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For the second time this year, the first being at the Swalec stadium, the choir was pleased to support the Cardiff Branch of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity in its fund raising by making the short trip to the Bethany Church in Rhiwbina. Founded in 1806 in the centre of Cardiff, the church moved from its’ city centre site to the outskirts in 1964 to become more effective in reaching out to the expanding communities.
On a warm, sunny May evening the choir presented a wonderfully varied programme in a brightly sunlit atmosphere, of not only traditional rousing Welsh hymns and melodies, but also venturing twice into the world of rock group Queen to the surprise and welcome of an enthusiastic audience. Blended into the programme were film themes from the Lion King and An American Tail, theatrical showtime hits from Cole Porter and the musical Chess, together with all-time favourites May You Always Have a Song, Fields of Athenry, You Raise Me Up and Take Me Home. The choir was conducted faultlessly by Siân Hatton and Shirley Ann James and accompanied by the immaculate Stephen Berry.
Included in the evening’s delights, between choir performances, was the sweet soprano voice of 19 year old school leaver Laura Stephen singing the ever popular Can’t Help lovin’ Dat Man, Somewhere and Bali Ha’i in the first half, contrasting with the extremely difficult Mozart compositions Exsultate Jubilate, Tu Virginum Corona and Alleluia. Laura receives singing tuition from Angela Kazimeirzuk who was coincidentally guest soloist at our Monmouth concert last week. Laura was accompanied beautifully by the hugely talented, young National Eisteddfod winning pianist Gareth Llyr Simon. We are going to hear a lot more of these two artists in the coming years.
With a firm promise from organiser Tom Jones to bring us back in the near future, the audience left having been thoroughly entertained by both the choir and soloist, Laura. The Choir then departed to take light refreshments at the nearby Deri Inn where until we arrived, the patrons appeared to be all aged under thirty. Despite the high prices the choir contributed enthusiastically to a rousing ‘Afterglow’ to the surprise and delight of the customers and publican.
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Many thanks to Dave Morton (Grahame’s brother) for taking the photos in the church (Smile, Gentlemen, please! Oh! Please!)
Lyn