ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENING OF POETRY AND MUSIC IN ABERDEEN

 

A genuine heartfelt “thank you” to Peter and Sue Shaw of Aberdeen Books and Crafts from all who were present on the evening of 8th March at the Kerksaal in Aberdeen. It was a most enjoyable selection of culture, laughter, singing and music. A wide selection of the community assisted in bringing this event to fruition, and they are to be congratulated on their good-natured community spirit. This appears to have become a yearly event which we all look forward to and hope to see continue.

The profits accumulated by this event are for Aalwynhof, a worthy recipient.

The vivid red and grey back drop of curtains and an elegant setting of chairs and lanterns formed the background on stage for the reading of selected poems chosen by Peter Shaw which were read by Peter himself, and members of the Aberdeen community. The Kerksaal with its magnificent wall hangings and discreet lighting only added to an expectant, hushed atmosphere.

Les McMahon was skillful in providing Peter’s really beautifully chosen visuals and music relating to each individual poem, which created a feeling of depth and enjoyment.

Peter started the readings with “Young Lochinvar” written by Sir Walter Scott. This is a romantic poem of Barons and Brigands and was a very lusty way to start the evening. He also read “Drummer Hodge” a touching poem of a 13 year old boy by Thomas Hardy. Other great favourites were “Kubla Khan” by Samuel Coleridge Taylor, “When you are Old and Grey” by W.B.Yeats and “The Smugglers Song” by Rudyard Kipling, about a smuggler talking to his young daughter. “The Highwayman” by Alfred Noyes was poignant in its dramatic depth of sadness.

An enjoyable musical interlude was provided by the Sextet from the New Apostolic Church led by Roberto de Jager, who once again all brought their self-taught expertise to the evening playing “We All Stand Together” by Sir Paul Mc Cartney”.  Roberto provided musical backing for Esteline de Jager’s beautiful operatic voice, singing “O Mio ******Babbino******** Caro” and her wonderfully raunchy style of singing ‘Leaning on the Lamppost” by Noel Gray.

Readers, Marius, Denise, Lydia, Sue, Jan and Nomhle, all provided great entertainment reading specific poems chosen for them by Peter. A mind provoking poem “Snake” was skillfully read by Dawn Woods, and Michael de Villiers who read a poem of his own choosing ”Funeral Blues” by W.H.Auden, gave a moving rendition which held the audience captive.

Ds Beyers read Dr Wayne Visser’s “Ek Weet Van ‘n Plek in Afrika” which tells so strongly of Africa.

The final poem read was “Aalwynhof” by Tineke Anderson read by Christa Beyers. It had great meaning for the occasion.

Much laughter was provided by the ever popular “Aberdeen Male Voice Choir”, Peter Shaw, John Weldon and Marius Frazenburg, accompanied by Liesbet du Toit on the piano, who received an encore for all their musical contributions, being “The Hippopotamus Song” and the ever favourite “Three Little Maids From School Are We” in costume.

Tilly Beneke and the ACVV Members provided a good dinner and dessert for the evening.

Joan Tinker