Jonathan Welch hasn’t had a Mum for 40 years, but he remains grateful for the musical legacy she left behind.
This legacy is at the core of his Mother’s Day concert being staged at the Redland Performing Arts Centre on Mother’s Day for mothers.
Welch said he hoped the concert would provide an outlet for mothers on this special day, an outlet that could be incorporated into the usual Mother’s Day offerings.
It is also a day of firsts, the concert being Welch’s first Mother’s Day concert held on the day for him and for the centre.
“The concert is for mothers, but is also for people with mothers. For me, it is a day of joyous reflection and gratitude,” Welch said.
“My mother was a singer, pianist and organist and I grew up listening to her music. The concert is a tribute to her. She would love it.
“It is all wonderful music.”
Repertoire includes an eclectic mix, including some music from musicals, Disney shows, Shirley Bassey, Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli.
He will also be singing his own composition Grateful, which he sang on the Voice 2020 in memory of his mother.
“And it wouldn’t be a Mother’s Day concert without a sing-along,” he said.
Welch is joined on stage by accompanist Adam Prlewlocki and soprano Danielle Matthews.
“These are special people to me. They are now co-artistic directors of the choir of Hard Knocks,” Welch said.
“It’s a special time for us to come together to perform.”
Welch said the concert time at 2.30pm to 4pm worked well for people to go and have afternoon tea following it or lunch before, still accommodating family time on the day.
It is also an ideal gift for that mother who simply wants to spend time with her children.
“This is a celebration of the beautiful things mothers do. It’s a gift to share and my gift to everyone on Mother’s Day,” he said.
Welch said the day was also a celebration of 45 years working as a freelance professional singer.
“I recently had a life-threatening medical situation and it reminds me to take every morning and celebrate and reflect.”
Tickets are $55, $50 for seniors and pensioners and $43 for family groups of four. Book on tickets.rpac.com.au, 3829 8131.
