From where did you get that sound?

In his President's Notes in the programme for our successful Annual Concert, David Ethelston commented that we are not being left behind in these difficult times. Far from it. With Rhos Male Voice Choir and guest artistes of calibre he ventured to say that it was the best concert for many a mile this year.

From the very many comments received following our concert at the William Aston Hall on October 24 he was spot on. A large audience was entertained from the first minute to the last by a feast of music and they showed their appreciation by their applause and kind remarks in the foyer afterwards and also by e-mail and telephone messages.

The fact that the choir made such an impression is, of course, due to the Director of Music, Aled Phillips This was his first "Annual" as conductor and he and the choir members can look back on a job very well done. Many commented on the wide range of pieces sung at the concert.

The guest artistes contributed greatly to an enjoyable evening. Elin Manahan Thomas (soprano) sang with feeling and it is easy to see why she is so popular on television and on the stage. David Kempster (baritone), who has close connections with Chirk and Rhosymedre, showed a fine vocal range and gave full voice to many a piece. Dr. Dewi Ellis Jones (percussionist) delighted the audience with  his brilliant handwork on a variety of instruments.

Accompanist for the soloists was local composer and musician, J. Brian Hughes, and, as usual, his performance was top class.

For three pieces in the middle of the second half Kevin Whitley, our accomplished accompanist, provided background music on keyboard, something that was very effective. Also in this section a group of younger members, nicknamed "the creche" sang The Rose and this received one of the loudest rounds of applause of the night.

The hard work put in by Aled Phillips, Kevin Whitley and choir members certainly came to fruition. People have come to expect a goodgood evening's entertainment at Rhos Male Voice Choir's Annual Concert and they were not disappointed.

Our Chairman, David Thomas, introduced choir items and his store of little tales received a good response from the audience. Others who deserve credit for their background work preparing for the Annual Concert are; Chairman, David Thomas; Vice-Chairman, Colin Aubrey; Secretary, John Raymond Jones; assisted by Mrs Barbara Aubrey; new Ticket Secretary, Hywel Dodd, Programme Editor, Paul Scott and Stage Manager Jim Davies. Many others contributed in other ways and thanks are due to them also.

What they said. . . . . .

"From where did you get that sound? It was tremendous and the balance in the choir was remarkable". - A local lady who has sung in many choirs in the area over a great many years.

"A good choir means a good conductor in my book. You have got both". - A gentleman in the foyer after the concert.

"So glad we came. We look forward to your Annual Concerts and  you have come up trumps again. Thanks for a wonderful evening". A couple well-known in the Wrexham area.

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