Acclaimed musician the headline act for Ringwood Concert for Cancer
- deansimpson7
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
BY LERISSE SMITH
The Ringwood Salvation Army Band has pulled off a major coup by securing acclaimed musician Ross Irwin as the headline act for this year’s annual Concert for Cancer.
Now celebrating its 23rd year, this special event in Victoria began as a tribute to long-serving band member Melville Smith, who passed away from cancer. Since then, it has raised more than $75,000 for the Cancer Council and united a community through music for the worthy cause.
Whether you are a music lover, passionate about supporting cancer research, or remembering someone who has passed away, this Saturday’s concert is an event not to miss.
“The combination of quality music, assisting the search for a cure to cancer, with the opportunity to remember and stand with those in pain makes this a highlight in our calendar,” said Major Bram Cassidy, Ringwood Corps Officer. “People can connect at different levels. It’s an act of joy, of generosity and of remembrance.”
The concert was the brainchild of band member and former bandmaster Paul Smith, Melville’s son. Driven by personal loss, he launched the event to honour his father and help fight the disease.
More than a fundraiser, the special evening is a chance to connect, reflect and be uplifted.
Headlining this year is trumpet virtuoso Ross Irwin, from the well-known band, The Cat Empire. His personal connection to the Salvos dates back to his childhood.
As a youngster, he attended the Ringwood Corps, making this performance a special homecoming. His mother now attends the corps. Ross will lead a small ensemble and perform five trumpet solos. He will also sing and play with a rhythm section featuring bass, piano and drums. It is hoped that about $4000 will be raised for the Cancer Council.
Over the years, a long and impressive list of acclaimed and well-known artists have generously donated their time to perform at the Ringwood concert.
Among past feature performers are Stephen Buller, a well-known Salvation Army composer and composer-in-residence for the American President’s Marine Band in Washington; Ron Prussing, Principal Trombone of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for three decades; and Brett Baker, internationally renowned trombonist with The Black Dyke Band.
The stage has additionally welcomed talented local musicians, school ensembles, choirs and community groups, making it a true grassroots celebration.
One of the most moving moments during the evening comes with a special candle segment. Every year, the band plays I Know Thou Art Mine, the hymn played at Melville’s funeral. Wendy, his wife, and their sons lead the candle lighting ceremony. Audience members are then invited to come forward to light a candle in memory of someone they have lost, or in support of someone currently battling cancer.
“It is usually quite a powerful time in the concert,” reflected Bandmaster Mark Hamilton.
“It happens towards the end of the concert, and we’ve done that for quite a number of years now. So, it’s a good opportunity for people to participate in the evening. It’s an important part of the night to remember and reflect, but also have great music for a great cause and a message of hope because we have faith. Our goal is to share the hope of eternal life because that is what Christians believe.”
Mark also highlighted the significance of the event for the band members and the local community.
“It is just our church band that does this,” he remarked. “It’s an annual event and a pretty important event for people in the band. It’s a significant event. People who didn't know Melville have certainly got on board, which is a good thing.
“It’s certainly very much a church community event and the church gets behind it. Being a Salvation Army band also gives us a chance to share the hope that we have because we are a Christian group. We are very strong in our Christian presentation of the music.”
Tickets are available through Trybooking
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