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PRESS RELEASE

Media Contact: Publicity Officer John Betts
or e.mail john.c.betts@ntlworld.com  

16th March 2008

CONCERT REVIEW

Morriston Phoenix Choir at Bethany Baptist Church, Rhiwbina, Cardiff, Saturday, 15th March

The new Morriston Phoeonix Choir performed their first full concert in aid of the Cardiff Branch of Leukaemia Research. Since their formation in June 2007 they have performed at a number of events and functions but this was the first time they have appeared in concert.

True to their aim of mixing traditional Welsh repertoire with modern songs they thrilled the audience with old favourites such as Myfanwy, Morte Christe and Calon Lan as well as Robbie Williams’ Angels, “You Raise Me Up” and two difficult Queen numbers, Bohemian Rhapsody and Don’t Stop me now. The Choir, under the baton of Musical Director, Siân Pearce, with Richard John accompanying, showed that they have come a long way since their formation.   The singing was dynamic and the diction crisp and Siân made sure that the tempo and vocal discipline was maintained. She even introduced the audience to a little vocal education, teaching them to sing a round with the help of the choir dispersed throughout the audience.

The evening was made even more enjoyable by the efforts of two very young but extremely talented musicians Benjamin Creighton Griffiths (Harp) and Ben Tarlton (Cello). Despite being only 11 and 12 respectively they showed astonishing technique for ones so young, on difficult instruments, as well as a very sympathetic treatment of the music.

Both boys have already won many prizes and accolades and it was not difficult to see why. Benjamin’s pieces included Fire Dance by David Watkins, Il Papagallo by Elias Parish Alvars; a setting for harp of Una Furtiva Lagrima by Donizetti. Ffarwel y Telynor by John Thomas and Harpicide at Midnight by Jazz composer and harpist, Pearl Chertok.

Ben began with The Swan from Carnival of the Animals by Saint Saens; First Fantasie Piece by Schumann and Allegro Appasionata, also by Saint Saens. Ben’s second set included Élégie by Fauré and the 2nd Movement of Sonata by  Shostakovich in which Ben’s technique was amply demonstrated. He was accompanied, very sympathetically by Sally Tarlton, his mother. We look forward to hearing more from these very talented young men in future

The choir rounded off the evening with the Gwyn Arch arrangement of African Trilogy and, a rousing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, given extra impetus by Wales’s earlier Grand Slam triumph. Overall an excellent concert for a worthy cause.

JCB