On 18th October, Chelmsford and District Welsh Society presented a Gala Charity Concert at Chelmsford Cathedral in aid of Action For Children, its charity for the year, with the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress in attendance. The concert was given by the ever-popular Caprice -The Essex Wind Orchestra, conducted by David Bome, and soloist Elin Mai, a young Welsh soprano with a beautiful, pure voice. They were welcomed and introduced by the President, Maureen Byatt. The large audience were treated to an exciting evening of music. As always, Caprice presented a wonderfully varied programme, opening with "A Fanfare for the Common Man", composed during the second World War, evoking nostalgia among the more mature. The military march "March of the Men of Harlech", which describes events during the 15th century 7 year siege of Harlech castle ignited the Celtic spirit, and the very difficult "Harry Potter Suite" excited the young. The nostalgic audience needed no encouragement to sing along to a selection from The Black and White Minstrels. The orchestra showed its versatility with music by Jay Ungar, Vaughan Williams, Gustaf Holst, William Walton, big band and jazz, the theme music for "The Big Country" and finally a selection from "Joseph and his Technicolour Dream Coat", with more Joseph as an encore!
Elin Mai, from LLanberis in North Wales, has won several national and international solo competitions, and has sung with the National Youth Choir of Wales and the Welsh National Youth Opera. Her accompanist, Meinir Wyn Davies, was a Blue Riband Prize-winner at the Royal National Eisteddfod. Elin's opened her first set with a beautifully sung Mozart aria, followed by "Blodau Ger Y Drws" (Flowers Around the Door). She began her second set with "I Could Have Danced All Night" followed with "Mai" (May), and as an encore after thunderous applause, the lovely song "Cartref" (Home). Elin will perform at the Cathedral again, as guest soloist with the Maelgwn Male Choir at the Society's Annual Concert on 6th June 2009. At the conclusion, Maureen presented Elin and Meinir with bouquets of flowers and David with a Society goblet. A goblet was also presented to Joy Bome MBE, who founded the Orchestra and now plays in the percussion section.
Jim Armishaw |
