A concert for St David’s Day
Thursday, February 29th
Another successful concert was held at St. Basil's Church, Bassaleg, in the presence of Jayne Bryant, Member of the Senedd for Newport West. The benefactors on this occasion being St. David's Hospice. Indeed many of the capacity audience and / or members of their families / friends had benefitted from the palliative care work provided by St. David's.
After a brief introduction to the evening by Choir Chairman, Paul Phillips, and St. David's representative, Beth Harrington, the choir commenced the evening's entertainment with Let all Men Sing followed by Hodie! which the choir had performed successfully at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, and more recently in the Côr Cymru Competition Semi-final in Aberystwyth.
The soloist for the evening was the choir’s very own baritone, Andy Jenkins. He gave a stunning rendition of Cymru Fach! and Llanrwst. He was of course ably accompanied by the choir’s MD Emeritus, Martin Hodson.
The choir continued with Anfonaf Angel, the rousing Yma O Hyd, the spiritual Goin up a Yonder and closed the first half with World in Union.
Refreshments at the interval were provided by the church volunteers.
The second half began with the choir's own version of Sunset Poem with words by Dylan Thomas and spoken by 2nd Tenor, Dave Tutton. This was followed by the patriotic O Gymru!
Again, soloist Andy Jenkins, took to the stage and sang Bali Hai from South Pacific and the much loved My Little Welsh Home, again accompanied by Martin Hodson.
The choir followed with the foot tapping Gonna Rise up Singin' and the beautiful Hiraeth.
As a pleasant surprise on the evening, was Choir Music Director, Matthew Harrison, showing his versatility by taking up his saxophone and playing the 'jazzy' Whodunnit to much delight of the gathered audience.
To finish and complete the much enjoyable evening, the choir displayed its talent, prowess and musical ability, by giving a rendition of Drunken Sailor and ending the evening with the heart wrenching composition of Caradog Williams Gwinllan a Roddwyd. Again, both of which the choir had sung so successfully at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.
Risca Male Choir was directed by Matthew Harrison and brilliantly and imaginatively accompanied by Jeslyn Asir.
Cliff James.
2nd teno
