The London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs October 2010
Royal Albert Hall, London

photos courtesy of Clive Jones

It didn't seem like two years since the last Festival but we all made the pilgrimage to the Royal Albert Hall for the 22nd Festival of Male Voices. Despite early anxiety about the availablity of members boxes there was an almost capacity audience who enjoyed a musical treat. In the audience was our President, Philip Madoc and Huw Edwards, the President of the London Welsh Association. This year Alwyn Humphreys was our guest conductor who was in fine form getting the massed choir and the Cory Band to blend into a seamless concert.
The participating choirs were Cambrian, Caron, De Cymru, Dowlais, Hereford Police, Huntingdon, Kenfig Hill, Shelfield, Taf, Wycombe Orpheus and the London Welsh Male Voice Choir.
The principal soloists were Elizabeth Donovan, soprano, and David Kempster, baritone, both up and coming talents on the international music scene.
Annabel Thwaite was our accompanist on the piano and Robert Nicholls, organist.
We were very pleased to have the Cory Band with us again, conducted by David Childs they not only provided a masterful accompaniment to the choir but excelled in two solo pieces. A performance worthy of the number one brass band in world rankings.
Frank Lincoln once again entertained us with his anecdotes and compéred the evening very well.
As a surprise bonus David Kempster was joined by Rhys Meirion to perform the famous duet from the Pearl Fishers.
The audience were introduced to Patrick Hodges, the festival secretary whose planning and organisation ensured a successful evening. Unfortunately due to an accident he had been unable to perform the secretaries function over the past few months and it was nice to see him on stage.
A lot of work goes into organising the Festival and already plans are well advanced for the next Festival on 13th October 2012 .We thank you all for your support and look forward to seeing you in 2012