Brangwyn Hall, Swansea – 20/06/26
What an evening to cherish! Lovely weather and a sensational venue for the Choir’s incredible 60th Anniversary Concert. After much excitement and hard work the Gwalia Singers were indeed looking forward to their special evening’s performances.
68 members of the choir were dressed in their new uniforms of white shirts and blue blazers, they were indeed a sight to behold!
The evening commenced with Gareth Widlake, Gwalia’s Deputy Accompanist, who was the compere for the evening. He did a great job of introducing the programme and thanking the many dignitaries and sponsors for their contributions and attendance.
The Gwalia Singers were accompanied by the amazing playing of Rhian Liles, B. Mus (Hons). She has now been with the choir for 28 years. They were brilliantly led by their Musical Director, Matthew Ioan Sims, MA. Our guest organist for the night was Jeffrey Howard BEM who gave a special musical flavour to some of the numbers. The acoustics were at their best in the prestigious Brangwyn Hall, and the full auditorium gave rapturous applause.
In the first session the Gwalia Singers sang ‘Let All Men Sing’ – arr. Keith Christopher, ‘Calon Lan’ – John Hughes: arr. Jeffery Howard, ‘Siyahamba’ – Trad: arr. Matthew Sims, ‘Always On My Mind’ – Thomspon / James / Christopher: arr. Alwyn Humphreys and American Trilogy – Arr. Alwyn Humphreys.
Harry’s Youth Theatre performed next. They are a gathering of very talented young boys and girls presenting theatrical performances of selected songs fron Various Musicals. It was wonderful to observe the cast exhibiting their theatrical skills and singing talent. The audience were enthralled with wonderful young talent on stage!
Gwalia’s youngest member Daniel Davies followed the Theatre Group with a delightful solo rendition-so inspiring to see him fully committed to the Choir with such an incredible individual singing talent!
Gwalia concluded the first half programme with their selection of firm favourites: ‘You Are So Beautiful’- Arr. Greg Gilpin, the poignant ‘Y Tangnefeddwyr’ – Eric Jones, ‘Y Darlyn’ – arr. Jeffery Howard, ‘Rhys’ – arranged and conducted by Nick Rogers, our Deputy Musical Director.
Following a short interval, Gareth Widlake expanded on the Choir’s history and fund-raising activities, and introduced the Morgan family who set up Morgan’s Army Cancer Charity in memory of their dear son Morgan, grandson of a popular choir member, Gareth John. The Gwalia Singers then presented them with a cheque of £1500 to support such a heartfelt and worthy cause.
The second half programme commenced with a rousing ‘There is a Land’ – arr. Martin Hodson, the choirs new ‘Fix You’ – arr. Ieuan Jones – this was dedicated to the Morgan’s Army Charity, ‘Five Foot Two’ – arr. Ruth Artman and ‘And Can It Be’ – arr. Dan Forrest – a good finale to the selection.
The audience welcomed Harry’s Youth Theatre’s return with again wonderful renditions of several Musicals. Many talented youngsters sang solos, in a firm favourite from Frozen. They were sensational!
The concert concluded with Gwalia’s lovely selection ‘You Raise Me Up’ – arr. Alan Simmons, ‘What Would I Do Without My Music’ – arr. Alwyn Humphries, ‘To Where You Are’ – arr. Alwyn Humphries and finishing with ‘If We Only Have Love ‘arr. Alwyn Humphries.
A standing ovation and rapturous applause delighted all the performers on stage, and a rousing ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ concluded the evening. A truly wonderful 60th Celebration evening for the Gwalia Singers! The hard, dedicated work of the Musical Team was evident. In particular, huge acknowledgement and gratitude to accompanist Rhian Liles and Musical Director Matthew Sims for their vision and commitment!
