Saturday 05 April 2014
Friday night at Cowbridge Leisure Centre saw a full house attendance for a variety show with a difference.
Opening the entertainment were the organisers, Bridgend Male Choir, resplendent in brand new blazers, with Italian to the fore in Ernani's “Bandits Chorus”. This was followed with “Pan Fo'r Nos Yn Hir”, forever associated with the late Ryan Davies; the upbeat, “Amen” and a favourite Welsh hymn tune, “Gwahoddiad”. Musical Director, Rhiannon Williams-Hale can be very proud of her charges, whose eyes were transfixed on her as if they might miss the slightest something. Little wonder their renditions were accurate in their performance.
Young entertainer, Jodi Bird next took to the Concert stage and opened with “Lullabye – Goodnight My Angel” setting a perfect introduction to her talent. “Cry Me A River” followed, showing her wide voice range and lovely tone. “The Girl from 14G” never made it to Thoroughly Modern Millie and Jodi's performance of the number was exceptional for a 16 year old.
The Choir returned with “Portrait of My Love”, made famous by Matt Monro and then a number by singing contemporary, Louis Armstrong with a nice arrangement of “What A Wonderful World”. The foot tapping, Russian folk song, “Casatchok” came next with some body movements in the final verse adding punch to its delivery. The next item saw the singing talent of soloist, Paul Carter whose voice was made for “Bui Doi” from the musical, Miss Saigon. Accompanist, Stephanie Bailey had not seen this item until a week ago, but you would never have thought so. Her accompaniment throughout was exceptional, including the joint items with Mike Doyle.
The first of these “Calon Lan” saw Top of the Bill, Mike Doyle join the Choir on stage to a huge, rip roaring welcome from the 500 strong audience – and boy did he deserve it. He had all those seated in raptures with his singing; humorous stories and silly faces. What a mimic too. Carmarthen born, Bridgend resident, Mike was on top form enjoying repartee with individual audience members, many of whom had travelled many miles to see this performance with the Choir. His Tom Jones & Shirley Bassey especially were tremendous and “Nessun Dorma” with the Choir brought the whole place to its feet. He gave everything and everybody joined in “I'm a Believer”, dancing in the aisles and clapping joyfully.
Post Concert feedback has been excellent and a big thank you is extended to the people of the Vale, Cowbridge, Bridgend and surrounding areas for buying tickets. It's likely to be repeated, keep an eye on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bridgend-Male-Choir/444632492241476
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