Patrons
A Message from Alwyn Humphreys
Greetings from Old South Wales to New South Wales!
I am delighted and highly honoured to be a Patron of the Orange MVC, creating a link, not only geographically so to speak, but also with the Welshman, Rowland Gregory, who started it all back in 1926.
I will never forget the welcoming party that met me on the station platform when I arrived in Orange for the first time in 2008. I felt rather like a celebrity, and was given a truly royal welcome. It is true that music brings people together.
Long may you continue to spread music and friendship wherever you go.
My very best wishes,
Alwyn
Alwyn Humphreys is a celebrated Welsh conductor and arranger who conducted the famed Morriston Orpheus Choir for 25 years. He figures in the International Who's Who in Music and has been acclaimed worldwide.
In constant demand as a guest conductor in his native Wales and abroad, Alwyn has been a regular visitor to Australia. He was created an MBE in the Queen's 2001 New Year's Honours List for services to music in Wales. In July 2006 he was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Music by the University of Hull recognising his "outstanding contribution to the art and practice of choral music in this country and across the world." .
OMVC is privileged to have the patronage of this distinguished and accomplished musician.
A Message from Deidre Penhall
As a Patron of the Orange Male Voice Choir for a number of years, I am proud to be associated with this organisation who are outstanding ambassadors for the City of Orange and the Central West Region.
This choir has represented not only regional NSW but also Australia when they toured UK, Hong Kong, China and New Zealand.
I commend this choir for their work within the local community raising valuable funds for worthwhile projects and performing at Civic events such as Carols by Candlelight, Dawn Service on ANZAC day, and the Australia Day commemorations. They annually support the Orange Eisteddfod and events in surrounding towns and villages.
I look forward to continuing my support and association with this great choir.
Deidre J. Penhall, JP
Orange born Deidre Penhall has had a long association with OMVC. She is a co-director of one of Orange's most respected and long standing firms, Norman J. Penhall Funerals. Her lifetime love of music has seen her in regular attendance at the Choir's concerts over many years. Deidre has been a great benefactor of the Choir and her generosity and support are truly appreciated.
A Message from Mayor John Davis
As the Mayor and Patron of the Orange Male Voice Choir, I am proud to be associated with these local choristers. Not only are they professional entertainers who are extremely talented and dedicated, but they are great ambassadors for our City at a local, national and international level who proudly display the City of Orange logo on their uniform.
Members are always in fine voice ready to entertain at concerts, functions and events as well as assist with other worthy causes. The group are all well known in our City and live by their motto 'friendship through song.' Their performances have enriched our lives over their long history in Orange.
John Davis, City of Orange Mayor
John Davis has enjoyed a long career in local government including 17 years on Blayney Shire Council and 10 years as Mayor of Blayney to 2003. In 2004 he was elected to Orange City Council and was immediately elected Mayor.
John's terms as Mayor of Orange have been from 2004 to 2008 and from 2009 to the present day.
A proud family man who enjoys sporting and classic car interests, John is also a very successful businessman. He has been a motor dealer in Orange since 1983 (new and used cars). His Mazda dealership is the largest country Mazda dealership in Australia.
OMVC enjoys a close association with the City Mayor and Council. It is always an honour to represent the City and we are grateful indeed for the wonderfully generous assistance Council provided in financing our uniform change in 2008.