Risca Male Choir Shines at Celtic Manor Corporate Event
Thursday, October 10. 2024
Now you may have noticed I’m a bit of a keen photographer. Blagging my way into corporate events for free is not my strong point, (no political jokes here please!) so wanting to see RMC just around the corner from me at the Celtic Manor in a private event was a potential challenge. Step in Tim Stone. Diolch! Can I be the official photographer I cheekily asked via ChoirMate? (Choir communication app) Quick whizz around, and the Committee drew a yes. Black shirt now pressed, I was away, and new Top Tenor Doug Warren, became my bagman for the night. Or is it wingman? #TopGun
So Corporate events are never easy for a Welsh Male Choir, especially when they/we are not the main centre of attention, and when the c. 200 strong audience is a) young, b) mainly English and c) excited due to alcohol.
But for the said 200 guests, the night promised an exciting blend of fine dining, conversation, and live entertainment. But for the choir, the setting posed some unique challenges. With an enthusiastic audience eagerly mingling, chatting and… ahem… drinking beforehand in the reception area in the bowels of the Celtic Manor, Risca Male Choir found themselves singing to perfection to an empty and silent banqueting hall! (Have I mentioned Eisteddfod winners yet?). Baritone, Alan Davies’ solo in Hodie was crystal clear. Bottom bass debutant, Tom Hughes at the ready, Matt sound checked at the back of the room and double checked with Doug, who was there sat down, not doing his bagman job (?!). All tuned up, repertoire primed for the grand audience. Stage lights now adjusted. Happy days!
3-2-1 – doors opening… a la the OTIS lift announcement. Singing begins. I now refer you to a), b) and c) above
From the start, the choir’s rich harmonies tried to soar through the air. Unfortunately, with the buzz of lively conversation rising, it became clear that the beautiful intricacies of the choir’s repertoire were being partially drowned out and only appreciated, by a few curious guests at the front tables next the stage. Nevertheless, the choir remained unphased, continuing to sing with passion and commitment despite facing the daunting task of cutting through the excited ensemble. Remember/compare the Pontypridd (Eisteddfod venue) silence when RMC mesmerised the audience there? “Contrast” comes to mind. Anyway, first set done, exit stage right and find the coffee. By the way, Doug said he could hear next to nothing at the back, also to which I responded…. Pardon? Old ones are always the best!
Now I’m not saying there was panic backstage at “Half time “, so to speak, but let’s say there was a hastily arranged “Committee meeting of some sort”! Change of plan, change of repertoire and change of tack. Remember a), b) and c) above. Humour them Matt was the key me thought. Bingo!
The second half of the performance, however, was when things indeed took a turn for the better. Music Director Matthew Harrison, (respect Matt) when back in the room sensing that need for a shift, took command of the said room with his authoritative yet charismatic presence. Pausing the choir’s programme, Harrison… sorry Matt (respect) addressed the audience directly, encouraging them to give their full attention to the music. His words,
delivered with conviction and a touch of humour, drew the crowd in. The room quieted, and a renewed sense of focus settled over the guests. The threat of picking an audience member to sing solo worked - but all a ruse for a pre-planned Happy Birthday sing. Ice broken!
With the audience now fully engaged, cue Hiraeth. Wow! Pin drop. Time to mention Eisteddfod winners again? The choir then launched into a varied second-half repertoire that highlighted their vocal versatility and musical depth. Are you “merry” yet (politer version) was a brilliant way to introduce “Drunken Sailor.”
The power of their voices, now unmarred by competing noise, filled the room. From stirring Welsh anthems, O Gymru, to modern arrangements of Fix You! and World in Union, Risca Male Choir showcased why it remains one of the most respected male choirs in Wales. Being stood by the speaker, I also got to hear and feel the brilliant talent of Jez (Accompanist, Jeslyn Asir) on the other side of the room. How fortunate is RMC to have such a talented music team?
So, the pre main meal entertainment ended on a high note, with applause and a standing ovation style appreciation from the corporate attendees who had finally tuned into the magic of live choral music. Exit stage right again. Thanks to Matt’s leadership and the choir’s perseverance and professionalism, the performance was a success, leaving a lasting impression on an eventful evening at Celtic Manor. Risca Male Choir once again proved that no matter the venue or the challenge, their commitment to sharing their music with the World (see a, b) and c) again) remains unwavering. Proud to be wearing black that night and associated with RMC, even if just a blagging photographer, and with my bagman Doug still sat at the back waiting nor for a lift home!
Oh and I managed a few photos to earn my keep and recorded 5 pieces, this time for the Choral Communications Facebook page.
PS it’s still hard not to join in and spoil the video
Tony Kear: Baritone
October 2024
