Latest News: A roundup of the last six months
As we say goodbye to winter and welcome the early signs of spring and summer, Risca Male Choir can look back on a busy and rewarding start to 2010. Preparations for the joint concert with the Crosskeys College Choral Society - Verdi's Requiem - in May entailed extra practice sessions and commitment from the choir. Martin Hodson, the music director, worked tirelessly with each choir and in joint sessions, to be assured of a magnificent concert. The Welsh Sinfonia and soloists (Laura Parfitt, Jason Howard, Joanne Thomas and John Hudson) joined the choirs on the night.
Snow caused some disruption to our normal concert appearances but the choir was pleased to be welcomed once again to Newport's Riverfront Theatre to appear with Newport City Pipes and Drums and Newport Philharmonic Choir in support of the St David's Foundation. Another most worthwhile concert was held on behalf of Leukaemia Research Wales in Whitchurch, Cardiff. St David's Day was celebrated on March 1st with a now traditional joint concert with the children of Ty-Sign Junior School. The school choir had clearly put in a great deal of effort with their teachers to enchant the audience, including the new headmistress! A delightful evening of well known songs and hymns resulted.
Recruitment in 2010 has been quite exceptional, especially amongst the younger voices. With regular attendances at practices now averaging more than fifty, and total numbers on the books nearing seventy, the future of the choir has rarely looked better as we celebrate 40 years. Already, despite all other commitmernts, new pieces and repertoire for the August tour to Poland and Austria are being rehearsed and the choir looks forward to being proud ambassadors for Welsh choral singing.
Obituary
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our Vice-chairman, Gwyn Tovey, who passed away recently following a short illness. Gwyn had been a valued member of the choir for over 38 years and during that time had held the positions of Treasurer for 17 years, Chairman for 13 years and latterly as Vice-chairman for 6 years. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences go to his wife, Janice, and their family.
Service Awards
At the recent AGM, the following members were presented with long service awards.
- Terry Richards - 40 years
- Gerry Pritchard - 40 years
- Ron Donaghue - 35 years
- Gordon Williams - 30 years
- Ken Dupre, Haydn Thomas and Chris Davies - all 25 years.
Special mention must be made of Terry Richards who was a founder member of the choir when it was formed in 1970. He is the first member to achieve 40 years membership of the choir.
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