Charity Concert by the Canoldir Choir
18 Oct 2017 • Other News
Charity Concert by the Canoldir Choir 23/9/17 at Hanbury Church
This proved to be a very popular event, with an audience made up of people of Hanbury and a large number of visitors from elsewhere, filling the main body of the church. Ed Richards, a Hanbury man and member of the choir, had suggested the performance in aid of the Church Heating Fund. Judith Burman gave her usual warm welcome, and introduced the choir. A little bird whispered that the wonderful lighting effects in the church were Judith’s work. The programme, an eclectic range of music, performed by the choir, and solo and group pieces, began with a rousing rendition of four well known songs, which had been arranged with interesting blends and harmonies, under the enthusiastic and lively direction of James Llewelyn. The thunderous applause reflected the enjoyment of the audience.
There followed delightfully crafted solo items by renowned Flautist and Guest Artiste. Daniel Jones, whose performance displayed both skill and sensitivity. The audience then were given the opportunity to sing along, with an exuberant rendition of ‘Jerusalem’. Much enjoyed by all! The following item was a delightful performance by two sisters from Dodderhill School, and Hanbury residents, Poppy and Amelia Wood aged 11 and 13 respectively. They displayed skill and composure beyond their years with violin performances, in perfect harmony, to a spellbound audience.
The choir then performed four more contrasting pieces, beginning with a moving version of ‘Ose Shalom’, a nostalgic and soothing ‘A Nightingale sang in Berkley Square’, a rousing and energetic ‘Battle of Jericho’, ending with a moving and more sombre ‘How Great Thou Art.’ The interval had been very well organised, with generous quantities of delightfully presented nibbles and wine, soft drinks and coffee, during which people were able to socialise and chat with each other and with members of the choir.
The second half of the programme was composed of ‘A celebration of American Music’, commencing with a medley of songs from West Side Story, all imaginatively arranged and sung with gusto by the choir, with soaring harmonies and heartwarming well-known melodies.
The Canoldir Quartet, comprising James Llewelyn Jones, Jakob Grubbstrom, Steve O’Malley and Daniel Jones then sang a very cleverly arranged blend of two songs, ‘The Rose’ and ‘Hello Again’ , which were seamlessly married together. This was a moving and beautifully performed arrangement, with wonderful harmonies. Then came a second, solo performance from Amelia. She played the music from the film ‘Schindler’s List’. This was an accomplished performance which was both evocative and haunting.
The final three songs of the evening were performed by the choir. ‘Shenandoah’, sung with sweeping and skilful harmonies and tonal variations. ‘Gwahoddiad’ , was a solemn and engaging song, sung in Welsh, which an appreciative audience found particularly moving. In contrast the final song ‘Fascinating Rythm’ had everyone humming along and moving to the rhythm. The encore, ‘An American trilogy,’ inspired by Elvis Presley’s version, was received with much appreciation and enjoyment, and performed with great animation and energy.
This was a most enjoyable evening spent in the company of an assured, accomplished and imaginative choir, whose enthusiasm, skill and mastery of their material was evident, no little part being played by the energetic and inspired conductor, James Llewelyn Jones. Sue Jenkins then gave thanks to the choir, to all the performers and to everyone who had contributed to this wonderful evening.
Andrea Hammersley
PS. The concert raised £1,085 thus far for the church heating fund, which is excellent given that the tickets were modestly priced and included free drink and nibbles.
PPS. BIRMINGHAM CANOLDIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT
TOWN HALL, BIRMINGHAM, THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER 2017
AT 7.00 PM.