What an incredible evening on the19th May! Caldicot Male Voice Choir was pleased and proud to welcome the 82 choristers of Muntra Musikanter from Finland to its choir hall for a joint evening of entertainment and mix of different choral cultural singing from both Wales and Finland.
Following a welcome by vice chairman John Nicholson, Caldicot Male Voice Choir conducted by Sian Hatton and Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson presented in two performances an eclectic mix of Welsh songs with Rachie, Anfonaf Angel, Gwahoddiad and Yma o Hyd contrasting with 16 Tons, Shenandoah, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Seventy six trombones, A Miner’s Song, World in Union and finally Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau.
In two performances, alternating with Caldicot and resplendent in white tie and tailcoats, the Finland Choir conducted by Riku Laurikka incredibly blended several songs and compositions in both Finnish and Swedish with the theme of nature and the sea and included compositions ranging from Elga and Finnish composer Sibelius. An amazing tribute was the surprise inclusion of Calon Lan, sung expertly in Welsh to the delight of Caldicot and its supporters. The outstanding Muntra Musikanter finalised their incredible performance with ‘Finlandia – Finland. your day is dawning’ by Jean Sibelius.
The Finnish Choir was presented with a commemorative slate plaque bearing the Welsh Dragon and the Choir badge together with Anniversary ties. The Finland choir responded with the presentation by chairman Sam Simonsen of two books of European choral music in several different languages.
Both choirs relaxed, following both outstanding performances to light refreshments and drinks which included an ‘afterglow’ where both choirs sang informally other songs from their repertoires until sadly it was time to depart.
Muntra Musikanter, which means ‘Merry Musicians’ continued its tour with a concert in Llandaff Cathedral on 20th May and finalised with a visit to Stonehenge on its way home on Monday.
Both choirs sincerely expressed the wish to meet up again as soon as they are able.