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"Tarrents Way" comes to Abertillery. Saturday 6th May saw the TV personality Chris Tarrant visit Abertillery to make an episode for his second series of "Tarrant's Way" Chris and his wife Ingrid arrived in style driving a 1938 Bentley and following the route shown in a 1959 AA road map from Hay on Wye. They attended a rehearsal of the Abertillery Orpheus male Choir under the baton of their Musical Director Mr. Steven Bard

In addition to the recording of the rehearsal they carried out interviews with Mr. Martin Budd the Choir's President and Accompanist for the day and Mr. Glyn Andrews the Choir's longest serving member. They were interested in the history of the Choir, which celebrates its centenary in 2008 and its links with the community and in particular the mining industry. Mr. Martin Budd gave them a wonderful insight into the culture and history of the Choir and Mr. Glyn Andrews told them about the links between male voice choirs and a life spent in the mines. He was also able to dispel the belief that there was much in the way of singing whilst actually working at the coal face or whilst walking to work at 5 a.m. on a Winter's morning!

The programme will go out as part of the second series of "Tarrents Way" on National ITV in September and will also feature visits made to Winchester, Oxford and Norfolk.

Appointment of Priest-in-Charge of Abertillery and Cwmtillery The Bishop of Monmouth, the Rt Revd Dominic Walker OGS, is pleased to announce that he has appointed Father Patrick Coleman to be the Priest-in-Charge of Abertillery and Cwmtillery. Fr Patrick is at present the Rector of Goetre , Vicar of Llanover, and Director of Continuing Ministerial Education in the Diocese of Monmouth. Fr Patrick is aged 47 and attended school in Pontypool. Both he and his father have been members of the Abertillery Orpheus Male Voice Choir. He was educated at Reading University, the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and in Munich. He is a Bachelor of Philosophy, a Licenciate and Bachelor of Sacred Theology and a qualified teacher. Fr Patrick trained for the priesthood at the Venerable English College in Rome, was ordained into the Roman Catholic Church and served in the Archdiocese of Cardiff where he was appointed as Ecumenical Adviser. Fr Patrick was licensed as an Anglican priest by Archbishop Rowan Williams ten years ago and served as a non-stipendiary priest at St Mary's, Abergavenny. He then served in the Diocese of Europe as chaplain at Varese in Italy until he took up his present appointment in 2001. He leads the Servant Leadership programme for our clergy and enjoys music, playing the organ, walking the dog and good food and wine. Thinking of his choral and ecumenical links with Abertillery, Fr Patrick says: "I owe a lot to the people of Abertillery with whom I have sung and prayed in past years. I am looking forward to living and working in the community to bring people to Christ and to put the Church at the very centre of these communities where it is so easy to sing the praises of God." The Bishop says: " Fr Patrick is among our most able priests. He is a gifted leader and teacher with a desire to see the Church grow and relate to the local people. I am sure that he will be a great blessing to the people in his new parish."

Pupil wins CD Artwork Design Competition.

As part of the launch of the new CD “Melodies and Memories” by The Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir, a competition was run at Abertillery Comprehensive School to design the CD cover. Pictured below is the winner of the competition Lauren Meek, receiving her award of a £25 book token plus a copy of the CD from the Chairman of the Choir Mr Barry Jones. Also pictured is Mrs Pauline Thomas Head Teacher, Mr Neil Davies Head of the Art and Design department, Mr Denis Roles Choir Secretary, Mr Bill Bard Choir Vice Chairman.

Three other pupils Tia Love, Samantha Liddington and Rachel Evans received a £10 book token as runners up. James Tiley, a former pupil at the school carried out the final editing of the CD’s artwork.

The CD includes a tribute to the late Trevor Wilde M.B.E. and was recorded by JMA Recordings.

Choral treat helps centre

A SUCCESSFUL musical evening at St John's Church, Devizes, featuring a Welsh male voice choir, has helped boost funds for the Devizes Opportunity Centre by £750.

