Saturday 11 December 2010
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL CONCERT SUCCESS
St Mary's Nolton Church, Bridgend was the venue for another great charity fund-raising success, this year supporting “Llamau” in the locality. A beautiful Church adorned with 38 decorated Christmas trees entered by schools, organisations and businesses proved to be an attractive stop off for townspeople throughout the week. Those who visited on Saturday will have seen live music performed throughout the day and the return of regular visitors, Bridgend Male Choir in the evening.
No less than five soloists from Bridgend Male Choir sang during the concert, which also attracted the performance of a fine soprano, Jennifer Walker who has appeared with the male choir on numerous occasions. The Choir opened with light traditional items before moving on to seasonal favourites, many of which were sung jointly with the enthusiastic congregation. Jennifer was in superb form with the author's choice being "O Holy Night", "Ave Maria" and with the Bridgend Choir, "O Virgin of the Angel Host". Bridgend's Member of Parliament, Madeleine Moon, a regular supporter of the Christmas Tree Festival was delighted that her favourite carol, "In the Bleak Midwinter", was included in Jennifer's content. Also contributing to the entertainment was local organist, Scott Williams, who is well know at St Mary's having played there regularly before also linking with the Choir. Scott entertained with solo pieces and accompanied the Choir in a number of items. Piano accompanist, Laura Smith worked with the Choir and Jennifer Walker and deserved her rousing ovation at the conclusion, as did hard working Musical Director, John Jenkins and Compère, Gareth Davies.
Bridgend Male Choir has now concluded its formal 2010 50th Birthday Programme which started and ended in its home town of Bridgend – kicking off with a school tour fund-raiser at Brynteg School and ending at St Mary's supporting homeless and less privileged youths. Earlier in the year, the Choir was very proud to receive a Citizenship Award from the Borough Mayor for helping charities raise in excess of £1 million and as ambassadors for Bridgend. It goes into 2011 with the aim of extending that total with its treasured purpose of achieving “friendship through music”.