We drew from our usual repertoire, Rutter's I will sing with the Spirit, The Water of Tyne in Neaum's lovely arrangement, Moon River Henry Mancini, Getting to know you from The King and I being a new addition. Other contributions included Spanish Eyes by Villalobos , Kalinka in Joan Gregoryk's arrangement, Amanda McBroom's The Rose and the French Vois se ton chemin., an exhortation for pity for suffering children. The recent prize-winning song from Abergavenny 'The Happy Wanderer' ended the first half.
Our three soloists in 'The Black Velvet Band' were Emily Walker, Jessica Millard and Lily May Davey-see below. Few photos were taken at this concert, but these are the choir members at Usk Priory.
A TIMELY THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE CHOIR DURING RETRAINING
MAny thanks to two other members of the choir entangled in exams at the moment. We would like to thank all of them, plus former members who have come to help out and substitute for absences. Thank you to ALEX COURTNEY a lovely soprano,/vocalist, HANNAH KINDRED who achieved a Distinction at Grade 8 Singing andis engaged in A levels, after which we will lose her to university, GEORGIA NICHOLSON-TOTTLE who has recently won a major scholarship to the Millennium Performing Arts School, winning awards at school plus a suspected Distinction at Grade 8, and Hannah Tottle , an exceptional voice, with a Diploma in Singing and a Distinction at Grade 8, but is now at University but is willing to help when she can. Lastly NICOLE COX who kindly helped by singing soprano at Abergavenny with her beautiful bright tone. Missing you all, those who have had to go. ALEX please stay with the choir when you can!
FINALLY The evening came to a close with a tribute to the patron of the church - St Mary with the ancient hymn Hail Holy Queen in a rocking arrangement by Shaiman. This got everyone excited, the young choristers rattling off the Latin words as if they had know them forever to an ecstatic reception by the listeners and a thank you on behalf of the StMary's Ladies' Guild by Croesyceiliog South Councillor, Veronica Crick JP. The Ladies of the Guild then invited in the choir and ticket holders to a buffet reception, which ended an exciting performance. The warmth and appreciation of the audience was palpable,one lady saying to me 'You teach them real music.what it is about' a lovely comment and a vinidcation of my teaching and that of my c0-workers, Heidi Nicholson, Gabriela and Nicholas Dunbar and Christian Jenkins.