The choir, the Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir, gave their services free of charge for the event organised by former BBC weatherman Malcolm Thomas. Mr Thomas, whose wife has been a volunteer at the Devizes Opportunity Centre in Belle Vue Road, said: "I heard the choir at a concert in Warminster. They were excellent and I thought it would be great to get them to put on a concert.

"The secretary of the choir told me they perform all over the country free of charge. When I told them the money raised from the concert in Devizes would be going to the Opportunity Centre they were delighted to take part."

The concert proved a huge success with more than 200 people in the audience. The choir sang a range of opera, light music, Welsh hymns and songs from the shows. Geraldine Aylmer-Kelly of Devizes White Horse Opera was invited by the choir to take part and she sang an Easter hymn.

Mr Thomas said "People went out from the concert on a real buzz, everyone was very pleased."

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A Bit of Welsh magic

EASTBOURNE had an injection of Welsh magic recently as 50 choristers invaded the town to take part in a charity concert at the Winters Gardens, bringing with them an entourage of wives relatives and friends.

The Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir certainly put the fun into fundraising, raising over £1000 for the Eastbourne Lions Club with a wide selection of music, including some inspiring Welsh songs with a spiritual message.

They lit the fuse, accompanied by pianist Penny Hughes, with the Lord is my Light by Felton Rapley and latter sang, Ever Time I fell the Spirit from an arrangement by D Jones, and the lovely Finlandia by Sibelius.

It is an art to be able to sing with such clarity and diction, not surprising therefor to learn that the choristers practice twice a week throughout the year to enable them to reach this high standard.

I would have like to here some individual male singing but the choir left the solo items to soprano Jill Padfield, who had appeared with them on previous visits to Eastbourne.

One of my favourites from Jill was Ivor Novello's Waltz of my Heart from the Dancing Years, as I have just bought a CD of part of his original recordings as a child I used to play this show stopper on my dad's wind up gramophone and a 78 HMV record. Who could ever tire from this beautiful music from this Welsh wizard.

Jill sang another nostalgic song. I Could Have Danced all Night, from Lerner and Lowe's My Fair Lady, a show I saw with my Welsh husband, Keith, on our engagement.

The mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Olive Woodall, was among the audience to join in the robust singing of Sussex by the Sea.

It was a fitting touch by the choir under the direction of Stephen Bard to add a touch of local colour to the concert by singing Sussex by the Sea.

Other anthems included Myfanwy, Eli Jenking Prayer and the National Anthem.

The concert was a tremendous success, and Eastbourne will always keep a welcome in the hill sides for the Abertillery Orpheus

 

Carol Davies
Eastbourne .

Concert by the Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir
Saturday 7 June at 7:00pm - All Saints' Church

Photograph and report by kind permission of the parish of Prestbury web site

This evening we were treated to a splendid concert by the Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir of mixed works starting with Wagner and songs from Les Miserables by Boubil / Schonberg, ending with the Battle Hymn of the Republic (for which we all joined in), and, of course, along the way many songs from their native Welsh composers
They were accompanied on the piano by Penny Hughes and supported by the mezzo soprano, Amy Louise Pedwell. For more details about the choir (and a better picture of them!), please visit their website.
All proceeds from this evenings concert, organised by Marion Beagley, will go to the Youth Work of the Parish.

Wilde night for Trevor!

 

Family and friends put on a surprised dinner party to help celebrate the 90th birthday of Trevor Wilde, life president of Abertillery Orpheus Choir.

MR. Wilde of Badminton Grove, Ebbw Vale, was totally unaware of the party after being duped into believing has was being taken to a concert at St. Mark's Church by his niece, Sue Robinson.

Instead, he was taken to the Llanhilleth Hotel, were he was delighted to spend the evening with about one hundred relatives and friends.

The surprise dinner included speeches and entertainment for Mr. Wilde organised by Abertillery Orpheus, with which he has been involved for 70 years-65 of those as an artist and MC.

Mr. Wilde was delighted that so many relatives and friends attended his birthday bash.

A distinguished community figure and a renowned elocutionist, Mr. Wilde was awarded the MBE in 1996 for his tireless work in the community, including raising £11000 for the rotary fund.

