Stephen shares ‘personal cries from the heart’ with Hobart audience
By Catherine Sheehan
Singer-songwriter Stephen Kirk performed his first ever headline concert in Hobart on Friday 8 November, attracting a crowd of more than 80 to the evening of soulful and reflective music.
Titled ‘Stephen Kirk Unplugged’, the concert was held at The Barn at Rosny Farm, an intimate atmospheric venue, with the Canberra-based musician performing songs from his six albums.
Between songs Stephen shared personal insights and reflections from his own spiritual journey, describing how God led him back to Christianity through music.
Throughout the performance the audience often seemed mesmerised by the gentle guitar music and Stephen’s lilting voice.
Many were familiar with Stephen’s music and readily joined in singing the chorus lines.
“They were so wonderfully warm and receptive, prayerful and joyful,” Stephen said. “It was beautiful to be immersed together in a deep silence for some of the songs, but they joined so joyfully in singing and praying others. What a privilege to be together.”
Performing his first headline concert gave Stephen the opportunity to expand his usual repertoire that he performs when leading people in worship.
“I feel very glad that I was able to share with others some of the songs that normally don’t get played in a congregational setting, but are more personal cries of the heart,” Stephen said.
“And I feel very blessed by the generosity of people’s response in listening to, praying with, and joining in those songs.”
The unique and intimate venue proved perfect for Stephen’s folksy and ethereal musical style, with Stephen describing the early 19th century stone barn as “an amazing venue”.
“Such beautiful old stone-work, such a warm feel and such beautiful acoustics. It is always humbling to be in a place that so many people worked so hard for so long to create so long ago.”
Performing alongside Stephen was his son Sean who plays drums and keyboard.
“I have been blessed to play with Sean quite a lot over the years,” Stephen said. “But mostly it’s been in the context of leading worship, or leading music for the Eucharist or Adoration; situations in which you are a little constrained in what you can do musically.
“This was a unique experience for us, because we were able to explore together some songs that are very personal for me and that Sean has grown up with. We also had more flexibility to just have fun together. He’s a wonderful musician, and I’m very grateful that he’s still willing to play with his old man!”
At the end of the night Archbishop Julian Porteous thanked Stephen for his performance and spoke of their long-standing friendship. He described Stephen’s music as “deeply spiritual” and “from the heart” with the ability to “deeply touch” peoples’ souls.
Kingston-Channel parishioner Catherine Sandric described it as “a stellar evening” of “spiritual music”.
“Acoustic heaven, uplifted and animated by his equally talented son on percussion, piano and drums,” she said. “A stunning soiree that transformed a stunningly spectacular venue into a sacred space.”
Event organiser and Project Officer for the Archdiocese’s Parish Mission Team, Ruth Sternberg, said everyone who attended would have been “blessed” by Stephen’s music.
“My prayer and hope in putting together this concert was that it would be a way for God to touch many people who were gathered in that cozy barn, through the power of Stephen’s music,” she said.
“As early as the intermission, people were already saying to me how they were enjoying the night and how moving Stephen’s music is.”
Stephen expressed his gratitude to those involved in making the concert a success.
“I feel very blessed and grateful. I am so humbled by all the work so many people put in to organise the night. It was such a wonderful community effort to pull it together, and I am just in awe of the warmth and generosity of the people here.”
The event has only increased his affection for Tasmania and its people.
“Tasmania has held a special place in my heart for a long time now, since I first came down here about 10 years ago. I have a great love for the people here and it’s such a beautiful place. I’m very glad that I was able to share my first concert with the people here.”
Words: 708
Photos: Josh Low