An audience of over two hundred people gathered in the Arts Hall at Chepstow Leisure Centre to enjoy Chepstow Choral Society's "Trafalgar 200 Salute" on Wednesday October 19th, two days before the actual anniversary date. The Society also incorporated its annual Patron Evening with this presentation and the hall was decorated with traditional red, white and blue bunting and flags in honour of the occasion. The evening was opened with a welcome from the chairman, Cynthia Mitchell, who introduced the choir and thanked supporters for all their efforts throughout the year.
The music had been specifically chosen for the evening as a recognition and tribute to all who, past and present, have devoted their lives to the nation's seafaring and naval professions and history. The principal items in the hour-long programme were two song cycles written in the early 20th century by British composer Charles Villiers Stanford which are settings of the poems of Henry Newbolt and are for baritone solo, choir and accompaniment. Songs of the Fleet and Songs of the Sea each contain 5 songs, with the former focusing on a general appreciation of aspects of life at sea and naval life, and the latter highlighting naval heroes Drake and Nelson. Both sets of songs contain some demanding work for soloist, accompanist and chorus, with a wide variety of styles. These range from beautiful tributes to the commitment of all who sail for long periods to lively and highly individual settings about the two leaders, along with reflective moments about the sacrifices made, and the debt that we all owe to so many both past and present. All of this was superbly conveyed by Roger Martin (baritone) who interpreted the very essence of the poems and the music with wonderful singing, combining great sensitivity and excellent storytelling. This was particularly highlighted in the rousing finale "The Old Superb", a story of a valiant old ship which never gave up and finally arrived to be part of Nelson's Trafalgar victory. In all this, Roger was very ably supported with some fine piano accompaniment by Marjorie Duerden, and the chorus, which interweaved around the solo line in some of the songs and provided rousing choruses to the verses in others. The programme was completed by two part songs for chorus by Vaughan Williams, "The dark-eye'd sailor" and "Just as the tide was flowing". The musical presentation was directed by the Society's musical director, Graham Bull, and the evening included light refreshments in a social atmosphere which allowed many of the audience to mix and chat with choir members.
The Choral Society was delighted to be able to present such a programme to a Chepstow audience for the Trafalgar anniversary, and thanks everyone who contributed to such a magnificent response. The result was a highly successful evening, greatly enjoyed not only by the participants, but also by the large and enthusiastic audience, and the Society is grateful for the positive feedback which has flowed in since the event. This is very encouraging and makes such evenings so worthwhile.
Chepstow Choral Society now looks ahead to the rest of its season, commencing with the Christmas presentation on Sunday afternoon, December 11th at 3pm at St Mary's Church, when they will also be joined by the choir of St Johns-on-the-Hill School for a programme of individual choral items, family carols and seasonal readings. On April 1st 2006, the Society will present a Passiontide concert, highlighting the 250th anniversary of the birth of W.A.Mozart and featuring his Requiem.
Chepstow Choral Society continues to welcome new members and information relating to the musical schedule and singing membership may be obtained by telephoning Marjorie Duerden on (01291) 623310. Any enquiries relating to patrons and non-singing membership should be directed to the secretary Frances Gray (tel. 622465) and the Society's website (www.chepstowchoralsociety.org.uk) offers general information, past concert reports and details of past and future programmes.
|
|
Press Coverage![[External link in new window] Valid CCS!](/images/vcss.gif){kind=small}