In 1982, he took the choir on a visit to Rome and helped organised a performance for Pope John Paul, who joined them in a rendition of a song called Mother and remarked that 'He could be a member of the choir!'

Recalling his birthday treat, Mr. Wilde said: ''I wouldn't say it was a wild night. I'm a bit to old for that, but I had a wonderful time!

''When I arrived, I thought 'Where's the choir and congregation?. Then I saw my son and the penny dropped. I had a wonderful night.

Gwent Gazette, March 6 2003

St Petersburg Vocal Ensemble Russicum

Abertillery town has been the latest stop for the St Petersburg Vocal Ensemble Russicum during this year's UK autumn tour. The choir having toured the UK annually since 1998.

After visiting Abertillery in October last year the choir were eagerly awaited for by all that had the privilege of hearing them the first time around and they didn't disappoint the near capacity audience at St Michael's church.

They attracted an audience swelled by the excitement and comments of those that had the opportunity of hearing the choir on their previous visit, who were treated to an evening of vocal excellence by the five professional Russian singers from the Russian Orthodox Church's of St Petersburg, whose aim is to promote traditional and contemporary Russian religious song.

Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir conducted by Stephen Bard and accompanied by Penny Hughes opened the evening's performance before taking a back seat as the Russicum ensemble who are cappella (voice only) singers, performing the first half of their programme. This consisted of Russian Orthodox Church Music, appearing dressed in Russian national costumes to sing a second half of Russian Folk Songs with each of the singers given the opportunity of singing solo performances, securing a standing ovation at the evening's end from a very appreciative Abertillery public.

Reverend Michael Beasley giving a vote of thanks before the singing of the national anthem to close an evening of superb singing performed to the highest standard.

Following the concert the Ensemble joined with the choir and the people of Abertillery for a social evening before travelling onto their next concert performance in Swansea.

We look forward to receiving the St Petersburg Vocal Ensemble Russicum again hopefully in the not too distant future.

Russicum can be visited on their web site
www.russicum.bezplatny.cz

GWENT GAZETTE, October 3rd 2002

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ORPHEUS ABROAD
(Choir's tour to Germany 2002)

Bank Holiday Monday saw 92 members of Abertillery Orpheus male choir, their wives and supporters set out to participate in the 50th anniversary celebrations of the German choir, Lingener Mannerquartet.
After last minute problems that required two unknown coaches, the first stage of the journey took the party via the Channel tunnel to the Holiday Inn at Ghent.
On Tuesday, the next stage took them to Lingen, where two hotels Hubertushof and Waldhotel were filled.
On Wednesday evening, a meal of gigantic proportions was served and a local artist provided an evening of music. As proof of enjoyment of the evening, the hotel ran out of beer!
On Thursday evening a barbecue was held for all members and supporters of eight different choirs who all took turns on stage to introduce themselves with their music.
The Friday morning, the Lord Mayor entertained three choir officers and gifts were exchanged. The gifts were from Abertillery and Llanhilleth community council, Blaenau borough council and courtesy of Peter Law AM, from the National Assembly of Wales.
The party then left the city of Osnabruck where they stayed at the hotel Hohenzollen and were able to explore the city. The party then returned to Lingen for the main event on Saturday, during the morning the choir sang twenty-minute programs at five locations in the city, revived at lunchtime by glasses of local Emsland beer served from a fire engine. There was free time during the afternoon which some of the ladies used for shopping, some buying green coats which were almost like a uniform. The highlight of the week was the performance in the main square in the evening. All the choirs took turns to present a programme on stage commencing with the host choir.

Choirs chairman Bill Bard from Abertillery Orpheus(right )
and Oberburgermeister Heiner Pott, Presentation
of plate with coat of arm Wednesday 4 September 2002.

Then followed choirs from Finland (Helsinki) and (Pori), Holland (Enschede and Amsterdam), England (Ashbourne) Poland (Bielawa), Wales (Haverfordwest and Abertillery) Our choir sang the fifth, and had a brilliant reception from a 4000 to 5000 audience. For the items Jacobs Ladder, Guter Mond, Bring Him Home, Marina and Battle Hymn of the Republic (with audience participation) After exchanging gifts with their hosts, they left for Osnabruck.
On Sunday the party journeyed to Antwerp staying at the hotel Astrid Park Plaza. On Monday they left for home and after some delays for motorway accidents in Belgium came via the Channel Tunnel, and arrived early evening.
Everyone involved felt that this was a week that would live in the memory for a long time.

