Emma Pritchard

In front of a near capacity crowd, the Clarence Valley Orchestra and Chorus lit up the Saraton Theatre in Grafton on October 27 as they performed their spellbinding, dazzling, and humorous 10th Anniversary concert An Afternoon At the Pops: The Weird and Wonderful.

Compered by famed Australian comedian, writer, musician, and radio personality Anthony Ackroyd, and featuring a guest appearance by the enigmatic trio The Kransky Sisters who travelled from the Queensland township of Esk in their trusty 1950s Morris Major for the occasion, the orchestra and chorus were at their brilliant best under the expert guidance of Artistic Director and Conductor Greg Butcher as they brought renowned tunes and songs including Faure’s beautiful Requiem, some Dixieland jazz, and Johnny Angel by Shelley Fabares effortlessly to life on the stage.

Among the many highlights from the program was the emphatic performance of the 1812 Overture by Russian composer Tchaikovsky, and while the traditional cannon fire which usually accompanies the spirited notes was unable to be included as part of An Afternoon At the Pops: The Weird and Wonderful, several members of the audience were allocated brown paper bags and instructed on when to blow them up, and when to make them go bang in lieu of the gunfire.

The laughter which lingered in the air continued to build as The Kransky Sisters, Mourne, Eve, and Dawn, were welcomed onto the stage.

With their beloved instruments (a musical saw, toilet brush, tuba, kitchen pots, guitar, and a keyboard) in tow, the trio shared snippets of their childhood and early life growing up in Esk with the audience as they performed songs by iconic British rock band Queen and other renowned artists encompassed with their own unique twists and traits.

During the concert newly elected Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Mayor Ray Smith was invited onto the stage and dressed as an honorary Kransky Sister.

While his tambourine skills and community spirit entertained the crowd, he was thereafter presented with a Certificate of Participation following his debut performance.

The Clarence Valley Orchestra and Chorus, along with their special guests The Kransky Sisters, received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the concert with many attendees complimenting them on their musical abilities and showmanship.