Two of Wales' Best Choirs
Visit the West Coast
By EIFION WILLIAMS
Lovers of male voice choral singing in Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest will have an opportunity this summer to enjoy two of Wales' best choirs.
The Vancouver Orpheus Male Choir has arranged joint concerts with the Gwent Male Choir on August 4 at the White Rock Baptist Church (7:30 PM) and on August 20 with the Cwmbach Choir at the Bell Centre for the Performing Arts, Surrey. (7:30 PM).
The Gwent Choir consists of members representing choirs from all over the old county of Gwent. The Choir was originally constituted to sing in Australia during the 2003 Rugby World Cup and has since become a permanent touring choir with the avowed aim of spreading Welsh choral music across the world.
In addition to the White Rock concert, the Gwent Choir will sing in Victoria on August 6 and in Ponoka, Edmonton and Calgary between August 12 and 18. Information on specific venues and times for these performances can be obtained from the choir's website at www.gwentmalechoir.co.uk
The Cwmbach Choir represents the strong musical tradition of the Cynon Valley in South Wales. The 85-year old choir has gathered a string of awards in national and international competitions and has given performances all over the world.
It has also sung with such musical luminaries as Paul Robeson, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Tom Jones and Sir Cliff Richard, as well as the Halle, Royal Philharmonic and BBC Symphony Orchestras.
A critic from Artscope Ontario said after the Cwmbach Choir's last visit to that province, "at times their voices were as smooth as silk as they crooned a Welsh ballad while in other pieces the volume they created sent chills up the spine."
Following the joint concert with the Vancouver Orpheus on August 20, the Cwmbach Choir will perform in Newport, Portland and Beavercreek, Oregon, and in Hoquiam, Washington.
The Choir then returns to British Columbia for performances at the Port Theatre, Nanaimo, on August 31, UVIC Auditorium on September 1, and the Gabriola Communiy Hall on Gabriola Island on September 3.
Under its Musical Director/Conductor Liana Bob and accompanist Barry Yamanouchi, the Vancouver Orpheus Male Voice Choir has built a reputation in the Lower Mainland for its eclectic mix of traditional choral music and music from many lands and styles, including Broadway musicals, spirituals and sea shanties.
The Vancouver Orpheus' Joint Concerts with two of Wales' most prestigious choirs promises an evening of unparalleled enjoyment for everyone who enjoys male voice choral singing at its very best. Further details on the joint concerts can be obtained by calling the choir hotline at (604) 515-5686.
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