Gwent Gazette, September 19th 2002

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MEMORIAL CONCERT REPORT
(Ron Prothero)

It was a fitting tribute to Mr Ron Protheroe that every seat was filled at the Memorial Concert held in his honour last Saturday on a wet and blustery evening when it would have been much easier to have remained in the comfort of home.

Mr Graham Protheroe following the death of Ron last September initiating the memorial concert which featured, Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir, Abertillery Ladies Orpheus Choir and Cwm Male Voice, the concert being held at St Michael's Church Abertillery.

The three organisations taking to the stage in turn provided a unique concert for the capacity audience singing a wide variety and popular programme of songs, including Ron's life long favourite, The Battle Hymn of the Republic. As a man who had given all his life for the benefit of others and the community that he so dearly loved, Ron would have been very, very proud of this fund raising concert given in his name and for all the effort so freely given by all concerned. It was typical of Ron who wished that when he died the local Community Health Service should benefit rather than money being spent on flowers, and as a result of the concert and money donated at his funeral a cheque for over £1100 was donated on the night by Ron's daughter Dawn to The Gwent Health Care Trust (Respiratory Equipment)

Ron had joined The Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir at the age of fifteen and had remained a member for the next 57 years being a past chairman and life member. He also served with the Abertillery Moose, where he was a past president, and where he worked tirelessly for local charities. The Moose' belief of loyalty, friendship and community spirit always being a part of Ron's life.

At the culmination of the concert the three choirs joined together in the singing of Morte Criste (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross) which was a very moving and fitting end to the evenings performance leaving more than one of the audience with tiers in their eyes.

Ron will be sadly missed by all in the local community but the legacy of his life's work of fundraising and concern for others will live on forever.

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Annual Concert 2001

Anticipation of the performance by their local choir and the prospect of an evening in the company of one of the worlds finest Bass Opera Singers excited the large audience in attendance on the evening of the Annual concert given by the Abertillery Orpheus and their guest artist Robert Lloyd held at the Abertillery Leisure Centre last Saturday Evening.

Within the first seconds the audience immediately realized that the concert would be great and continued to enjoying an evening of fine choral singing presented by the Orpheus Choir and the melodious tones and professionalism of Robert Lloyd.

Starting the first half the choir under its permanent conductor Stephen Bard and accompanist Martin Budd gave performances of Men of Harlech and Jamaica Farewell, the contrast could then hardly have been greater with the singing of Shenandoah which was full of grace and tenderness.

The impressive stature of Robert Lloyd CBE appeared on stage causing enthusiastic and warm reactions. The choice of his opening number, Song of the Volga Boatman assisted by the choir proved to be a good one as the song was immediately recognized and well received by the large audience present.

During the remainder of the first half of the concert the choir and guest artiest continued to enthrall the audience with items from the choir including, My life for a Song and Praise His Holy Name with Robert Lloyd adding Do Not Awaken Memories, the choir finishing the half with the ever popular hymn Gwahoddiad.

Compere for the evening Roy Jenkins from BBC Wales provided the link between choir and audience. Roy's individuality and his own style of entertainment coming to the boil with good humor flying round the room at frequent intervals.

Plenty of talking points came from the first half of the concert and the ten-minute interval turned into twenty. The choir then continuing to entertain the audience once more with more top quality singing from their concert programme, which was to include a combined item, a Melody of Spirituals arranged by the choir own Martin Budd, sung with Robert Lloyd which included Peter Go Ring Dem Bells, Go Down Moses, Nobody Knows, Deep River and that Old Welsh favorite Swing Low Sweet Chariot, culminating with Dry Bones.

At the end of the evening performance the choirs Life President Trevor Wilde MBE made presentations to Robert Lloyd and Roy Jenkins as a token of the choirs appreciation for their help in making this concert such a memorable one.

