The Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir appeared in Concerts at St John’s Church, Llandudno during the month of August 2014. The guest soloists in each concert were outstanding homegrown singing talent.
A guest soloist provides variety in the concert programme and some much needed respite for the choir!
Guest Soloist Carys Eleri
Carys Eleri appearied as a guest soloist in one of our choir concerts for the very first time on August 7.
The talented and popular soprano from Llandegfan, Anglesey immediately won the audience over with her first song ‘Beautiful Isle of Somewhere.’
Composed in 1897 by John S. Fearis, lyrics by Jessie B. Pounds, recorded in 1914 by popular Irish tenor John McCormack.
Carys gave a stunning rendition of this long-forgotten, endearing song, showcasing her voice control and immaculate phrasing.
In her second spot she also drew every ounce of musical passion out of Meirion Williams’s evergreen favourite ‘Gwynfyd’ (Paradise). This composer could certainly write a good tune.
He loved writing about the flora and the surrounding beauty of his native north Wales.
For her well deserved encore she sang ‘Cymru Fach’ (Dearest Wales). A classic composition by David Richards and lyrics by Elfed, the renowned poet and Archdruid.
In addition, she took the choir by complete surprise when she invited us to join in with the final chorus.
A memorable performance.
As a consequence, we hope to have Carys again in the future as our guest soloist.
Guest Soloist Kathryn Nash
At another choir concert on August 19 our guest soloist was Kathryn Nash. St Asaph born Kathryn has strong family ties with Denbigh and naturally has a strong affinity with the choir.
Kathryn has an impeccable singing pedigree having won the Mezzo Soprano solo in 2008 and 2009 at the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
Kathryn opened with a magnificent rendition of ‘Ombra Mai Fu’ from Handel’s Largo. This melodious song allows her to show her immaculate intonation and voice control.
This was followed by W.S. Gwynn Williams’ perennial favourite ‘My Little Welsh Home.’ Kathryn gave a sensitive and lyrical interpretation of an appreciation of Welsh traditions. It was very well received by the appreciative audience.
After the interval Kathryn returned with ‘Ave Maria,’ Franz Schubert’s masterpiece and one of his most popular compositions. The audience enthralled once again with Kathryn’s accomplished performance.
Kathryn completed her solo spot with the traditional folk song ‘Wrth Fynd Efo Deio i Dywyn,’ a lively musical description of the journey taken by two friends on their way to Towyn.
Kathryn then joined the choir for a Welsh version of “La Vergine degli Angeli,” the tuneful and emotional aria from Verdi’s La Forza del Destino (The Force of Destiny).
This provided a memorable finale which can be viewed below.
Guest Soloist Kathryn Nash Sings at Choir Concert
In conclusion, always a delight to share the choir concert platform once again with guest soloist Kathryn Nash.
Meirion says
Excellent work boys______keep it up!
Richard Thompson says
Thanks for your kind comments – much appreciated !
Llawer o ddiolch