Monday 31 October 2016
Bridgend Male Choir has returned from its visit to Dublin and Drogheda with its reputation enhanced after three impressive performances.
Concerts supporting the homeless at St Stephen’s Church, Dublin and Malta Services at St Peter’s Church, Drogheda were both to capacity congregations at 20 euro per ticket admission. Standing ovations were received at both and the magnificent post concert hospitality was something to behold. Singing went on well into the night, but with voices held back for other performances still to follow.
The second concert saw the local St Peter’s Male Voice Choir singing mostly in a different genre to the Welsh visitors and what a marvellous sound. The sectional control & mastery from Edward Holly, Musical Director was something to behold. The joint numbers from the combined choirs were worthy of the splendid acoustic and seemed to reverberate on high.
For the Bridgend visitors, Musical Director, Ryan Wood again demonstrated his control skills to get the best from his charges and he was very ably supported by Stephanie Bailey on piano & Scott Williams on organ. The latter also entertained with solo pieces demonstrating his ability to master the most complex of instruments.
The rendering of Killarney by BMC soloist, Gareth Reese was well received, as was the narration by Dr Peter K Morgan and compering of Gareth J Davies.
The third performance was an eagerly anticipated, early afternoon recital in the City at the National Cathedral & Collegiate Church of St Patrick. With so many visitors to the Cathedral, plus those who had responded to the advance poster advertising, the congregational number was far more than expected and from many foreign lands. It was a great experience to end a really enjoyable visit.
The Choir’s next tour is 12 months away and to the Balearic Island of Majorca.