In attendance on the evening a television crew from Opus Television recorded the proceedings as part of a TV documentary entitled 'Sounds Welsh' which is scheduled to be broadcast on BBC Wales early in 2002.

We know that this event will be repeated again next year so why not make a note in your new 2002 diaries now, as tickets are sure to be in demand.

 

Gwent Gazette October 30th 2001

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

On Tuesday, October 30 at St. Michael's Church, the large majority of music lovers missed a unique performance by the St. Petersburg Vocal Ensemble Russicum.

Supported by Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir, the five professional singers from the Russian Orthodox Church, gave an outstanding performance which merited a much larger audience.

The first half of the concert was opened by the Orpheus Choir conducted by Stephen Bard and accompanied by Penny Hughes. The rest of the time up until the interval consisted of Russian Orthodox Church Music mainly from the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

It was explained by there coordinator Miss Elena Smirnova that there are no installments in the churches and processional singers perform all music, which provide fifty percent of the services.

The Abertillery Orpheus choir again opened the second half and the visitors gave a series of Russian and Ukrainian folk songs, which allowed five to give solo performances. The quality and variety of the performance, which was conducted by the well-known Kalinka, fascinated the audience. The vote of thanks was given by the vicar Reverend Michael Beasley

Gwent Gazette July 12th 2001

PRESENTATION EVENING

A new chapter in the history of Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir has begun as the choirs long standing musical director and conductor Mr. Martin Budd has finally decided to retire from his conductor duties and take a back seat among the singing ranks within the choir.

Martin has conducted the Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir since 1969 helping the Orpheus grow in confidence and stature to become one of the leading choirs in Wales. Under his leadership the choir has embarked on tours to Italy, Germany, Holland, Spain and Scotland. With a pinnacle of success being reached in the summer of 2000 when the choir undertook a concert tour to Alberta, Canada where concerts in Calgary and Edmonton were most enthusiastically received.

The Orpheus paid tribute to Martin who has devoted his life time to guiding the choir to become one of Wales's most respected at a presentation evening held in his honor at the Lymes Social club Abertillery last Saturday evening where choristers and friends old a new turned out to pay tribute to this remarkable man.

Making the presentation to Martin on behalf of the choir, Life President Trevor Wilde MBE remarked not only on the musical ability of Martin but also on his enthusiasm and strength of character praising him for his loyalty to the choir and to the people of Abertillery.

Stephen Bard will succeed Martin Budd as Conductor whilst the latter will continue in deputizing conducting and accompanying role.

Stephen has been a member of Orpheus since 1976 joining the choir at the age of only fifteen and it was a fitting tribute to him that he was presented on this night with his twenty five-year service award. The choir will now be able to look forward to continued success under strong leadership.

Few organizations are able to boast the length of service given by their members that can compare with that of the Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir and so again it was a tribute to the members of the choir that two more long service awards were presented during the evening.

Trevor Wilde MBE again made presentation this time to popular chorister Mr. John Saunders for his twenty-five years dedicated service to the choir, John receiving a spontaneous standing ovation from all in attendance, a worthy tribute to him.

Unfortunately the presentation and honor of receiving life membership for a service of no less than Forty Years to fellow chorister Mr. Glyn Andrews was unable to take place due to illness. The choir and guests wishing Glyn a speedy return to choir duties.

You could become apart of the choir's future by becoming a choir member so why not come along to rehearsals held at Bryngwyn School every Tuesday and Friday evening 7.00p.m. Until 9.00p.m. and find out what Abertillery Orpheus is all about. You can be assured of a warm friendly welcome together with what we hope will be the start of a long and exciting membership

For further information on all choir events visit the choir web site
www.abertilleryorpheus.cjb.net

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June 7th 2001

TRIBUTE.

IT was with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation from the Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir to attend a presentation at Bryngwyn School on Friday, May 25.

Chairman Dave Walters presented a cheque to Bernard Powell father of Brian Powell who tragically lost his life while playing rugby for Blaina.

