Saturday 12 July 2014
Wow! Bridgend Male Choir has won the prestigious Male Voice Choir competition at Llangollen's International Music Competition, only the second south Wales choir to do so in 67 years!
Months and months of learning and rehearsal under the musical direction of Rhiannon Williams-Hale and Stephanie Bailey have paid off, with the Bridgend singers taking first prize in north Wales' World famous competition after taking runners up places at Torquay and Douglas, Isle Of Man in the past 18 months. The wait has been worth it – choristers and music team are ecstatic and the cheer which accompanied the announcement was probably heard miles away. The competition result could not have been closer with a mere fraction separating Bridgend from runners up, Bloemfontein Male Choir from South Africa. This time the tiny margin went Wales' way unlike the recent adverse result for their international rugby counterparts.
Despite the Bridgend choristers attempt to win the blue riband, Choir of the World/ Cor Y Byd competition later, when the winners of all sections came together, they were unsuccessful. In a similarly close competition the spoils were deservedly taken by the Argentine mixed choir, Estudio Coral Meridies. What an experience and atmosphere for the 76 Bridgend choristers who took the stage to an absolutely packed and musically knowledgeable audience. It was electric!
When everyone's feet are firmly back on the ground, choristers can look forward to a little more relaxed rehearsal room for the immediate future. Practice is on Thursday evenings weekly from 7.30-9.30 pm at Oldcastle School, South Street, Bridgend, where visitors & new choristers are always welcome.