Sunday 28 February 2016
Thanks John Conybeare for contributing to this press article....
March 1st. is a very special day in the Welsh calendar. It’s our Patron Saint’s Day, where we celebrate all things Welsh in schools and beyond. This year the prestigious Bridgend Male Choir adds to those celebrations with the release of it’s latest recording, '# Sounds Like' , an eclectic mix of songs from its current repertoire. Made up of 16 tracks, it includes music from several genre to please all listeners.
From stirring marches such as the Russian “Cavalry of the Steppes” and John Guard’s popular arrangement of the patriotic “Men of Harlech” to popular Welsh items such as the Eric Jones arrangement of Robat Arwyn’s “Yfory” and the ever popular “Pan Fo’r Nos Yn Hir” forever associated with the late, great Ryan Davies. Germany’s “Aus de Traube” and the Italian “Bandit’s Chorus” demonstrate language versatility, as does the selections of Eric Jones’ “Christus Salvator” and the wonderful Welsh hymn tune “Rhys”, arranged by James Hearn, the latter two items learned in preparedness for big concerts later in the year. Lighter inclusions are “Portrait of My Love”, made famous by Matt Monro and from stage shows “How to handle a woman” and “This is the moment”. Musical Director, Rhiannon Williams-Hale can be proud of Track 10, her topical arrangement of songs associated with Six Nations Rugby, which she has entitled, “National Glory”, which has been much enjoyed by audiences to date.
Rhiannon can be justly pleased with the CD quality having guided choristers for many months through the base learning; sectional focus & minor nuances necessary. She has been ably supported by piano accompanist, Stephanie Bailey who also helped out with sectional focus at the Choir’s Oldcastle School Practice HQ. Also featuring in the production are organist, Scott Williams and on keyboards, Michael Morwood. As well as those named, BMC is very grateful for the use of Tabernacle Welsh Congregational Church (recording venue) and for the expertise of Music Wales Limited and particularly recording engineer, Jayce Lewis.
To learn more of the content and listen to the sounds, the CD, costing £8.99 can be purchased from launch date at Tesco, Cowbridge Road; Asda, Cheapside; Porter's Estate Agents, Nolton Street; the Choir’s website http://www.bridgendmalechoir.co.uk/repertoire/choir-recordings.aspx and any Choir member. It will also be for sale at Choir concerts, the next locally on 11th March (Details on website http://www.bridgendmalechoir.co.uk/bookings/choir-concert-dates.aspx scroll down)