Choristers up close - Christopher Davies
Christopher Davies - Treasurer
Section - Tenor 2
How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?
It all goes back to my mother’s funeral really. Several choristers attended her funeral out of friendship to my sister Paddy, and her husband John Lacy, who had been a member of the choir for many years. I got into conversation and had a few drinks with them and ended up promising them that I would attend choir practice next week – or so Christine, my wife, tells me, although’ I can’t really remember much about it. Anyway, I did attend and these guys came over and the conversation seemed to continue from where we had left off from when we had last met. They really made me feel welcome and remained good friends.
How long have you been with our choir, and what are the things which have helped you stay?
I joined in January 1985, just before the choir made a short trip to Paris, which unfortunately I could not attend. During my first few months I became very friendly with the late Gordon Holley and he and I became very good mates. I remember being very involved with him in the building of the incredible set in the shape of a Mississippi steam boat for the forthcoming, my first, Christmas show. Being involved with this type of thing with Gordon was really enjoyable and something that I looked forward to each year. At my first A.G.M., I foolishly volunteered to become a committee member and have remained one ever since, some 35 years later. Just a few years later, in 1990, I assumed the position of Treasurer and apart from a two year break in 2016/2017 have held it ever since. This position means I am involved with all the choristers and their friendship is something that I value.
What music do you particularly enjoy singing and why?
I try to enjoy singing most of the music that the Music Director puts in front of us, but I do find that the Welsh songs are the most difficult when sung in Welsh. Some of the most challenging pieces have been Cherubini’s Requiem in D minor, Mervyn Burtch’s Beowulf and Grendel, David Wynne’s Owain ab Urien and finally Carbon 12. Difficult to learn but very satisfying when finally mastered. I do enjoy less difficult pieces and I do like musicals but I do not like contemporary modern music. It is always enjoyable to sing pieces that have a good tune/melody and some lovely harmonies.
Have you had any memorable musical moments that gave you pride and satisfaction?
Several spring readily to mind. Being successful in various competitions such as the National Eisteddfod, the B. & I. Welsh Choral Challenge Shield and the Majestic Battle of the Choirs. It was also very memorable to sing in the fabulous Cathedrals, churches and other prestigious buildings on the many national and international tours that the choir has undertaken. I am also very proud to have been involved in many of the recordings that the choir has made during my period of membership.
Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir.
Not sure whether I can tell it ‘briefly’. Choir takes up a lot of my time, being treasurer, committee man and chorister, but I do manage to have some other interests. I like to have a break from bookwork now and again and be a bit more physical, so I am an active member of the Dolman Theatre stage crew in that I help to build the sets for each of the plays that Newport Playgoers put on each month. Building generally takes place for at least two weeks prior to a performance and then there is always the set strip down on the last night after the final show. It has to be done that night as the next week’s performing company are due in on the Sunday morning. When there are no plays on we generally like to tidy up the workshop and put away the scenery flats ready for the next use.
In addition to the theatre, I also am a volunteer for the RSPB at the Newport Wetlands on a Saturday when I join with a small team of guys who look after the grounds of the resort. We do all the work in keeping the grounds relatively neat and tidy plus any other repairs and modifications that need to be done to keep the place running smoothly.
I do like to walk a lot with my wife, but cannot manage the long walks like I used to, so it’s mainly in my local area around Langstone now.
A final thought, if you have one.
When I first joined the choir I was still playing rugby for Cardiff High School Old Boys RFC but gradually choir began to take over and wean me off the game. It is something that I will never regret as I have had so much pleasure from the choir. I am fortunate that I have been able to learn so much about singing and thank Martin Hodson for being so helpful in my assimilation into choral singing.
