The choir performed at the Pontarddulais Leisure centre on Saturday 21st July in one of the annual memorial concerts for the choir’s founder Musical Director Noel Davies MBE who passed away in 2003. In the capacity audience were the Assembly Health Minister Edwina Hart AM and the choir’s president the acclaimed composer Eric Jones, both of whom are honorary patrons.
This was the first local concert for the choir’s newly appointed principal accompanist Rachel Attwell, following the departure of David Last who has taken over as the Musical Director of the Dowlais Male Choir. Rachel made her first appearance at Redruth, Cornwall recently and her talented playing is in keeping with the excellent accompanists that the choir has been so fortunate to have over the years.
The guest artists for the evening were Lleisiau Lliw, conducted by Christopher Davies, who have earned a very reputable position amongst ladies choirs and who performed a very varied and exciting programme.
Nick Mead a young trumpeter, accompanied on the piano by his father Jonathan, also shared the evening with the choirs. Following a virtuoso performance, the audience gave him a much deserved standing ovation.
Clive Phillips the choir’s musical director once again put together a programme which highlights the choir’s talented range of musical ability, including many items with a North American flavour, the performance also leading to two standing ovations. The concert was recorded for a CD which the choir will take on its two week tour in October to Pennsylvania, Washington and New York. Tickets for concerts in these areas are already in very high demand.
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