Saturday 08 September 2012
Vice Chairman, David Burt reports on last night's concert
A full gymnasium at Caldicot Leisure Centre was the venue to hear two accomplished choirs in action. The Choirs first came together in 2004 at the Welsh National Eisteddfod, Newport where visiting Bridgend Male Choir was successful in winning the Fusiliers Cup. The Choirs are similar in size & existence with Bridgend celebrating its 50th Anniversary last year & Caldicot reaching the milestone next year.
Under its Musical Directors, Sian Hatton and Shirley Ann James, Caldicot opened & closed the proceedings with a number of highlights in its musical renditions. The author’s favourite item was the lovely Dewi Morris’ (Dewi Puss) Lleucu Llwyd with its catchy melody matching the mood of an appreciative regular audience – that is, until the very next item, the Freddie Mercury written Somebody to Love. MD, Sian expressively and enchantingly sang the words and the choristers added a special sound making the performance really special.
Bridgend Male Choir were led by Rhiannon Williams-Hale, who has proved to be an inspiration to choristers since her appointment earlier this year. Ably supported by Laura Smith on piano, the pair brought the very best from the Bridgend choristers. The quiet controlled singing especially is worthy of comment for its quality. Favourites here were the haunting prayer from Les Miserables, Bring Him Home and the well known Hava Nagila, both of which drew great applause. The Concert finished with both Choirs combining for DeusSalutis and Morte Criste – close on 150 choristers resulted in a very special finale.
Bridgend Male Choir can next be seen & heard at its Annual Concert at St Mary’s Catholic Church in the town at 7.00 pm, Friday, 21st September. The Concert features performances from its own musical team, as well as the Russell Sheppard Competition winner, Elinor Rolfe Johnson, soprano. Entry by programme £8 (includes raffle) from Porters Estate Agents, Nolton Street; the News Shop, Dunraven Place or any chorister