The cheque for £350 was from the proceeds of a concert which was set up to raise money to aid the Educational fund for the children of Brian Powell and was billed as the 'Hymn's and Arias of the Arms Park'.
Brian was a quite and dedicated family man being well respected within the community, and having a very promising career a rugby coach in front of him.

He leaves behind his wife Julie and two daughter's, Kirsty (14) and Abigail (7).

Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir perform at many fund raising events as a musical organization, but few will have been for a more
worthy cause than this concert performance that
was held at Nantyglo School Theater in early May.

It was conducted by Stephen Bard and accompanied by Martin Budd, and attracted an audience of both young and old who were treated to many old favorites of popular Welsh music.

A fitting tribute to a much loved man.

The choir would like to thank all that supported them by attending this concert.

A vote of thanks from the choir is also extended to the Queen's Hotel Blaina for the after concert hospitality which was generously provided for them.

Cheryl Morris
Gwent Gazette

 

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GWENT GAZETTE, MAY 24th 2001

 

'Hymns and Arias of the Arms Park'

Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir has performed at many fundraising events during their 93 years as a musical organisation but few will have been for a more worthy cause than their latest concert performance held at the Nantyglo School Theatre Saturday May 5th.
Set up to raise money towards the Educational Fund for the Children of Brian Powell who lost his life while playing rugby for Blaina last season.
The choir readily accepting this engagement without hesitation once again demonstrating the true community spirit that is still very much alive in the valley towns.
 The concert conducted by Stephen Bard and accompanied by Martin Budd being billed as the 'Hymns and Arias of the Arms Park' attracting an audience of both young and old who were treated to many old favourites of popular Welsh music.
Accompanying the choir as she has on several previous occasions, guest artiste Hannah Lake sang with maturity far in advance of her years.
Locally born Hannah a favourite with choir and audience alike, refused any fee that she would normally receive for the benefit of the educational fund.
A vote of thanks from the choir was later extended to the Queen's Hotel Blaina for the after concert hospitality which was generously provided for them.
A very worthwhile concert for a very worthwhile cause with around £350 being raised by the end of the evening.

    For further information on all choir events visit the choir web site www.abertilleryorpheus.cjb.net

GWENT GAZETTE MAY 2001

SCOTLAND TOUR

Good Friday dawned and before the Easter eggs and hot cross buns were eaten, members of Abertillery Male Orpheus choir, and friends, filled the coaches for a long weekend in Scotland.

After a marathon journey, they arrived at the Beardsmore conference hotel in Clydebank, on the outskirts of Glasgow.Within an hour of arrival, a meal was provided and the party of 108 spent a relaxing evening at the hotel.

Saturday morning after a hearty breakfast the intrepid voyagers once more boarded the coaches and went their separate ways, one to Glasgow and the other to Edinburgh.
On their return after dinner, another evening of good humour, song and social bonding followed. On Sunday morning, a group attended the service at the local Salvation Army Citadel and were given a warm welcome.This turned out to be a most uplifting service.

Early afternoon in the conference centre a rehearsal was held in anticipation of the evening concert. The short journey to Dumbarton found the party at the West Kirk, though the wind was chilly the reception from the large Scottish audience more then compensated for it.Under their new Musical Director, Stephen Bard, and accompanied by Penny Hughes, the choir gave a varied selection of pieces including solos from choristers Malcolm Taylor and Malcolm Macdonald. They were fortunate that they had the services of life President Trevor Wilde MBE who gave his items in his own inimitable way.As a bonus the audience were thrilled by the selected arias from their guest artist Jill Padfield, who received sustained applause after each of her numbers.

After the concert, the whole party returned to the hotel, where the lounge echoed with many old favourites and items from "volunteers" until the early hours!

Prospects of the long journey home were lightened by the comments from the Scots,

    "Will ye no come back again, and haste ye back".

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'CAIRNDHU'
BUCKANAN STREET
DUMBARTON
DUMBARTONSHIRE

3rd May 2001.

Dear Don

It was a wonderful evening of superb music enjoyed by all who were present. If at any time you feel like returning to Scotland please let us know and we will do our best to fit in another concert here in Dumbarton.

