A PAIR OF SAD, FOND, FAREWELLS

Our latest short tour saw us travel to Liverpool and Wrexham, where we joined forces with FRON MALE VOICE CHOIR in the beautiful St Giles Church, in what proved to be a first class showcase for both choirs, delivered to an appreciative full house.
 
Fron’s individual items were delivered with a blend of precision, light and shade and humour under the impressive team of MD Leigh Mason and Accompanist Jason Ellis.
 
CMDC produced a programme of power and passion for which they have become known under the guidance of Elaine Robins and supported by Sian Gwawr Davies at the piano.
 
The seven joint items performed created a thrilling climax to the event with the leadership shared between the respective music teams.
 
This was sadly the last concert under the guidance of Elaine, who steps down as our much loved and respected MD after 25 years of association with the choir and almost 20 years as Musical Director. An occasion marked by a message from our patron King Charles and a presentation by our Chairman Gwynlais Phillips.
 
The following evening with somewhat dramatic difference took place in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral (Britain’s largest), in the shape of WAMC’s Gala Massed Choir Concert. A magnificent setting but with some acoustic challenges for a choir of 400 from 13 male voice choirs, performing an eclectic mix of pieces, many with Liverpool connections, to a huge sell out audience. Soloists were Wynne Evans and the very impressive former Royal Harpist, Alis Huws.
 
The massed choir was supported by Caradog Williams ( piano) and Huw Tregelles Willams (organ)
The event is perhaps best remembered as providing an opportunity for the retiring MD of the Association, Dr Alwyn Humphries, to finally achieve a long held ambition to conduct his arrangement of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, in his beloved city of Liverpool.
Thank you Alwyn for 4 decades of inspirational service to the cause of Welsh Male Voice Choirs.
 
Written by Peter Edkins