The first Melody Music Gala Concert on September 16th proved to be a huge success with over 420 choristers taking the sage. An audience of over 2,000 greeted the choir and the start soloist Bryn Terfel.
Mark Burrows, M.D. of Melody Music was delighted with the event - the first in his world concert series and plans are now underway for a 2 concert tour in 2010 with concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and again at Carnegie Hall. More information in the Newsletter
The concert recieved a review and picture in the NY Times - a rare thing indeed for a one off event.
More info to follow.
NEW YORK TIMES REVIEW
According to a Welsh proverb, to be born in Wales — a region famed for its choral singing — is “to be born with music in your blood and poetry in your soul." But the history of male choirs there is relatively recent, a tradition that blossomed with the growth of the coal mining industry in the 19th century, providing workers an escape from the harsh conditions of their lives.
An enthusiastic audience that included many Welsh speakers was at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday to hear more than 400 male choristers sing much of a program called “A Celtic Celebration,” with the stellar bass-baritone Bryn Terfel as soloist. Mr. Terfel, who is from north Wales and as a boy took part in the singing competitions known as the eisteddfodau, has balanced an impressive operatic career with performances and recordings of Welsh songs.
Haydn James ably conducted the huge choir, which produced a powerful sound. The concert began with “Divine Brahma” (sung in English), from Bizet’s “Pearl Fishers,” and “Gwahoddiad” (“Invitation”), a Welsh hymn. It was followed by selections performed by the individual choirs that made up the large group of singers crammed onto Carnegie’s stage. The best was the Maesteg Gleemen ensemble, which sang selections including the patriotic “O Gymru” (“O Wales”) and an arrangement of Carly Simon’s “Let the River Run.” The Donaghadee Male Voice Choir sang an “Irish Medley” with plenty of spirit.
The program also included the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir singing “Nidaros” and traditional and popular songs performed by the Bristol Male Voice Choir, from England; the Montreal Male Voice Choir; and the Burlington Welsh Male Voice Choir, from Canada. Each group was accompanied by different pianists.
Mr. Terfel, who chatted with the audience from the stage, sang solo selections including the nostalgic “My Little Welsh Home” and Broadway songs like “Some Enchanted Evening” and “The Impossible Dream.” He had no trouble projecting his rich, booming, expressive voice over the choir during a traditional song. The united voices sang with clear diction and commitment, particularly in an arrangement of Mickey Newbury’s “American Trilogy.” The tenors sounded somewhat frayed in some of the individual choirs’ performances.
The audience sang along with the popular hymn “Cwm Rhondda” (“Rhondda Valley”), during which a man draped the Welsh flag over a balcony, and then stood to sing “The “Star-Spangled Banner.”
Welsh choirs are said to be finding it difficult to recruit younger members, a concern highlighted by the predominantly white-haired singers at Carnegie Hall. Let’s hope the younger generation in Wales will be inspired to ensure that this worthy tradition continues to thrive.