Review written by BMC chairman, Gareth Reese
The choir, smaller than usual in numbers, was nevertheless delighted to perform at two invitation annual concerts in North Wales over the weekend.
With a base in Llandudno, Friday night saw the boys from Bridgend sing in Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch as guests of local Benllech choir Meibion Goronwy in the wonderful surroundings of Capel Rhos-y-Gad. Both choirs performed a rich medley of contemporary and traditional songs in Welsh and English. The choirs joined together to sing two rousing items Gwahoddiad and American Trilogy. Soloist for the evening was Gwen Elin, a winner of the prestigious Bryn Terfel scholarship. Her rendition of On My Own from Les Miserables left everyone spellbound.
Proceeds from the evening went to the deserving local charity Hosbis Dewi Sant / St David’s Hospice at Holyhead. The following evening the Bridgend Male Choir performed at Denbigh Town Hall with Côr Rhuthun mixed choir led by renowned Welsh composer and arranger Robat Arwyn. Soloist for the evening was tenor Elis Jones who had won the tenor prize at the National Eisteddfod. His strong, vibrant voice was a hit with audience and choristers alike. The joint item was Robat Arwyn’s famous song Anfonaf Angel which had the audience cheering.
The choir was shown outstanding hospitality from both local choirs and rousing afterglows were had in hostelries on both nights, with members of all choirs joining in song, exemplifying the choir’s motto: Cyfeillgarwch Trwy Gerdd/ Friendship Through Music.
**The choir is indebted to our professional music team of MD Ryan Wood and accompanist Stephanie Todd, without whose commitment the tour would not have been possible
