The latest 'On Song' column from the Llanelli Star

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around Llanelli) from the Llanelli Star -

This month sees the young Hywel choristers give a romantic Valentine Night candlelit performance in the beautiful surroundings of Kidwelly’s St Mary’s Church on Saturday 14 February.
Audiences can look forward to a journey of beautiful music from cherished classics, magical moments from opera and favourites from film and musical theatre. Tickets available from the box office on 01269 841658.
Local school children aged 8 to 16 years will have the opportunity on Saturday 7 March to join free Expert Singing Masterclasses at Llanelli’s Studio Stepney.
Presented by the Hywel Choir, budding young singers will enjoy expert professional tuition to learn harmony singing, performance techniques and stage choreography with the fun and challenge of learning and performing ABBA’s world-loved Mamma Mia.
TV celebrity and singing star Aled Jones will join forces with Llanelli’s Hywel Choir to thrill local audiences on 11 April at Y Ffwrnes for “Spirit of Song” - an exciting night of music and song. Also joining the celebrity line-up will be acclaimed violin virtuoso Davinder Singh.
Llanelli’s Last Night of the Proms will take place on Saturday 6 June at Y Ffwrnes.
Hosted by the Hywel Girls’ Choir & Hywel Boy Singers, the flag-waving night will see the 200+ voices of the massed chorus of the Hywel Choir, the mighty Pontarddulais Male Choir, the Llanelli Choral Society join forces with the internationally acclaimed British Sinfonietta Orchestra, TV celebrity and singer Aled Hall, organist Huw Tregelles Williams, pianist Jean Hywel –and all under the magical baton of John Hywel Williams.
“It’s wonderful to see the young choristers thrive on challenges and enjoy the opportunity of performing with world famous artists, sing at world-class venues and perform with such professionalism for TV and radio broadcasts”, explains founder and conductor John Hywel. “I am incredibly proud of their commitment, their efforts and performances which is a wonderful reflection on the town.”
Fresh from over 20 TV and radio broadcasts over the Christmas period, the Hywel Girls’ Choir & Hywel Boy Singers are now welcoming new members aged 8 – 16 years. There are no auditions to join the choir except the love of singing and the willingness to learn. To receive an information pack, please contact 07545 26 88 41 or email jeremywilliams@me.com.
There’s another special concert coming up in Kidwelly as part of the 900-year celebrations for the founding of Kidwelly.
There may not be much in the way of ‘song’, but there will be plenty for lovers of good music.
On February 21 at 7.30 in St Mary’s Church, Kidwelly, the brass section of the Royal Welsh College of Music, Cardiff, will be performing.
This outstanding group of musicians will play a wide variety of music from Glen Miller to Handel and Purcell.
Tickets will be available on the door and from the Council offices, mornings only, Tel. 0154 891104. E-mail towncouncil@kidwelly.gov.uk
Local residents can buy from Cydweli 900 committee members
Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi will be performing on Saturday, February 28, with a Cawl a Chan night at the Red Lion in Llandyfaelog, featuring CFI St Ichmael and Joy Cornock.
In Llanelli, Loud Applause director Cerith Owens is planning a St David’s Day Gala Concert at Ffwrnes Theatre on Saturday, February 21, 7.30pm.
The concert will feature Treorchy Male Choir, Lleisiau’r Cwm, Samuel Morris and compere Garry Owen.
“Tickets are in high demand,” said concert producer Cerith Owens.
“Since they started, these highly popular St David’s concerts have sold out and featured world famous choirs such as Côr Meibion Llanelli Male Voice Choir, Pontarddulais Male Choir and the Morriston Orpheus.
“We try to include different choirs every year to bring variety to the audience. This year, we have invited another of our famous choirs – the Treorchy Male Choir from the Rhondda. Surprisingly this is only the second time for Treorchy to perform in Llanelli.
“They will share the stage with the very popular Lleisiau’r Cwm under the baton of musical director Catrin Hughes.
“Joining them will be Samuel Morris, a protégé of Llanelli, currently studying at the prestigious Guildford School of Acting. Sam said he is delighted to perform once again at Ffwrnes in front of his home supporters and very honoured to be sharing the stage with Treorchy, Catrin Hughes and Lleisiau’r Cwm. Once again the ever popular Garry Owen will host in his own unique way.”
The ladies of Côr Curiad are getting very excited about their special anniversary concert with Paul Potts on Saturday, April 25.
The concert also features Eisteddfod winning Burry Port Town Band and will be hosted by Swansea Sound Radio Presenter Kevin Johns MBE.
Tickets at £27.50 for Premium seats and £22.50 for Standard seats are available from Anyone Waiting either at the Halfway Hotel , Pemberton, Llanelli, from the concert venue at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Park Crescent, Llanelli, or by telephone on 01554 753571.
The concert will be in aid of Calon Plus, the Cardiac rehabilitation support service at Prince Philip Hospital and will be held at the Selwyn Samuel Centre.
Choir Chair Andrea Matthews said: “The choir adopts a different charity each year to benefit from our fundraising efforts. For our Anniversary Year the ladies have chosen Calon Plus as our charity as we want local people to benefit from our efforts. The ladies have already been busy fundraising. We have had a sponsored walk from Llanelli to Burry Port, fundraising social evenings and a Fashion Show and Craft Fayre at the Diplomat Hotel. The Choir will also be found “busking” for Calon Plus at local Tesco stores in the lead up to Christmas. The Anniversary Concert will be the culmination of a year of fundraising and with Paul Potts as our Guest Star we are anticipating a huge demand for tickets. We are working closely with Paul Francis of Anyone Waiting to host the event at the refurbished Selwyn Samuel Centre. Paul has been immensely helpful and supportive and will be the focus for ticket sales.”

Robert Lloyd works as a media consultant – www.rlloydpr.co.uk
If you have any news about the choral scene in Llanelli, the please contact him on 07777 683637 or email rlloydpr@btinternet.com

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