Maldon
The choir was pleased to return to Holy Trinity Church, Maldon for a Sunday afternoon concert on 25 November.
Gwŷr Harlech opened proceedings in a suitably upbeat tone before the enthusiastic congregation joined in singing the English verses.
This was followed by Morte Criste, Y Tangnefeddwyr, Yfory with a delicate flute introduction by Bendigonian Nigel McGuckian and What Would I Do Without My Music.
Versatile compère Stephen Pepper then introduced the educational segment and successfully taught patrons to pronounce the full version of LlanfairPG. Mightily relieved that they could now all get past the pearly gates, the choir brought them back to earth, just beside the sea, in fact, with Ar Lan Y Môr, beautifully sung without accompaniment.
In the Paul Jarman bracket, Land of My Song soared throughout the timber rafters with fine solos by Bob Ash and Garry Salisbury. In contrast, the choir then musically channelled the eponymous Aboriginal guerrilla fighter on Pemulwuy.
The Bendigo group’s pianist Elizabeth Paton then took her place at the keyboard and sensitively accompanied flautist Nigel as he excelled on Bach’s Sonata in E Minor and then on a more modern tune Sunstreams by Ian Clarke.
Tenor Drew Hopkins then stepped forward to confidently lead the choir in the challenging Diolch I’r Iôr. Heading for the closing song for the first half, Faleiry made sure that the audience knew when to come in at the end of the rousing When the Saints Go Marching In with yet another tour de force by Lorna on the keyboard. This they did splendidly before everyone was happy to take a drinks break on a very warm day.
Multi-talented Elizabeth opened the second half by introducing JS Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in E Minor before positioning herself at the Holy Trinity organ. Those choristers sitting in the choir stalls were treated to a close-up display of her dexterity including some very nimble footwork.
Nigel’s flute introduced the next number, the haunting choral arrangement of Gounod’s Sanctus with a very well-modulated solo by tenor Ed Hughes.
Bass Bob Ash introduced the mining segment and masterfully sang an a cappella rendition of A Prince Among Men, followed by Geoff Serpell on the powerful Working Man.
Switching to a love theme, tenor Rushan Hewawasam beautifully caught the romance of Suddenly from Les Mis. This was followed by the lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi, The Rose and the heart-tugging You’ll Never Walk Alone.
On a hot and humid day, we were suitably refreshed by Barry McMahon’s stirring Wild Mountain Thyme, Drew’s peripatetic Spanish Lady with castanet accompaniment and the final chorus of Waltzing Matilda with soloists Drew and Geoff, leading to the simultaneous singing of the Welsh National Anthem by some of the choir.
Julia Nutting thanked the choir for a great concert before choristers carefully picked their way through cables and other potential hazards to surround the assembled company with the famous farewell of Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood.
From the organiser:
“Splendid day last Saturday.
“Once again, thank you so much for the lovely afternoon we had on Saturday, and for all you did to make it happen. A memorable occasion; and we admired the way the singers – not to mention the ‘bumping party’ – seemed unaffected by the heat – most professional.
“Program as inviting as ever and its execution of course impressive – and the exercise does show the church to advantage, with its atmosphere and acoustics. You bring out the best in Holy Trinity! We do appreciate your willingness to come, and look forward to next time!
“And it’s particularly good that the day was pleasingly profitable for us as well as enjoyable. Thank you again – please greet the choir members and Faleiry and let them know of our thanks and appreciation. Best wishes, Julia.”