1991, Stainer's The Crucifixion (audio files)

In the new year rehearsals started in February, as The Crucifixion was to have its three performances in late March at Mill Park, Eltham and Diamond Creek Uniting Churches. Beryl Nicholls was to be in charge of the baton and Roger Peck the organ. Since Messiah in 1987 Roger has been a quiet tower of strength as regular rehearsal pianist - occasionally getting the chance to sing in performances with the orchestra. A professional music teacher Roger has a particular ability to follow the conductor's beat, crucial in choral singing. Roger and his children have also willingly helped with front of house most years.

As The Crucifixion has no female soloists, the ladies missed out, but the men had a field day, with Graham Ford, Robert Alves, Rod Gorfine, Allan Luke, Colin Chapman, Peter Newton, Gordon Issom and Victor Jetten all having a go. After a slightly shaky first performance, the other two went very well.

An indication of the high quality of the talent in Diamond Valley Singers is their ability to win leading roles with other companies. John Tacey sang the role of Marco in Savoy's Gondoliers and Judith O'Shea was Babirra Players' Katisha in The Mikado.

These history notes have been kindly provided by our long-term artistic director and co-founder, Graham Ford.

Audio files of Diamond Creek performance provided by Graham Ford. Soloists are named first.

1 Peter Thomas - And they came 2 Graham Ford - Could ye not watch 3 Allan Luke - Fling wide the Gates 4 Colin Chapman - And when they had come 5 Cross of Jesus 6 Colin Chapman - He made Himself 7 Allan Luke - King ever Glorious 8 Rod Gorfine - And as Moses 9 God So Loved the World 10 Holy Jesu 11 Allan Luke - Jesus Said 12 Colin Chapman, Robert Alves - So Thou liftest 13 Jesus the Crucified 14 Graham Ford - And one of the Malefactors 15 I Adore Thee 16 Colin Chapman - When Jesus therefore 17 Peter Newton - Is it Nothing to You 18 From the Throne of His Cross 19 Colin Chapman - After This 20 All for Jesus