1993, History and other events

With two challenging productions, The Yeomen of the Guard and Elijah, 1993 was a big year for DVS. In 1993 the Eltham Community Orchestra did not accompany Elijah. Instead Graeme Wall organized an orchestra for a city performance. DVS donated $7000 to charity, $33,900 up to now.

The first commitment in the new year was for concerts on consecutive days early in March, the first at Eltham Anglican church and the second at Sutherland Homes, Diamond Creek. The program consisted of the Diamond Valley Singers performing excerpts from Les Miserables (a repeat of last year's work) and from Oklahoma (a more elaborate selection than for the Eltham Festival two years earlier). Also on the program were Serendipity and the Eltham Chamber Singers, a small choir comprising former members of the well-known Eltham East Primary School choir. The conductor of the Diamond Valley Singers items was Geoff O'Neill, and Roger Peck officiated at the piano. The main roles in Oklahoma were filled by Jenni Williams (Laurey), Annette Hand (Ado Annie), Dianne Richter (Aunt Ella), Graham Ford and Steven Touzell (Curly), and Allan Luke (Will Parker). Simon Newnham, Michael Knuckey and Michael Try helped out with smaller roles.

Unfortunately Serendipity were unable to perform at the second concert and this was filled out with extra solos from Andrea Fitzgerald, Martin King, Kim Kocijan, Michael Try, Hildegard Ziersch and Judith O'Shea. The concert attracted an appreciative audience at Eltham, but a disappointingly small one at the Sutherland Homes.

Just prior to these concerts the country concert addicts (this time Dianne Richter, Judith O'Shea, Marilyn Billing, Hildegard Ziersch, Graham Ford and Martin King) once again took Warracknabeal by storm. Judith impressed with a performance of the entire Woman's Life and Love song cycle by Schumann.

Late in April the Les Miserables selection had another airing at a concert at the Eltham Community Centre where the Diamond Valley Singers were joined by the Diamond Valley & Eltham Community Orchestra, the Eltham Concert Band and the Diamond Valley Big Band. This concert was part of the Shire of Eltham Community Arts Project.

The Bendigo Competitions fell right in the middle of a busy Yeomen rehearsal schedule, but a few singers found time to participate. Judith O'Shea and Hildegard Ziersch were placed second in the duet section and Marilyn Billing and Judith received honourable mentions.

August and September were busy months for a number of the Diamond Valley Singers people. Allan Luke did the role of Nanki Poo in a concert performance of The Mikado by the Dandenong Choral Society. It was also the Spring Eisteddfod season. Judith O'Shea, our eisteddfod addict, took a first, second and third at Mordialloc, and was even more successful at Ararat, winning four sections, including the aria - Michael Try was second.

Euroa was once again graced with the presence of Diamond Valley Singers at a Prom Concert at the Schoolhouse mid-September, with John Bumford accompanying. Judith presented the Schumann song cycle again and other artists included Diane Morgan, Catherine McGain, Marilyn Billing, Hildegard Ziersch, Graham Ford, Peter Newton and Michael Try. Diamond Valley Singers personnel were becoming a familiar sight in Euroa.

Around that time Judith and Catherine were doing A.M.E.B. singing exams, and both received an "A".

Late in October the Annual General Meeting was held at Andrea Fitzgerald's home. The new executive was duly elected, and comprised Irene Hayes (president), Michael Try (secretary), Sue Bell (treasurer), Dianne Richter, Gael Shearer and Michael Knuckey. Graham Ford was again appointed Artistic Director, and was also the first Diamond Valley Singers member to be given a Life Membership as a tribute to the contribution Graham had made to the group since its inception. The meeting also recommended that the 1995 stage production be a Vienesse operetta.

Melbourne Cup Day brought the annual Diamond Valley Vocal Eisteddfod at Greensborough. The adjudicator was Norma Knight, from Adelaide, who also conducted a Master Class a couple of days before. Diamond Valley Singers were successful in gaining a few honourable mentions and Judith was second in the aria.

Meanwhile Michael Try was on a "high" having been accepted as extra chorus for the Australian Opera production of Die Meistersingers.

The year ended on a quieter note, with Serendipity singing at the Diamond Creek Carol Service, while members of Diamond Valley Singers assisted with the general carol singing. The service this year was held in the Diamond Creek Community Centre. After this the singers were able to look forward to a well-earned rest over Christmas.