Photos by Colleen Gauntlett. Left click on images to enlarge
On Saturday 1st November, the Choir was privileged to be invited to join several other choirs from across Wales to sing at the The Wales Festival of Remembrance 2014 at St David’s Hall, Cardiff. After making our way through the labyrinth of corridors and stairs that are hidden behind the stage over 60 choristers from Caldicot assembled in the heights behind the stage with another 400 from all over Wales. The Festival, which featured Katherine Jenkins OBE and in the company of HRH The Duke of Kent was presented in the first half by TV presenter Arfon Haines Davies
Following the opening by the Regimental Band of the Royal Welsh, conducted by Major Denis Burton, the massed choirs accompanied by David Last on piano, David Geoffrey Thomas on organ and conducted by Dr Alwyn Humphries, gave strong performances of Llanfair and Bring Him Home. More followed from the Regimental Band and the delightful Siren Sisters singing in swing style, period nostalgic songs from both World Wars. The Hywel Girls Choir and Hywel Boy Singers dressed in World War 1 period costumes gave an amazing performance, particularly of the Halleja Chorus from Handel’s Messiah which led to a well deserved standing ovation for over two minutes. This will live long in the memories of all who were there. Blue Riband winner, baritone Andrew Matthews performed with a remarkable voice as Guest soloist and The Junior Lansker Singers from Pembrokeshire followed to give a fabulous performance on their first visit to Cardiff .
Before the appearance of Katherine Jenkins, the choir thrilled the audience with the Wesleyan Hymn Morte Criste accompanied by the Regimental Band.
Mansions of the Lord, from the 2002 film ‘We Were Soldiers’ was started by the Youth Choir and finalised by the Massed Choirs and the ultimate Finale was a rousing performance of the Battle Hymn of the Republic by the Massed Male Choir and Katherine Jenkins, accompanied by the Regimental Band of the Royal Welsh and conducted by Alwyn Humphries.
Following the Second half Parade of Standards, the Muster and the Remembrance Service in which Guide me. O Thou Great Jehovah was sung by both choir and audience , the Choirs closed the service with the poem, ‘There is No Death’.