Sunday 13 March 2016
David Burt writes............Local charity, St. John’s Trust benefitted from a wonderful weekend Concert at a full St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
The Concert, hosted by Bridgend Male Choir also featured Pontyclun based ladies choir, Vocelle and the Children’s Choir of Oldcastle Primary School. The male choir, attired in black dinner suits with red bow tie & daffodil, sang items associated with St. David’s Day; content from its recent visit to the Principality Stadium and linked in with the England vs. Wales, Six Nations match. “Men of Harlech” set the tone, together with “Rachie”, a favourite in Cardiff on match days. MD, Rhiannon Williams-Hale’s arrangement of “National Glory”, a medley of songs from each of the Six Nation’s teams was particularly well received. Rhiannon was very ably supported on piano by Stephanie Bailey.
Meryn Williams, MD of the ladies choir brought an enthusiastic group of ladies, opening with the lively “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” & building an impressive first half choice, ending with John Rutter’s “Gaelic Blessing”. The excellent harmonies of the ladies was evident from the beginning with the rapturous applause. Tucked in between the senior choirs were the school youngsters, smartly attired in new red tops. Their smart dress was matched by their equally smart performance and good diction. The Children’s programme included “Dewi Sant” and the traditional “Migildi Magildi”, a most popular inclusion. The youngsters highlight however was the singing of “Naughty” from Roald Dahl’s Matilda. The finger/ thumb clicking and end item animation helped earn a standing ovation. Enjoying their appearance, the school children joined the men to sing “Sospan Fach”, one exclaiming that she had never seen so many James Bonds! Music teachers, Ros Harris and Charlotte Boughton can be proud of their charges.
Bridgend Male Choir continued the “Welsh” influence starting the second period with “Calon Lan”, “Yma O Hyd” and James Hearn’s “Rhys”, the latter an opportunity for baritones to strut their stuff! The ladies returned with more of their repertoire content, including the author’s favourite, Kirby Shaw’s “Let the River Run”. How can simple “aah’s” sound so musical? With the singers high energy, harmonies & light and shade, their whole performance excelled. Accompanist, Guillaume Mathias’ skills fitted seamlessly with the voices. The accomplished BMC ended the programme with items from its new CD, “How to Handle a Woman”, with narrator, Peter K Morgan; “This is the Moment” from Jekyll & Hyde and the Geraint Roberts’ arranged “Amen”. Before the traditional Anthem, the gents & ladies came together with “Tydi a Roddaist”, raising the roof & earning another standing ovation. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful evening’s music.
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