Monday 09 March 2009
The Severn Theatre, Shrewsbury and St David's Hall, Cardiff were the venues for really worthy charity concerts......
Either side of St David’s Day, musical extravaganzas supported two deserving charities using Wales’ patron Saint celebration as the reason for the concerts timings.
The first Charity to benefit was Hope House Children’s Hospices, an organisation helping to finance hospices in Oswestry and Conwy, supporting those in need in Shropshire, mid and north Wales. The Shrewsbury Welsh Society had been very successful in selling every ticket in the brand new 600 seat Severn Theatre in the town. The Concert featured soprano & 2008 Russell Sheppard Foundation winner, Helen-Jane Howells; Welsh champion brass band, the BTM Band and the Bridgend Male Choir. It was compered by the BBC’s Sian Lloyd.
The second Charity to benefit was Wales own cancer charity, Cancer Research Wales, which will utilise the concert proceeds to fund ongoing research in Wales. This Concert at Cardiff’s magnificent St David’s Hall had an even larger audience and featured renowned Welsh tenor, Denis O’Neill; Welsh National Opera soprano, Laura Parfitt, both in tip top form and again, the BTM Band under its MD Tim Davoren, together with the Bridgend Male Choir. It was compered by Robin Jones.
The Choir’s Musical Director, John Jenkins had been hugely instrumental in the stage presentation of both concerts. Choir accompanist, Laura Smith had used her undoubted talents not only to support the choristers, but had also contributed with the female soloist at the Shrewsbury concert. Bridgend organist, Scott Williams supported the accompanist and Choir, with his contribution in the second concert. Both Dennis O’Neill and Laura Parfitt were accompanied by Philip Voldman, originally trained in New York, but now based in the UK.
Bridgend Male Choir next appear on stage on 25th April at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl when it appears in “Made in Wales”, supporting Owen Money, Paul Childs and the Welsh Television Orchestra. Tickets from Box Office 01656 815995.