The choir have just returned from a successful three concert tour to Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca in Southern Spain, under the direction of Clive Phillips the Acting Musical Director and the choir were pleased to have acquired the services of David Last as Guest Accompanist.
The first concert took place on Sunday 7th October at the the Parroquia Immaculada Concepcion which has a capacity of about 1400 and was full to capacity on the night of the concert. The Costa Blanca has a large British population and at least half of the audience was made up of ex-pats. The concert featured a local soprano, Pilar Paez, who is regarded as one of Spain's most up and coming sopranos and has studied under the tutorship of some of the region's best known 'maestros'. Pilar was accompanied on the piano by Sabina Martinez. Swiss born Sabina is in great demand as an accompanist throughout Spain.
On Wednesday 10th October the choir performed at Torrevieja's new Palacio de la Musica. This is a small, intimate, purpose built music hall forming part of a Conservatoire de la Musica which is regularly used by Harbanera singers and instrumentalists. On this occasion the choir performed solo and were able to give a concert lasting one and half hours, much to the delight of the capacity audience.
The final concert was on Thursday 11th October at Iglesia San Martin in Callosa de Segura. The church is one of Spain's National Monuments and its history goes back to the 16th century. It contains important gold and silver works from the 16th century, with considerable additions being made in the following two centuries. It has also has a beautiful collection of sculptures and contemporary altar pieces. At this church the choir were joined by the Coral Callosa San Martin, a mixed choir which have won many international awards and are regarded as being particularly good exponents of Habaneros music. The church enjoys first class acoustics and both choirs were able to demonstrate their different award winning talents, which thrilled the capacity audience of 1200 people.
Each concert ended with a standing ovation and calls for several encores before the choir was allowed to leave. The Musical Director and choristers were proud to have been able to share Wales' rich choral culture with the people of Southern Spain.
The choir were honoured to be received by civic dignitaries at both Torrevieja and Callosa de Segura and exchange gifts on behalf of Pontarddulais Community Council.
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