Saturday 26 May 2012
Swansea Bowls Club were delighted to welcome the Choir to help with its Centenary celebrations - Erith Morgan, Cor Bro Ogwr attended the Concert & sent the following to the Press......
Bridgend Male Choir's latest concert at All Saints Parish Church, Oystermouth, proved to be a fitting way to celebrate the centenary of Swansea Bowls Club, which had been arranged by their late Secretary who was also the late Musical Director of the Choir, Mr John Jenkins. The evening was a resounding success- performed to a very appreciative and knowledgeable audience at a beautiful Church with quite wonderful acoustic.
The Choir's varied programme, ranging from Llanfair to Bring Him Home, En Route and Hava Naghila demonstrated its versatility and control in varying types of music, most ably directed by Rhiannon Williams-Hale its new MD. Rhiannon was accompanist for the Choir from 2003 – 2008 and she appears to have slipped seamlessly into the conducting role. After so few rehearsals since her appointment, it augurs well for the future of the Choir.
The guest soloist was Byron Newton of Christchurch, New Zealand, who was the 2011 Russell Shepherd Scholarship instrumental winner.(Yes, John Jenkins was also Chair of the Trustees of the Scholarship) Byron's mastery of the Euphonium held his audience spellbound, particularly with regard to pieces by Hummel. He entertained with Fantasy by J F Hummell; M Ravel's Piece en form de Habanera and finally, Song and Dance from P Wilby's Euphonium Concerto. He was more than ably assisted at the piano by the choir's own accompanist, Laura Smith,who once again demonstrated her outstanding ability to well deserved acclaim. To add to this musical extravaganza, Scott Williams,another talented member of the BMC music team, treated us to some stirring and uplifting solo pieces on the Organ such as Fantasy and Liberty Bell, as well as some concerted items with the Choir, adding another dimension altogether. The late John Jenkins’ widow and daughter were present to witness John’s musical legacy to the boys from Bridgend and commented that he would have been very proud.
Having been privileged to be present at this tremendous concert, I, and many others like me,look forward to many more to come. Erith Morgan, Chorister, Cor Bro Ogwr
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