The choir was surprised and delighted to see a number of over 30 strangers come into practice on Thursday evening as Siân asked us to put on an impromptu performance. So instead of our expected part practices of new pieces we presented our guests with a selective performance of all our favourites, from Llanfair, Rachie, Lleucu Llwyd, Llef, Somewhere out there, You raise me up, Can’t help falling in love, Can you feel the love tonight, Nessun Dorma and many more. From initial apparent bemusement at hearing for the first time a Welsh Male Voice Choir in full flow, our visitors were soon showing their enthusiasm and appreciation even though it was unlikely any understood the Welsh songs and hymns. But fabulous music is understood the world over and we hope we left them with wonderful cultural memories of Wales. Shame about the weather, but this is Wales after all.
We learned later from the chairman of the Friendship Force International of South Wales, Dennis Martin, that our Egyptian visitors were from the Cairo branch of the same organisation who were on a cultural visit to Holland and South Wales. The Friendship Force has 350 clubs in 55 countries and was originally launched by ex US President Jimmy Carter to promote peace, friendship and understanding throughout the world, for which he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
We were also pleased to welcome Ceri, daughter of bass chorister Ron Powell and her fiancé, Matt, for whom we will be singing at their wedding on June 16th at St Mary’s Church, Caldicot.
It was also announced that new chorister, Ron Griffiths passed his second voice test and is welcomed into the choir as a full member. Aware of your enthusiasm we are sure you will be a welcome asset to the choir and will enjoy coming to concerts and joining in with our activities and social life. Well done Ron and welcome!
Lyn