Combined Choirs to Highlight
Welsh Society Centenary Celebrations
By EIFION WILLIAMS
This coming November, a Grand Concert celebrating the 100TH anniversary of the Vancouver Welsh Society, will feature two popular Vancouver male voice choirs.
The Vancouver Welsh Men's Choir and the Vancouver Orpheus Choir will perform together on November 2 at the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby. The two choirs will present individual programs and also sing together in a combined presentation, an event that promises to raise the proverbial rafters.
The attractive, well-appointed Michael J. Fox Theatre was built in 1993 and is located at 7373 MacPherson Avenue on Burnaby's south slope. It is adjacent to Burnaby South Secondary School and has ample free parking.
The concert will also feature soloist Eifion Thomas who is the conductor of the Llanelli Male Voice Choir, one of the most successful male voice choirs in Wales. He is also an accomplished soloist and will be appearing in this capacity at the Grand Concert.
Eifion Thomas will also be the guest conductor at the annual Gymanfa Ganu (hymn-singing festival) to be held on the afternoon of November 4, at the Cambrian Hall. The guest soloist will be Sandra Stringer who is well-known in Vancouver for her roles with the Vancouver Opera and her regular appearances as a concert artist.
The Centenary Grand Concert featuring the two choirs will be the highlight of a weekend of celebration commemorating the 100-year history of the Welsh Society in Vancouver. On Saturday night, there will be a grand banquet at the Cambrian Hall where entertainment will be provided by Bronn and Katherine Journey, two accomplished musicians from Seattle.
Bronn and Katherine have recently entertained audiences throughout the U.S. with their musical versatility and their individual brand of humorous presentations. Bronn is a virtuoso on the harp, while Katherine has a beautiful soprano voice.
The November Centenary Weekend will start off on the evening of November 1 at the Cambrian Hall with a traditional Noson Lawen - an informal evening of entertainment where members and guests can show their personal talents and audience participation is welcome. Refreshments will be available in the Red Dragon Lounge for Welsh Society members and guests.
On November 3, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, the Dylan Thomas Circle will present a variety of events. There will be a film about Dylan, narrated by Richard Burton, and a performance of the poet's works by actor Russell Roberts. The program will also include excerpts from Dylan's works performed by Circle members. A delicious Ploughman's lunch will be available to members and guests.
On the morning of November 4, Welsh Society members, guests and visitors are invited to attend a special bilingual church service at 11 AM in the Cambrian Hall, followed by a light lunch.
The Gymanfa Ganu, under the renowned baton of Eifion Thomas, will commence at 2 PM. A traditional Welsh te bach (Welsh tea) will follow in the Red Dragon.
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