Wow!!
Friday the 13th brings feelings of trepidation to most people – but to the Choristers, the Musical Team and the Committee of the Phoenix Singers, in October this year, it was doubly so.
Nails were chewed, hair turned grey and more than a few tears were spilled but boy, what an evening it turned out to be!
A packed and appreciative audience at St Margaret’s got the best of the Phoenix Singers and our wonderful guests, Josef Gray and Bronwen Lewis, in the biggest and most ambitious Annual Concert we have had the pleasure of hosting. It was wonderful to watch the audience react to the change of mood.
From the rich baritone of Josef as he performed songs from his favourite West End Shows to the hugely entertaining Bronwen who brought both laughter and tears in abundance with her own music and her delightful interpretation of other’s.
Then, to the Choir. From the joy and fun of the Tribute to Queen to the magnificent Benedictus (now my firm favourite) and the deep, haunting notes of the Cello, so beautifully played by one of our own. How this song can invoke such feelings of drama and theatre never ceases to amaze me. The Sound of Music medley, inspiring many would-be yodellers amongst the audience, led perfectly to what is becoming an anthem for the Choir, ‘With a little help from my friends’, which sums up what this Choir is all about.
The finale saw Josef and Bronwen join with the Choir to give a rousing rendition of Yma O Hyd, well and truly raising the rafters and bringing to a conclusion a wonderful evening of music and song.
It was especially nice to see former (now retired) members of the Choir amongst the audience, smiling and singing along – know that we love and miss you!
The planning of next years Annual Concert is already underway and the rumour is it will be even better – if that is indeed possible!
The Choir is now looking forward to the Concert in Salem Chapel, Nelson on Friday 10th November when they will perform with Treharris Male Voice Choir in aid of the Royal British Legion, we’d love to see you all there, please come along.