Soprano Sara Davies and the choir entertained an appreciative audience at St John’s Church, Llandudno with a diverse musical programme.
It was pleasing to return to St John’s Church on a warm Summer evening. Inside, the equally warm welcome from Mark Ramsden and the audience made us feel we were amongst old friends.
To some extent we were. Returning for what is their annual pilgrimage to Llandudno were John Giddings and Dave Lycett, members of Wetley Rocks Male Voice Choir.
John Giddings and Dave Lycett (on left) visiting St John’s Church in 2015
It was so good to see them once again. Thanks for their continued friendship and support.
Left to right, Clwyd Wynne, John Giddings, Arwyn Roberts, Dave Lycett and Gron Wynne (2018)
The prolonged audience response after our opening spot of Y Ddau Wladgarwr, Do You Hear the People Sing, The Rose and Pan Fo’r Nos yn Hir was music to our ears.
Sara Davies, Guest Soloist
Sara Davies – Soprano
The guest soloist Sara Davies, soprano, is from nearby Old Colwyn. Sara recently completed her Music Degree at Cardiff University with First Class Honours.
Clearly influenced by the beauty of nature Sara sang Yr Hydref (Autumn), Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal, and Mai (May) by the evergreen Meirion Williams.
The scintillating piano accompaniment by Owain Gethin, Head of Music at Ysgol y Creuddyn. Sara is one of his former pupils at the school.
The interval came around all too quickly with choir renditions of Mansions of the Lord, Fy Mhlentyn and Amen.
Concert Second Half
Returning refreshed after a welcome cup of tea the choir sang African Prayer, Cwyn y Gwynt, Abide with Me and Welsh Trilogy.
Sara Davies then returned to entrance the audience with songs from the shows.
Starting with the haunting I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables. Sara captured all the emotional turmoil and storytelling of this powerful song. The audience loved it.
She then sang Eva Cassidy’s Over the Rainbow, but in her own expressive and endearing manner.
Her last song was I Know Where I’ve Been, from the musical Hairspray. A powerful ballad delivered with passion and style.
Sara Davies, left, with Arwyn Roberts and Nia Jones
The choir then completed the concert with Song of the Jolly Roger, Amazing Grace and Yn y Man.
Equally, along with the choir, conductor Arwyn Roberts and accompanist Nia Jones, received prolonged appreciation. It had been a very enjoyable evening.
Next week Sara Davies will be competing at the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff. Moreover, we wish her every success there and in her future career.
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