The soloists were a husband and wife duo, Nicki Phillips (Flute) and Deian Williams (Harp). Nicki is a freelance flautist and also teaches at the Yehudi Menuhin School of Music. Deian has performed as a soloist and chamber musician all over Europe, the USA and in 2001 toured Asia as principal harpist with the London Festival Orchestra. Nicki and Deian formed their flute and harp duo in 2002 when they were students of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. They have performed at many music festivals in the UK including the International Eisteddfod, Llangollen, and recent distinguished audiences have included the Rev Rowan Williams Archbishop of Canterbury and the Queen at her 80th birthday dinner.
Mair Thomas, society president, introduced the evening and welcomed the choir and soloists and thanked members of the society for their help and support in staging the event.
The choir�s repertoire covers popular song, classical pieces and hymns, and started with the hymn Llanfair. Other pieces featured in the first half were �Men of Harlech�, �Speed Your Journey� from Verdi�s Nabucco, and �Finlandia�.
Nicki Phillips and Deian Rowlands featured four times during the evening playing as a duo and individually. Their repertoire is varied and included music by Donizetti, Fourr� and a piece specially written for them. Memorable pieces were the �Great Train Race� on flute and Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn� on harp and Elgar�s Salut d�Amour.
Before the second half, the deputy mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Phillip Firth, welcomed the choir and soloists to Chelmsford and congratulated them on their talent. He commented that he was looking forward to the second half which began with choir and audience singing the Welsh hymn �How Great Thou Art (Mor Fawr Wyt Ti)�.
During the second half the choir sang popular songs and Negro spirituals and included such favourites as Myfanwy and the hymns Calon L�n, and Gwahoddiad. The evening ended with the singing of �Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau� the Welsh National Anthem.
The �Save the Children Fund� served the refreshments during the interval and raised �252 for their funds.
The Society wishes to thank the Elders of Christ Church for the use of the premises and all the help and co-operation given by the officers of the church during the day.
