The choir were honoured to be asked to perform at Theatr Hafren on 29th November 2008, in a Christmas themed concert along with a number of acts. The concert was organised by Plas Cae Crwn, and included audience participation in singing Christmas carols. Profits for the evening were donated to Welsh Air Ambulance and Hope House. We also understand that funds raised were matched pound for pound by BUPA so that the total sum donated was £4000.00 A really well worth effort!
On Saturday 13th December 2008 the choir performed in concert at Kerry Community Centre which was organised by our President Mr George Jones. Guest soloists were the well known North Wales tenor Trebor Edwards, and soprano Kate Griffiths. In addition to their individual repertoires they performed a number of duets. The hall was filled to capacity and the artistes were treated to a standing ovation at the end.
Sunday 14th December 2008 was a full day for the choir as Carol Concerts were given at Coed y Dinas, Welshpool, as well as the Hermitage and Rhallt Retirement Homes in Welshpool. In addition, on 20th December the choir also gave Carol Concerts at Bear Lane Newtown, and at the Bethshan and Plas Cae Crwn Retirement Homes, Newtown. These Carol Concerts have become annual events for the choir, and they certainly give a great deal of pleasure to the choir members as well as the residents of the homes.
The choir was honoured to have been asked to participate in the 28th Wales Festival of Remembrance in St David’s Hall, Cardiff on Saturday 1st November 2008,
as a part of the massed choirs under the musical direction of Alun John
OBE. There were also choirs from Caerphilly, Caldicot, Beaufort,
Morriston RFC, Newport, Rhayader and Swansea. The concert was compered
by Mike Doyle, and guests included Rebecca Evans,
Rhydian
Roberts (of X Factor fame), and up and coming young star Steffan
Hughes. In addition, students from all over South Wales performed “We
Will Rock You”.
As in previous years the second part of the evening included the Act of
Remembrance with the parade of standards of the Royal British Legion,
and representatives of the military and civilian veterans as well as
representatives of the Royal Hospital , Chelsea. As this was the 90th
anniversary of the end of World War One, and the foundation of the
Royal Air Force there was a certain poignancy to the evening, and the
musical accompaniment was provided by the Central Band of the Royal Air
Force under their musical director Flying Officer Piers Morrell.
This is the third year in which the Newtown and District Male Voice
Choir has attended, and we are looking forward to have the opportunity
to attend on further occasions.