Denbigh Choir 30th Anniversary Concert

What a celebration! Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir held its 30th anniversary concert at St Asaph Cathedral, on November 24, 2018. The choir shared the stage with Côr Cytgan Clwyd and special guest Steffan Rhys Hughes.

A packed Cathedral audience gave the choir, conductor Arwyn Roberts and accompanist Nia Jones, a tumultuous welcome.

The choir opened with ‘I Bwy y Perthyn Mawl’, ‘Dal Fi Fy Nuw’ and ‘Do You Hear the People Sing,’ from the immensely popular musical, Les Miserables.

Our principal guest artiste, Caryl Parry Jones, and choir president, could not be present due to influenza. Caryl made arrangements for the well known singer, Steffan Rhys Hughes, to take her place.

Steffan Rhys Hughes at Denbigh Choir 30th Anniversary Concert

A prodigious and successful competitor at the Urdd and National Eisteddfod Competitions, Steffan made an impressive opening with ‘Cyrraedd Pen y Siwrne,’ out of the film Hercules.

A current member of Only Men Aloud, Steffan’s voice is particularly suited to musical theatre as shown in his powerful rendition of ‘Nid Fi yw Mab fy Nhad,’ from Kinky Boots.

Then Steffan sang two songs from his new CD ‘Steffan’. ‘Y Mur,’ a new composition by Caryl Parry Jones and ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’.

His accompanist, Geraint Cynan, is also the producer of the CD, an excellent working collaboration.

Côr Cytgan Clwyd Join Denbigh Choir 30th Anniversary Concert

Rapidly earning a wonderful reputation under the direction of Ann Davies, and accompanist Morwen Blythin, Côr Cytgan Clwyd joined in the celebrations. The Junior choir performing ‘Anchor’ by Tudur Dylan.

Then the Senior Choir sang ‘Ave Verum Corpus’ by Philip Stopford, unaccompanied. The young voices soaring magnificently to the cathedral rafters.
The applause was deafening.

The choir finished their first set with ‘Sa lawr Ti’n Siglo y Bâd’ out of Guys and Dolls. Ynyr Jones providing a lively solo.

The Denbigh Choir closed the first half with ‘Mansions of the Lord’ and the immensely powerful ‘American Trilogy’.

The mighty Cathedral organ adding a fervent musical climax.

The Interval Celebrations

The choir vice presidents, Medwyn Jones and Mark Young, offered their bi-lingual appreciation for the continued support for the choir.

An added celebration was announced when David and family had travelled from London, especially to our concert.

David, also celebrating his 80th birthday, enjoyed the bilingual renditions of Happy Birthday.

Continuation 0f the Denbigh Choir 30th Anniversary Concert

The choir opened the second half with the Ryan Davies songs ‘Pan Fo’r Nos yn Hir’ and ‘Ti a dy Ddoniau’. Then ‘Fy Mhlentyn’ by Aled Edwards and ‘Amen’.

Steffan Sings Songs from ‘Steffan’

Steffan returned to enchant the audience once again.

Singing songs  from his latest CD, called ‘Steffan‘ namely, ‘Lisa Lân’, ‘Ceiniog y Brenin’ and ‘Eiliad’.

Côr Cytgan Clwyd Unite at Denbigh Choir 30th Anniversary Concert

Both choirs then joined to sing three choruses by Karl Jenkins. ‘Healing Light’ and ‘I Offer you Peace’ from The Peacemakers, and ‘Sanctus’ from The Armed Man.

Instrumentalists Joe Pearson (percussion), Carys Jones (Flute) and Gareth Jones (Trumpet) also added an extra dimension to the haunting and expressive pieces.

The applause was deafening and deservedly prolonged.

The Denbigh choir then sang ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Yn y Man’.  Côr Cytgan Clwyd and Steffan Rhys Hughes then joined the choir to sing ‘O Gymru’.

The standing ovation and generous applause ensures the concert will remain in the memory for a long time to come.

In conclusion, a celebration by a close knit community and ‘musical family’, spanning many generations. An appreciation of our heritage and proud tradition.

The principal artistes then accepted Presentations as a token of appreciation.

In marriage terms, 30 years is celebrated with the gift of Pearl.
It had, indeed, been a Pearl of an Evening.