The annual concert of Chelmsford and District Welsh Society was held on the 6th of June in the presence of the Mayor of Chelmsford Cllr Tony Sach and his wife. Cor Meibion Maelgwn, from Llandudno in North Wales, under the baton of their talented Musical Director Trystan Lewis, and the young soprano Elin Mai treated a packed Chelmsford Cathedral to a veritable feast of music. The concert commenced and concluded with rousing renditions of Onward Ye People by Sibelius, and Newberry's American Trilogy, respectively. The choir's programme included: Verdi's Speed Your Journey; Schubert's Psalm 23 (in Welsh);Mozart's O Isis And Osiris; several spirituals, including Angels Watching Over Me to accompany a rich baritone solo by the conductor; Myfanwy, surely the greatest love song of all times; the very moving Y Tangnefeddwyr (The Peacemakers); the haunting lullaby Si Hei Lwli Mabi; and the ever popular hymn Gwahoddiad (The Invitation) with Elin Mai. The choir were accompanied on the piano by Sian Louise Bratch and Mererid Mai. The audience were captivated by the pure voice of Elin Mai in the wonderful acoustic of the Cathedral. Included in her repertoire were: The Holy City; a haunting Ave Maria; the inspiring The Rose; a nostalgic Cartref (Home); and Mai (May). She was accompanied by the pianist Meinir Wyn Davies, a Blue Riband winner at the National Eisteddfod of Wales. After the interval the Mayor (whose son won a Gold Medal fencing for Wales!) welcomed the performers to Chelmsford. The audience and choir then sang Unwaith Eto'n Nghymru Annwyl (Once Again In Dear Wales) together. At the conclusion Society President Maureen Byatt congratulated all the performers and made presentations to Trystan Lewis, Elin Mai and the accompanists. The evening ended with a rousing Cwm Rhondda, and finally the Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Next year's concert, on Saturday the 12th of June, will be given by the famous Cor Godre'r Aran. To avoid disappointment, those hoping to attend are advised to book as soon as the details are announced in March.
Jim Armishaw |
