Celebrating A Century

On Saturday 16th April the Sports Hall at Cwmbran Stadium was filled to capacity by an audience of 500, eager to hear at first hand one of the world's foremost bass-baritones and a choir celebrating 100 years of singing. Pontnewydd Male Choir had invited Sir Willard White to perform at their Annual Concert and it turned out be an unforgettable evening for those fortunate enough to be present. Sports Halls are not the ideal places for such occasions - but where else can an audience of 500 be accommodated?

The members of Pontnewydd Male Choir are justifiably proud that this is their 100'th year of existence and they rose to the occasion in fine style. Their programme (compèred by Clive Parton) covered the whole range of male choir music with such stirring items as "The march of the men of Harlech" and "Comrades in Arms" contrasting with the quieter moments of "Bring him home" and "Steal away". They were equally at home whether singing in Welsh ("Blaenwern" and "Bryn Myrrddin"), French (a Walford Hutchings arrangement of the lovely duet from "The Pearl Fishers") or German (three folk songs from Croatia). But, unquestionably, one of the highlights of the evening came when Sir Willard White's rich voice filled the Stadium Hall with the haunting High Priest's solo (O Isis and Osiris) from "The Magic Flute", the choir ably supplying the choral accompaniment.

Sir Willard's programme thrilled and delighted the audience and demonstrated that here was a voice equally at home with Light and Grand Opera ("The marriage of Figaro" and "Eugene Onegin"), American folk songs ("Long time ago" and "Simple Gifts") and Musicals ("Fiddler on the roof" and "South Pacific"). His last group of Spirituals brought back memories (to the older ones amongst us) of the time when another rich, deep-velvet-like voice was heard in the mining valleys of Wales.

The concert was brought to a fitting climax when past members of the choir and members of other choirs came to the platform to join in the final item, "Morte Criste". It was evident that this audience was intent upon enjoying every note sung during a memorable evening - the applause only erupted when the final note of every piece of music finally died away. Pontnewydd Male Choir are to be congratulated upon bringing yet another feast of music to the Eastern Valley. They are fortunate to have a gifted and experienced Musical Director in Walford J. Hutchings who is supported by his Deputy, Keith Jones, and talented accompanists Annette Williams and Pauline Carey.

At a time when the stars of sports and pop-music can become millionaires it is refreshing to realise that a group of unpaid organisers and performers can produce an event that will be remembered for many years to come. The final concert of their Centenary celebrations will be held on June 25th, again in Cwmbran Stadium Sports Hall, when the other six male choirs of Torfaen will join them to form a choir of over 200 voices - surely not an opportunity to be missed.

Blaenafon M.C., Cwmbran M.C., Garndiffaith Gleemen, Gwent Police Choir, Pontypool M.C. and The Mellotones have generously agreed to appear with Pontnewydd M.C. for this unique occasion. Appearing as guest artiste will be the well-known soprano, Evelyn Nicholson. The evening should prove to be a real treat for anyone who still enjoys the special sound of Welsh male choirs. Tickets (£10) are, understandably, selling rapidly but may still be obtained from choir members or the Pontnewydd M.C. Ticket Secretary (Tel: 01633 662414, evenings only).