Wednesday 29 October 2008
The popularity of the Bridgend Male Choir's Annual Concert was evidenced by St Mary’s RC Church in Bridgend being packed with up to a 500 strong audience.
The concert goers were not disappointed as the Choir launched into their Bridgend Choir ‘classics section’ of Rachie, This Little Light Of Mine, Eli Jenkins Prayer and Morte Christe the latter two featuring popular soloists Graham Collins and Leon Evans. This opening set the tone for what was to become a wonderful evening and possibly the best yet. Interspersed with the Choir’s talented resident baritone soloist Marcus Hopkin and Soprano, Angharad Morgan (Winner of the Russell Shepherd Memorial Scholarship) the Choir progressed through a Miscellany Section before ending the first half by treating the Audience to the three pieces with which they had won the Welsh National Eisteddfod two months ago.
A number of the Choir’s regular supporters commented afterwards that the opening section of the second half entitled “Glory To God In The Highest” with an exceptional portrayal of Benedictus from Karl Jenkins, The Armed Man with additional violin & viola accompaniment; the very popular hymn tune St Clements and John Rutter’s, For The Beauty Of The Earth arranged by Choir Musical Director John Jenkins, was worth the entrance money alone.
The highly talented Musical Director then treated the audience to highlights of The Pirates of Penzance when a number of the choristers were regaled in colourful Pirate costume and Police uniform. This section featured soloists Marcus Hopkin and Angharad Morgan again, plus Llantwit Major’s talented tenor Gwyn Williams and baritone Pirate King Thomas Jones – as well as some spirited audience participation. The Concert ended more traditionally with the Choir singing those great favourites, Comrades in Arms and Gwahoddiad.
The evening ended with the rousing Anthem, huge applause and acknowledgements, none more so than for the three accompanists, Rhiannon Williams, Cheryl Jones and that man of many talents again, Marcus Hopkin.
The Bridgend Male Choir’s next ‘home’ engagement is on December 3rd, again at the same venue to assist this most hospitable of Church’s fundraising.