On Saturday 2nd July, Risca Male Choir undertook two events in one day. Firstly in the morning the choir took part and performed at St. John's Church in LLanhennock near Caerleon, for the wedding of Katie, daughter of Mr & Mrs Alan Darlow, a well-known estate management agent, and Nicky Downs the son of Mr & Mrs Steven Downs, one of the valued choristers who sings in the Bass section of our choir.

The setting of this beautiful and petite church in this picturesque village really added to the atmosphere for the day. The church also came alive, and the invited guests were entertained by the glorious sound of the choir, the plentiful applause reflecting this.

The choir resplendent in white tuxedos performed Can you feel the Love Tonight? from The Lion King, followed by Moon River  from Breakfast at Tiffany's before the wedding ceremony, and followed this with the rousing Calon Lân, and finally Beauty and the Beast from the musical of the same name during the signing of the register.

The choir also joined the congregation in the singing of Cwm Rhondda and Lord of the Dance.

Due to other commitments and sadly, illness, Music Director Tomos Gwyn and Accompanist Alison Thomas were not available. However, to the rescue yet again came Risca Male Choir's very own Martin Hodson MBE Music Director Emeritus to not only accompany the choir but to also raise the baton and direct the choir so admirably.

Risca Male Choir wishes to express and record its sincere best wishes for the future to the newly married couple Katie and Nicky.

Later the same day Risca Male Choir were committed to perform yet again.

This time our choir performed at a private function in the Mulberry Suite at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport in front of a small but prestigious audience. The guests had links to, and included members of, the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir from Salt Lake City in the USA. Indeed the guests also included a recently retired Conductor.

Music Director Tomos Gwyn had chosen a varied programme which included traditional Welsh songs as well as songs from successful musicals and shows. 

We commenced the evening with the rousing Men of Harlech, followed by the gentle Ar hyd y nos. Songs from the shows included Beauty and the Beast, Can you feel the Love Tonight? as well as Anthem from Chess.

The final item of the evening was the passionate and patriotic O Gymru! However, it was the rendition of Anfonaf Angel which was the highlight of the evening; it proved to be so moving, and indeed inspiring.

The gathered audience was obviously enthralled by the performance and throughout, showed their appreciation with excitement and polite applause. Indeed many of the guests approached the choir afterwards to express and offer their congratulations.

The choir was again very fortunate to have their own MD Emeritus, Martin Hodson MBE, to accompany them. He expressed his delight at having the opportunity to play the 'Yamaha grand piano' respectfully provided by the Celtic Manor for the evening.

The Celtic Manor later reported that the group we sang to considered the event the “Highlight of their week”. 

Tenor 2: Cliff James