A Celebration Concert was held today in memory of a wonderful woman, Rae Cocking. Many have not experienced the pleasure and privilege of knowing her, yet felt as though they already knew Rae through the heart felt speeches and anecdotes of her life as a singer, teacher and mentor from friend Richard Trevaskis. As well as from the brilliant performers who were Rae's students, friends and colleagues, through song and dance. It was a year since Rae left us, and this concert was a celebration of her life, which I enjoyed immensely. The following is my review of a magnificent display of singing, dancing and acting that would make Rae very proud and pleased.
Remembering Rae by Linh
There is nothing like a dame, and Rae Cocking was a grand dame of opera and musicals like no other.Teaching at the Elder Conservatorium for 18 years, Rae encouraged, supported and inspired her students, and was more than a teacher. She was a friend, mentor and creative influence to everyone and touched the lives of many who were lucky to have met and worked with her.
The Celebration Concert was organised by friend and colleague Guila Tiver, who also performed.It will also help fund a scholarship in Rae's name to encourage young and new singers to realise a dream to entertain the world through song and music.
An array of talented performers graced the stage at Elder Hall to pay tribute to a wonderful individual through a smorgasbord of opera and muscial theatre. The list reads like a who's who of Adelaide's arts and entertaiment scene, with many well known faces returning for the special occasion.
Derek Taylor flew in from Melbourne, while Teresa La Rocca returned from Sydney where she performs for Opera Australia.
The concert featured opera duets, arias and trios, with musical numbers thrown into the mix. The diverse range of voices and versatile singers reflected the huge scope of talent Rae possessed.
All performances were outstanding, with every song a highlight and each performer shone in voice and stage presence.
Sally-Anne Russell gave a commanding performance with Cruda sorte (L'Italiana in Algeri, Rossini), in fine dramatic voice complimented with comic flair. Rosalind Martin brought quivers of delight with her rendition of Mi chiamano Mimi (La Boheme, Puccini).The very energetic, colourful and dance-infused America (West Side Story, Bernstein), had Cherie Boogaart, Carolyn Ferrie, Michelle Nightingale,Trish Spence and Michelle Grootenboer in exquisite vocal harmonies and alluring charm.
Other notable standouts included the dynamic, character-driven Cellblock Tango (Chicago, Kander) performed by the same team from America with the inclusion of Lyn Harris. Keith Hempton gave a brilliant and stirring performance of Old Man River (Showboat, Kern), and Ben Rasheed shone in a compelling interpretation of the character Javert with Stars (Les Miserables, Shoenberg).
A fitting finale featured the talented Andrew Turner, Derek Taylor and Mark Oates, and the ensemble, comprised of every performer in the concert including the pianists, with Do You Hear The People Sing? (Les Miserables, Shoenberg).
The accompanists, Nerissa van Nek, Margaret Ferrie and Anthony Hunt, provided sterling support and are equally deserving of the thunderous applause and cheers from the audience.
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