

Away in a Manger Performed by Jacob McCrohan

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,

The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing,

the baby awakes,But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the skyAnd stay by my cradle

til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

Winter WonderlandPerformed by Stella Klironomakis

Sleigh bells ringAre you listening

in the laneSnow is glisteningA beautiful sight

We’re happy tonightWalking in a winter wonderland

Gone is the bluebirdHere to stay is a new bird

He sings a love songAs we go along

Walking in a winter wonderland

In the meadow we can build a snowmanThen pretend that he is a Parson Brown

He’ll say: Are you married?We’ll say: No man

But you can do the job When you’re in town

Later on We’ll conspire

As we dream by the fireTo face unafraid

The plans that we’ve madeWalking in a wonderland

11

Angels we Have Heard on High

Performed by Brook Dainer

Angels we have heard on highSweetly singing o’er the plains

And the mountains in replyEchoing their joyous strains

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings beWhich inspire your heavenly song?


Come to Bethlehem and seeHim whose birth the angels sing,

Come, adore on bended knee,Christ the Lord, the newborn King.



O Come All Ye FaithfulPerformed by Iva Mahoni

O come, all ye faithful. Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem.Come, and behold him. Born the King of angels.

O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,O come let us adore, Him,

Christ, the Lord.

Sing choirs of angels, Sing in exultation,

Sing all ye citizens of heaven, above. Glory to God, all

Glory in the highest.

O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him,O come let us adore, him,O come let us adore, him,

Christ, the Lord.

Ye, Lord we greet Thee, Born this happy morning,

O Jesus to Thee be all glory given,Son of the Father, now in flesh appearing.

O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him,O come let us adore, him,O come let us adore, him,

Christ, the Lord.

O come let us adore him,O come let us adore, him,O come let us adore, him,

Christ, the Lord.

Thank you!AlburyCity is delighted to present another wonderful night at Carols in 2017 as we celebrate this special time with family and friends. Tonight’s event is even more significant as it’s the 40th edition of AlburyCity Carols as we know it, the first being conducted in 1977. How far we’ve come!

Paul Gibbs who is celebrating his 15th year as Musical Director, together with his creative team has once again assembled a wonderful cast of talented local performers, our Carols band, choir and crew to present a highly professional production, renowned as one of the best in regional Australia. Congratulations to you all.

Yet another special anniversary is being celebrated in 2017, the 150th year of our treasured Albury City Band. We wish band members all the best and congratulate them on the milestone.

Radio 2AY has again come on board as our broadcast partner and we thank them for the live broadcast of the show along with the live stream across the world for those who can’t be with us tonight.

A huge thanks to the Rotary Club of Albury Hume who each year volunteer to sell candles with all proceeds going to local charity.

All of our Carols service providers are local and we thank them also for their contribution to the event. Your efforts help us to make this event such a treasured one for our community.

• Atura – accommodation partner

• Jetgo – travel partner

• Cross Border Security

• Specialty Press

• Albury Sound & Lighting

• Barlens

• MYER Centrepoint Albury (set decorations)

• Marshane Media (LED screen hire)

• Mr Pure Water (water for the cast)

Our wonderful dance schools, thank you for your amazing performances:

• Johnny’s Rockers

• DMB Dance & Performing Arts Centre

• Hume Dance School

• Sharen Reynolds School of Dance

• Murray Youth Performing Arts

Enjoy a safe and happy Christmas and a wonderful 2018

2AY14942AY is proud to be associated with 2017 Carols as official broadcaster and to co-sponsor the candles on sale with proceeds to go to local charities.If you’ve enjoyed tonight’s amazing display of talent and the magic of Christmas, relive the moment with the “Carols Encore” on The Border’s 1494 2AY on Christmas Night from 6.30pm. We’ll replay all the highlights from tonight’s show for your listening pleasure.

THANK YOU FROM 2AY – YOUR OFFICIAL CAROLS BROADCASTER 2017

alburycity carols by candlelight

Documents