Christmas with the Choir
As often happens, then run up to Christmas was a busy time for the ladies of the choir.
On a cold November afternoon, the choir was invited to sing at the Switching on of the Haverfordwest Christmas Lights. The cold afternoon was to prove to be a foretaste of the coldest December in 100 years!
Next on the calendar, in early December, came a first for us. We had the opportunity to sing twice with the Teifi Chamber Orchestra, under their conductor David Hutchings. The first occasion was in the magnificent surroundings of Rhosygilwyn Mansion, and the second at the Guildhall in Cardigan. The orchestra played a variety of works including Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copeland, and the Adagio from Mozart's clarinet concerto with Chris Gillatt providing the beautiful solo.
The choir sang a selection Christmas pieces, including the world premier of Gentle Breeze, composed by one of the orchestra members, Richard Williams.
As a finale the orchestra and choir joined forces in leading the audience in singing "Hark the herald Angels Sing" and "O come all ye faithful".
After the Christmas concert in St. Mary's, Haverfordwest, there were three informal concerts; at Blaenmarlais Care Home, the Stroke Club in Pembroke Dock, and at Withybush Hospital. The audience was treated to a selection of carols and Christmas songs. Robert Mann provided solos on glockenspiel and sleigh-bells.
One of the highlights at Blaenmarlais and at the Stroke Club had to be the guest appearance of "Suzy Snowflake". One of our leading second sopranos, Gladys Morris, dressed all in white, delighted the audience, and choir, with her spirited performance as Suzy Snowflake. We wait with eager anticipation to see what might happen next year!
As always our thanks go to Nancy Mann and Gerald Nicholas for all their hard work, for the places which invited us to sing, for the warm reception of audiences, and all the warm drinks and mince pies that were much appreciated.
To see us at the Guildhall, Cardigan follow this link to YouTube.
Sally Wilson, January 2011
