Friday 06 September 2013
Geraint Hopkins, Editor of the BMC Quarterly Newsletter writes...........
When did the hairs last stand up on the back of your neck? With the choir’s complete new repertoire, the Bridgend Male Choir Annual Concert which is always a show stopper with audiences, could turn into a finger clicking toe tapping evening. You can always guarantee when you attend a concert organised by Bridgend Male Choir there will always be a wonderful soloist. At this year’s Annual the choir has really gone to town, investing in the musical future and providing a platform for four young Welsh soloists; their ages range from 15 years to the youngest, a singer and instrumentalist who is only 9 years old. This year's soloists are Jodi Bird, sisters Carys and Charlotte Lewis and Niamh Reese.
Jodi Bird the 15-year-old, from Penarth, is a young budding actress, who is also a keen harpist, pianist and flautist, is no stranger to sharing the stage with international stars.
Bridgend MC is fortunate to have the Lewis sisters sharing the platform this evening. Just 9 years of age Carys won two brass categories at the Treorchy Eisteddfod this year and last year as well as being awarded the trophy for the most 'promising brass player of the day'. Carys is a member of the 'Cory Junior Academy'.
Her sister 14 year old Charlotte is a winner both as a cornet player and vocalist. Not only an overall winner 'Treorchy Male Choir Young Musician of the Year' competition but also been successful as winner and runner up at the 'Urdd. Charlotte is a member of the 'Parc and Dare' Band and the School Band and Orchestra.
Niamh (pronounced Neeve) performed a side drum solo in her band's winning performance at the National Eisteddfod in Denbigh this year. She will be competing with the band at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in Cheltenham this month.
Tickets £5 can be purchased from Porters Estate Agents, Nolton Street, Bridgend and The News Shop, Dunraven Place or from choir secretary Gareth Reese 07773 170373