Friday 11 May 2012
Many thanks Eileen Grourk of Island Farm Close, Bridgend for a copy of her letter to local press:
The lovely little Tabernacle Chapel in Pontycymmer was a perfect venue for the concert with Bridgend Male Choir, which I attended on Friday 11th May 2012. The evening’s programme was made even more pleasurable by the contributions from Meirion Davies, trumpet soloist, and the delightful items sung by Ysgol Cwm Garw and Ffaldau Primary School choirs.
The Bridgend choir was as usual on top form, and their Musical Director, Rhiannon Williams-Hale, gave a masterful performance, her control and sensitivity bringing the best out of the choir. Their programme was a well-balanced mix of traditional male voice pieces, ably supported be their musical team of Laura Smith on piano and Scott Williams on organ.
As if the musical content were not enough, the evening’s compere was Huw Edwards of BBC fame. His charming natural manner had the audience spell-bound throughout, and he was generous in his praise of everyone who had contributed to the success of the event. He also spoke passionately of the need for us all to help preserve what remained of the chapel tradition in Wales. It was appropriate that the concert was in aid of the Pontycymmer Tabernacle Chapel’s appeal for funds to restore its magnificent organ.