Wednesday 01 March 2017
St David's Day Fundraising Concert in support of the Urdd National Eisteddfod 2017
Bryntirion Comprehensive School was the venue for a St David's Day Fundraising Concert in support of the Urdd National Eisteddfod 2017. The Concert was a resounding success with Bridgend Male Choir providing the backdrop for pupils from Bryntirion Comprehensive School and three local primary schools to perform.
The children from the three primary schools, Bro Ogwr, Trelales and Maes yr Haul, were well rehearsed by their respective teachers and thrilled the packed hall with their individual offerings of both traditional and newer compositions. The performances, delivered with a clarity and confidence well beyond their age, delighted everyone with their singing especially the parents and grandparents who were enthusiastic in their applause.
Bryntirion Comprehensive School pupils delivered a variety of pieces with solos by Mathew Daly and Naomi Jenkins who sang 'Tosturi Duw' and 'Fel Un' respectively, Ciera Johnson joined Matthew to sing the duet 'Barcarolle'. More was to come when Matthew, Naomi and Ciera were joined by Claire Hawkes, Harriet Jones and Jeminah Grindell to sing the lullaby 'Suo Gan'. Their contributions were of the highest order and hopefully success in the music field will follow.
The second half began with an energetic performance by the Bridgend Athletic's Brass Trio of Dan Stoodley, Iolo John and Lewis Kerrigan who entertained with 'Ar Hyd y Nos' and 'Sosban Fach'.
Interspersed between the children's, and of course the teenagers', contributions the Male Choir provided the audience with a polished and powerful performance under the guidance of its musical director, Ryan Wood. Ryan was supported by accompanist Stewart Roberts, who is himself the Musical Director of the Pendyrus Male Choir and an accomplished musician. The Choir, with the beautiful and moving hymns 'Gwahoddiad', 'Llef', 'Rhys' and 'Llanfair' along with the reflective and wistful melodies of 'Pan fo'r Nos yn Hir', written by the late Ryan Davies, and 'Yfory' provided entertainment of the highest order to a highly appreciative audience.
The final item of the evening, before the National Anthem, was the song 'Dewch Draw' which was especially written for the Eisteddfod. The song was performed by the children's massed choir, supported enthusiastically by both the audience and the Male Choir.
Martin Cadogan (Media Officer)
