Monday 24 July 2006
The Charity - Cancer Research, Wales – celebrating its 40th Anniversary, was the winner when a large audience thronged the magnificent Llandaff Cathedral.
All those who were lucky to attend felt the ticket price was good value for what was on offer.
The increasingly popular Bridgend Male Choir needs no introduction, going through its paces with distinction. Maestro, John Jenkins conducted the 74 strong Choir with enthusiasm in a faultless display from him, without the aid of music copies. He was supported by the quite magnificent accompanist, Rhiannon Williams-Hale whose talent seems to hold no limits. Such are her skills that not only did she accompany the Choir and its soloists, Gwyn Williams (Eli Jenkins Prayer), Leon Evans & Gwyn Williams (Plaisir D’Amour) and Paul Carter (Bui Doi from Miss Saigon) but also the “professional” pair of soprano, Fflur Wyn and violinist, Cerys Jones to whom she had been introduced only hours before. Compere, Nigel Walker, the former Welsh sprinter & rugby international and currently head of BBC Wales Sport and Patron of the Charity was glowing in his deserved praise. It was only confirming what Bridgend’s choristers already know and appreciate in that they have one of the very best.
London Welsh Young Singer of the Year 2005 and Bryn Terfel Scholarship holder, Fflur Wyn enchanted an appreciative audience with seven items, the last three a selection from the best of Italian, Welsh and French to loud applause. The Puccini items, Quando Men Vo from La Boheme and O Mio Babino Caro were particularly special.
The equally young Cerys Jones mesmerized the audience with her violin renditions of the work of Mozart, Bartok, Gershwin & Brahms. A selection of Bartok’s Romanian Dances drew thunderous applause. How fortunate Wales is to produce young talent such as Fflur and Cerys, both of whom are at the start of what should be glittering careers.
The good news for those who missed the Concert is that it was recorded, the CD to be launched at the National Eisteddfod at Swansea in August. It can be purchased at the Maes at the Cancer Research stall; ordered from Cancer Research Wales on telephone number 029 2031 6976 or from Bridgend Male Choir, Secretary, Gareth Reese on 07773 170373.
News update: The aforementioned CD is now available to purchase from this website, where you can also listen to samples of tracks! See the CDs page