More than 100 guests at Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran Church were entertained by former Wimmera vocalist Sofia Laursen Habel performing a Scandinavian Songbook.

Ms Laursen Habel opened the performance with ‘Feed the Birds’ – just as she had in 2006, when she first dreamt of performing when she was nine, auditioning at The Wesley during the Horsham Eisteddfod. 

The Wesley Performing Art and Cultural Centre Committee president Mary Starr said the grand piano, on loan from The Wesley, was used for the performance.

“The committee was delighted that what was her initial link in 2006 has been lifelong until 2026, supporting our pursuit of refurbishing the Wesley,” she said.

“Sofia has donated the proceeds from the concert to the Wesley refurbishment project. The project is now $4500 better off.”

Local pianists Sandra Kitchen and Darlene Smith accompanied Ms Laursen Habel with a display of some technical style playing to match the program, which included ‘I have confidence’, ‘Die Junge Nonne’, ‘Widmung’, and ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, which was a duet performance by the pianists.

Growing up in Sheep Hills and now living and studying in Copenhagen to further her musical studies while working on the King’s Collection at the Rosenborg and Amelienborg castles, Ms Laursen Habel has another three weeks introducing her partner Kasper to Australia before returning to Denmark. 

The entire April 29, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire April 29, 2026 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!