Sunday 21 February 2010
Choir in the Prizemoney......
Having entered into the Majestic Choir Festival at Torquay's Riviera International Centre, Bridgend Male Choir was delighted to finish amongst the prize money winners. In a competition where equal marks could be gained for appearance, performance and entertainment value the south Wales based choir was surprised to be pitted exclusively in a competition where all other competitors were male and female barbershop choirs from all around the UK.
Glitzy, sequined outfits and choreography of a standard suitable for the Las Vegas stage left the traditional male voice choir to rely on its presentation and music content to compete in this arena. An appreciative audience was well entertained by the eight groups and the winners, the "White Rosettes" from Yorkshire were quite magnificent. Being the European Champion Chorus 2009, 12 times National Champion Gold Medal Winners of the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers and Eisteddfod Choir of the World Finalists 2008, the 55 strong ladies ensemble had also been successful with Llangollen's International Eisteddfod Barbershop Class. As is traditional with Welsh choirs, the ladies of the White Rosettes joined them for an entertaining afterglow in very different styles but with beautiful harmonies,
The boys from Bridgend Male Choir then continued their tour with a Sunday visit to St Mary's Church, Lyme Regis for an afternoon concert. The Choir was priveleged to perform at the same Church a few years ago when it was launching its replacement Church Organ Appeal and even more so now with the new Organ in place. Organ accompanist with the Bridgend Male Choir, Scott Williams of Brackla, entertained almost 400 people in the crammed Church with a selection of items, drawing much applause from all present. The Choir, under the baton of Music Director, John Jenkins and Piano accompanist, Laura Smith has become very popular in Lyme Regis, the standing ovation being followed with an invite to return.
The Talbot Arms on the Town's outskirts, run by a welsh family, was again the destination for song and refreshment before making the long journey home.