While the talk here is of the very fine choir singing we heard mention must be made to the excellent contribution to the evening's entertainment made by Jill. She gave a good varied programme which delighted all who hears it. Of course, mention must also be made of Penny's musicianship as accompanist- and cat singing with Jill- which was admired greatly by the audience- especially the numerous musicians who were there.

Thank you once again for coming to Dumbarton and letting us here some of the magnificent Welsh singing for which your country can be justly proud.

Yours sincerely

Mac Cumming

GWENT GAZETTE NOVEMBER 28th 2000

St Michael's Church Abertillery

The Nevill Hall Haematology Fund has been given a boost after a fund raising concert given by the Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir held recently at St Michael's church.

Attending the concert as a special guest of the choir was Nevill Halls Consultant Haematologist Dr Habboush who said he was thrilled by the performance commenting on the variety of music and the professionalism of the choir.

Addressing the audience Dr Habboush expressed his real gratitude to all that had made the evening such a resounding success, He thanked the choir for their help in supporting the Haematology Fund, which he explained helps amongst other things the training of staff, purchase of equipment and better facilities for the patients.

The highly successful concert initiated by the choir's Life President Mr Trevor Wilde MBE who has devoted a lifetime towards the raising of money for good courses was undertaken by the choir at his request after he experienced at first hand the work of Dr Habboush and hospital staff. The choir immediately responded with the setting up of the concert to raise money for this very worthwhile cause.

Conducted by Musical Director Mr Martin Budd the choir commenced the evenings performance with the Welsh traditional Morgan's March and continued the evening with a variety of music to suit all tastes including two new songs Forest Shadows and the popular Wit Sunday School Walks March Brightly Gleams The Banner This was composed by Mr Isaac Carter, formally the long serving organist at Ebeneezer Baptist Church.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the choir accompanist Penny Hughes was unavailable for the concert and the services of Sian Gwere were employed, to whom a special vote of thank go for her response to the choirs call for help at short notice and for the exemplary way in which she accompanied them throughout the evening.

Over the years the choir have been proud to have taken a leading role in promoting the careers of many young artistes during there concert performances, on this occasion introduced two new local artistes to the people of Abertillery.

Rachel Meacham and Amy Pedwell both enthralling the audience with the quality and the maturity of there voices. Their performances being two of the evenings highlights, both artists receiving genuine applause from their audience.

At the conclusion of the evenings performance the audience were invited to join the choir in the singing of Wilhousky's Battle Hymn of the Republic, raising the roof of the church with their enthusiasm.

 

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DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL HAEMATOLOGY

(Nevill Hall Hospital)

Dear Trevor

Thank you very much for your kind invitation to attend the performance of the Abertillery Male Voice Choir. First of all let me start by registering my admiration of the performance of the choir itself. The standard of singing was simply magnificent and I enjoyed every moment of it. I am sure this is the result of long and arduous training, which has born fruit. May I kindly ask you to convey my sincere thanks to every member of the choir.

As for yourself I am deeply thankful of your thoughtfulness and appreciation of the financial restraints that we live under. I am confi dent that with the support and encouragement of the people we will soon achieve our aims of raising the standard of services in Nevill Hall. With brave and admirable efforts such as yours I am sure that this dream will become a reality in the very near future. Once again thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to be entertained by such a high standard performance.

Kindest Regards.

Your sincerely

Dr H W Haddoush Consultant Haematologist

 

Abergavenny Chronicle

October 2000.

Charity Concert by choir

Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir delighted an audience at Crickhowell's St Edmonds Church recently in a fund raising concert in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Compered by Rev William Rutter, the evening featured appearances by soloists Rachel Meacham, an A-Level student at Crickhowell High School and Cardiff High School student Jonathan Cohen. Both young singers have appeared in productions with the Welsh National Youth Opera and aim for a career in music. Jonathan in musical theatre and Rachel in Opera.

The choir who performed a varied and popular programme was conducted by its assistant musical director Stephen Bard and accompanied by Llangynidr based pianist Penny Hughes.

'All proceeds from the concert were donated to the Marie Curie Nursing Service in South Wales'

Gwent Gazette September 26th 2000

Choir entertains on a glacier