North Wales choir hits right note for trio of good causes
A choir that promotes well-being through singing is rehearsing for a blockbuster concert to raise money for three good causes.
Rehearsals are underway and tickets are on sale for the huge “Night Out” featuring Côr NantClwyd, a mixed choir with over 100 members drawn from across Denbighshire, Conwy and Flintshire
Thanks to sponsorship from Ifor Williams Trailers, they are staging the concert at the Ruthin Farmers Auction site at Parc Glasdir for an evening of live music, starting at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 30.
Also taking part will be the unique nine-piece Llareggub Brass Band and quartet Tew Tew Tennau, based in Llansannan in Conwy.
The proceeds will be donated to the Tŷ Gobaith/Hope House children’s hospice, Maggie’s Centre which supports people with cancer and their families and Dyfodol i’r Iaith, a non-party political organisation that works to ensure the Welsh language occupies a central role in Welsh life.
Conductor Alaw Owen, who comes from Llanddoged near Llanrwst but who now lives in Denbigh, said : “It follows on a similar event we staged last year with the pop group Eden. It’s a cross between a gig and a concert and we want everyone to feel as if they’ve had a good night out.
“Band Pres Llareggub are one of Wales’ top bands and we are delighted they agreed to take part this year. I have been discussing with the band what songs they might be able to accompany the choir and we will soon start to rehearse those songs,” she said.
Alaw said the choir was established just over two years ago and now has over 100 members.
Setting out rows of chairs ahead of the rehearsal at the village hall in Llandyrnog near Denbigh, Alaw added: “We regularly have around 80 singers at our weekly rehearsals. These are at Llandyrnog because of the large space available because the response has been so amazing.
“We are a choir for those aged 30 plus and we encourage anyone keen to sing to come along. We have a vary varied repertoire which may be a little different from what other choirs might sing but which we think have a wider appeal to our audiences.”
Alaw said the choir has taken part in a number of concerts since their formation including Gŵyl Rhuthun but have not competed at any Eisteddfodau.
“The emphasis is definitely on coming together, socialising and enjoying the health and well-being benefits associated with singing,” said Alaw.
After a short warm-up session under the guidance of co-conductor Sioned Davies and accompanist Dawn Wilks, the choir worked on a new arrangement of the anthemic Welsh hymn Cwm Rhondda, written to the famous lyrics by Ann Griffiths.
Sitting in on the rehearsal, Ifor Williams Trailers sales manager Lois Wynne said it was the first time the company had sponsored an event featuring Côr NantClwyd.
“But we did support an evening of comedy that Alaw organised in Denbigh last year which was very successful. We sponsor many community events across the region because we believe it is important to do so.
“Côr NantClwyd are a relatively new choir and are based in the community. Our company was established 65 years ago and it is important we support them in the same way the community have supported us over the years.
“We are all looking forward to the concert at Ruthin on November 30 and I’m sure a substantial amount of money will be raised for the three very good causes,” she said.
Tickets for the event, which cost £17, are available from Siop Elfair, Ruthin and Siop Clwyd in Denbigh. They are also available online at the Eventbrite website. Doors open at 7.30pm and a licensed bar will be available.
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