There was a sense that this was far more than Jambouree Choir’s annual Swing Into Summer concert. As the audience gathered in St Leonard’s-in-the-Fields Church on Saturday afternoon, they knew they were saying goodbye to a building that has echoed with Jambouree’s music for many years. With the church now closed, this final performance in one of Perth’s best-loved concert venues became an affectionate farewell to a place that has nurtured generations of singers.

Compère Allan Laing acknowledged the significance of the occasion with his customary warmth and humour, guiding the audience through a programme that mixed Broadway, opera, popular classics and comic favourites. His easy rapport with performers and audience alike gave the afternoon the feel of a family gathering rather than simply another concert.

From the opening chorus of There’s No Business Like Show Business, the combined choirs immediately established the relaxed, confident style that has become synonymous with Jambouree. The youngsters then burst onto the stage with an exuberant Happy Days Are Here Again, complete with lively choreography by Gwen Bothwell, whose imaginative routines have become a hallmark of the Jambouree Juniors.

Throughout the afternoon, Edna Auld, musical director and accompanist, demonstrated once again why she has been the musical heart of the organisation for so many years. Her assured piano accompaniment and careful direction allowed every section of the choir to perform with confidence while never overwhelming the soloists.

One of the first individual highlights came from Tina Bee, whose confident and expressive interpretation of Gluck’s Che farò senza Euridice? demonstrated both vocal control and musical sensitivity. It was an ambitious choice, beautifully delivered, and provided an elegant contrast to the lighter numbers surrounding it.

The Cabaret Singers offered a beautifully balanced Let It Be, before the full company reunited for Irving Berlin’s delightful A Simple Melody. Their close harmony singing was equally effective in Daydream Believer and a gentle, expressive Over the Rainbow, both warmly received by an appreciative audience.

One of the afternoon’s highlights came with a spirited performance of The Wellerman, whose rhythmic drive brought fresh energy to the programme.

The concert also showcased several accomplished soloists. Bill Millar delivered a polished account of Mozart’s The Birdcatcher, combining confident vocal technique with engaging stage presence. Later, Anastasia and Elsie charmed the audience with the comic duet We’re a Couple of Swells, capturing both the humour and character of the famous number with impeccable timing.

The Jambouree Juniors returned with two audience favourites, Nelly the Elephant and Talk to the Animals, before later bringing infectious enthusiasm to Come Follow the Band. Gwen Bothwell’s choreography ensured that every child was fully involved, creating performances that were every bit as entertaining visually as they were musically.

The Cabaret Singers continued to impress with a confident The Lion Sleeps Tonight, followed by the romantic Love Is a Many Splendored Thing, before bringing plenty of humour to the ever-popular Java Jive, whose witty lyrics and close harmonies delighted the audience.

One of the concert’s most moving moments came not through a solo performance, but in Allan Laing’s closing remarks. Reflecting on what may be Jambouree’s final appearance in St Leonard’s, he thanked the church for providing such a welcoming musical home over so many years and paid tribute to the volunteers, musicians and audiences who have sustained the choir’s success.

A delightful change of mood came with Pavlina Ivanova and David Thomson, whose performance of Franz Lehár’s Very Little Waltzcaptured all the elegance and charm of Viennese operetta. Beautifully balanced and stylishly presented, it was one of the evening’s musical highlights.

That emotion carried naturally into the final musical item, An Irish Blessing. Sung with warmth and sincerity by the Cabaret Singers, its familiar words became a heartfelt farewell to the church itself, expressing gratitude for decades of friendship and music-making within its walls.

There could, however, be only one encore. As choir and audience joined together in a reprise of Happy Days Are Here Again, St Leonard’s rang once more with laughter, applause and communal singing—a fitting conclusion to an afternoon that celebrated not only music, but community, friendship and shared memories.

Buildings may close, but traditions endure. If this was indeed Jambouree’s final concert in St Leonard’s-in-the-Fields, it was a farewell worthy of both choir and church. Under the inspired musical direction of Edna Auld, with the energy of the Juniors, the polish of the Cabaret Singers, and the warmth of Allan Laing’s presentation, the concert was both a celebration of the present and a tribute to the past.

As one chapter closes, there is every confidence that Jambouree’s music will continue to find new audiences—and new homes—for many years to come.