Christmas Concert at Rhyl

Our Christmas Concert at Rhyl was a trip down memory lane.
The last time we sang at Rhyl Town Hall was about twenty years ago. On that occasion there were more people in the choir than in the audience.

However, the concert on Saturday, December 14 2019 was in stark contrast. The hall was almost full to capacity.

Clwyd Wynne, Chair of Vale of Clwyd Mind, wearing several hats on this occasion, extended a warm welcome to everyone.

The Royal Oakeley Silver Band

The Royal Oakeley Silver Band opened the concert with an arrangement of John Williams’ ‘Star Wars’ theme.

This dramatic rendition set the scene for an exciting musical experience for the audience.

Also included in their programme was the ever popular contest march, ‘Castell Coch’.

Young Hanna Evans, put down her Repiano Cornet, to enthral us with her fabulous voice. An excellent rendition of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, from the immensely popular musical, Les Misérables.

Incidentally, her grandfather, John Arthur Evans, is also a member of the band and recently received an award for his 65 years service.

Mindtones Strumming to Success

It is long understood that music has a significant positiveness on the wellbeing of individuals.

Mind Tones have recently come together to form an ukulele group. Most of the members are also associated with the established Mind’s musical group ‘Meatballs in Mind’.

The group performed, under the guidance of their tutor, Lee Davies, a medley of carols and also the popular ‘Mull of Kintyre’.

The audience, clearly impressed, by giving a standing ovation at the end of their performance.

New Start for the Choir

This was the choir’s first concert since the departure of our Musical Director, Arwyn Roberts. We were all, justifiably, a little apprehensive.

The audience, however, soon conveyed its approval of our performance under the capable leadership of our Deputy MD, Clwyd Wynne.

We had chosen a variety of both English and Welsh pieces. Included for the very first time, John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s popular song, ‘Yesterday’.

Without doubt the highlight of our musical contribution was singing the stirring ‘Gwahoddiad,’ accompanied by the band.

The evening ended with everyone singing carols to the accompaniment of the band.

Also a surprise visit from Father Christmas, who distributed sweets to the audience.

Vale of Clwyd Mind CEO, Philip Williams gave the vote of thanks. Particularly to Jean Wilson, Trustee, who had led a team of people in organising the event.

Special thanks also to her son, Paul Wilson. The energetic Musical Director of the band, had been ‘busking’, with his trumpet, around different places in North Wales.

Collecting money in order to maximise the proceeds of the concert for Mind. It had been a memorable and worthwhile evening.

During the evening choir members were informed of the development in securing our next Musical Director.

Details will be published soon.