On song with
TAKE comfort from the fact that every week matters on the musical front and things appear to be getting a little better.
Gradually, our famous choirs are returning to rehearsals and that brings the tantalising hope that we may get some concerts before the end of 2021.
Last week, Côr Dyfed Choir returned to rehearsals.
Choir spokesman Anne Jones explained: “For the past 15 months, the Dyfed Choir have held weekly rehearsals via Zoom.
“A difficult year – but we still managed to extend our repertoire, have online vocal technique sessions as well as a few talks . . . plus a fun Christmas party wearing our Christmas hats for a competition!
“We gained a new member during Zoom sessions – but sadly lost a very good friend and long serving member of the bass section in 2020.
“We are always looking to welcome new members.
“But, of course, nothing beats a proper rehearsal, so during the past few weeks the committee have been preparing, with great excitement, for the choir to rehearse together in person at Bloomfield Community Centre, Narberth, which we did for the first time last week.
“Following current regulations, 30 of us met, spaced out in the huge, well-ventilated Recreation Hall. It was magical.
“Looking ahead, we hope to perform a concert at Christmas and can’t wait to perform with professional orchestra and soloists again.”
Côr Dyfed Choir were scheduled to give a concert in St Peter’s Church, Carmarthen, in April 2020 – but sadly the event was a victim of the pandemic.
Over many years, Côr Dyfed Choir has gained a reputation as one of the leading choirs in West Wales, attracting both singers and audiences from a wide geographical area.
The choir’s repertoire includes pieces from the Renaissance, early Baroque period, such as those by Monteverdi and Lassus, through to more recent times with works by Rachmaninoff, Durufle and Poulenc.
Bach, Handel and Mozart are probably the choir’s best loved composers and their works are often performed in the choir’s concerts.
John S Davies, the choir’s founder, and Christopher Barton are two of the most longstanding and influential past conductors.
In recent years, the choir has built a close relationship with St Davids
Cathedral – Oliver Waterer being the fourth organist and master of choristers at St Davids to be appointed as Côr Dyfed Choir’s music director.
The choir celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016-2017.
Although the choir has travelled abroad, to London, Ireland and several English cathedrals, St Davids Cathedral continues to be its favourite concert venue.
The choir was thrilled to perform at the 2015 Fishguard International Music Festival in such splendid and inspiring surroundings.
Music director Oliver Waterer was appointed organist and master of the choristers at St Davids Cathedral and Artistic Director of the St Davids Cathedral Festival in September 2013.
He is responsible for the maintenance and development of the cathedral’s musical ministry, at the heart of which are the daily services sung by the Cathedral Choirs. He was invited to become Conductor and Music Director of Côr Dyfed Choir in January 2014.
Before moving to Pembrokeshire, Oliver was assistant director of music at Chelmsford Cathedral in Essex, where he was the principal organist at the daily choral services and directed the Cathedral Girls’ Choir. He spent four months as Acting Director of Music at the cathedral in 2012. From 2009 to 2012 he was Accompanist and Deputy Director of the Chelmsford Singers, a prominent choral society in the city. As a recitalist Oliver has performed at many British churches and cathedrals including Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral. Recent years have also included performances in France, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands.
Oliver studied the organ with Andrew Malcolm at Saffron Walden Parish Church before becoming a student at Birmingham Conservatoire, studying principally with David Saint. Whilst in Birmingham he was Organ Scholar at both the Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals in the city and was accompanist to the Conservatoire Chamber Choir. He graduated in 2001, winning the John Campbell Keyboard prize.
Previous music directors include -
1985 - 1998: Christopher Barton, former Master of Choristers at St Woolos Cathedral, Newport, who developed the Choir’s reputation for the late Baroque and Classical repertoire. During his tenure there was special interest in presenting Baroque music with ensembles of period instruments, including a memorable performance of Messiah in the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea with the Gabrieli Consort. It was fitting that Christopher’s last concert as Director should have been a performance of Dvorak’s Stabat Mater in The Smetana Hall, Prague, with the Prague Radio Orchestra. The choir was delighted to welcome him back as guest conductor for a performance of Bach Christmas Oratorio with Charivari Agréable Simfonie in December 2010
1967 - 1985: John S Davies is a leading figure in the musical life of west Wales. The charismatic direction of the founder soon ensured a fine reputation for the Choir, enjoying a close relationship with the Fishguard Festival of which he was Director. The Dyfed Choir was frequently retained by the BBC for performances with orchestras such as the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, under guest conductors of the calibre of Roger Norrington, Sir Colin Davies, Sir David Willcocks, Sir Charles Mackerras and Richard Hickox, until the formation of BBC Welsh Chorus. John joined the choir to celebrate their 50th anniversary in November 2016.
If you are keen to join the choir, contact hannah@joneslogin.co.uk for further details.
The choir’s website is at - https:// www.dyfedchoir.co.uk
During the coronavirus crisis, this column is putting the spotlight on west Wales singers and choirs and many online internet recordings. Please email if you are already planning an event post-lockdown in 2021. Get in touch if your choir has resumed rehearsals. Email robert. lloyd01@ walesonline. co.uk