The Denbigh Mayor’s Charity Concert was an overwhelming success. Not even the imminent arrival of storm Jorge could dampen the spirit of an enthusiastic, packed audience at Denbigh Town Hall.
Clwyd Wynne, our affable compere, introduced the Mayor of Denbigh, Cllr. Gaynor E. Wood-Tickle, who thanked the audience for attending despite the weather.
Nia Wyn Jones,
Musical Director.
The concert also provided a new chapter in the annals of the choir. It was the first under the direction of Nia Wyn Jones, our newly appointed musical director.
Nia is inspirational, her boundless energy and enthusiasm instilled into the creaking bones of the Denbigh Boy Band!
She convinced us that we could learn and perform new material for tonight’s concert.
Alongside Nia Mary Jones, our tireless and talented accompanist, we have a duo who will serve the choir well.
We are so grateful to have such talent.
Denbigh Mayor’s Charity Concert Programme
The choir started the concert with ‘African Prayer’ and Paul McCartney’s eternally enduring ‘Yesterday’.
Two national eisteddfod soloists of repute, Kate Griffiths and Dafydd Wyn Jones gave the evening a strong Welsh flavour. The next day, after all, is St David’s Day.
Kate Griffiths – Soprano
Kate’s rendition of the perennial favourite ‘Nant y Mynydd’ created a serene Welsh landscape.
Dafydd then enchanted the audience with the Ivor Novello composition, ‘Rho Olau i’m Breuddwydion I’.
To complete the varied programme, between the soloists is Joe Tully, a 14 year old pianist. Despite only playing for 4 years, and largely self taught, Joe played the haunting melody of Elton John’s ‘Your Song’.
The choir then closed the first half with Dafydd Iwan’s anthemic ‘Yma o Hyd’. Nia’s arrangement for the choir, a perfect expression of Welsh patriotism. The audience loved it !
Interval
Dafydd Wyn Jones
Clwyd Wynne, who always enjoys his banter with the local crowd, organised the raffle. He also enjoyed introducing five new members who were making their concert debuts.
What a welcome addition!
The choir sang ‘Cadwyn Cymraeg’ before being joined by Dafydd Wyn Jones to perform ‘O Law I Law’. Nia Wyn Jones’ composition and arrangement for Dafydd and the choir.
Dafydd then sang the hauntingly beautiful ‘Llanrwst’ by Gareth Glyn. Perfect voice control in the demanding high ranges.
Joe Tully then returned to the piano to play the foot-tapping ‘Maple Leaf Rag’ by Scott Joplin.
Kate Griffiths completed her varied programme with ‘Hei Ho’ the lively, carefree, gipsy song.
Denbigh Mayor’s Charity Concert Finale
The emotional ‘Bring Him Home’ from the musical Les Miserables is also another new song.
Baritone, Deiniol Jones captured the opening plea with reverence and sensitivity.
Furthermore, it was well-received and will, I suspect, become a regular in our concert repertoire.
American Trilogy is becoming a firm favourite with the choir. Fortunately our audiences also approve. In addition, the prolonged applause and standing ovation said it all!
Choir and Guest Artistes
The glowing atmosphere was palpable. The Mayor concluded by saying that she was so proud of her Denbigh Town. “It’s a night I will always remember.”
Presentations and thanks handed out to principals. Photographs taken for posterity*
It was a night to remember!
*Photographs will be shown here in due course.
A brilliant and thoroughly enjoyable evening. Three talented soloists, a rejuvenated choir and highly talented conductor and accompanist. Noson wych. Roeddwn yn hynod o falch o’r cor a Nia 1 a Nia 2.
Da iawn hogiau.
Medwyn
Thank you Medwyn for your comments and on-going, unfailing support for the choir. Llawer o ddiolch am dy ffyddlondeb a’th gefnogaeth hael a theimladwy.
Sounds like a wonderful evening!
Thank you Linda for your perceptive comment. It was wonderful!