Music Director’s Review for August

A short month, a quiet month, and now with a well deserved break.

We’ve been nothing, if not busy, for the past few months. Concerts, weddings, funerals, the tour to Chester and Eisteddfod at Llangollen, and still with over 20 engagements already booked in the Calendar between September and the end of the year.

It’s a great testimony to the gents that, even whilst knowing the busy schedule they have ahead, when something important or worthwhile comes up extra to this, they still have an attitude of “Why not? That’s what we’re here for”.

We have yet another engagement at the Celtic Manor in October for the restaurant chain, Zizzi. This will be the third event at the Celtic Manor this year.

We have a prestigious performance in St David’s hall in September as part of a memorial service to honour police men and women who’ve been killed during service.

At the service, RMC will perform two very moving pieces that I know they can deliver in an emotional and heartfelt way. The popular Anfonaf Angel is one of those pieces, and will be accompanied by the magnificent organ in the hall.

And secondly, John Rutter’s, The Lord bless you and keep you, this time accompanied by a string ensemble made up of police musicians.

Then, of course we must not forget our Annual Concert on Saturday, 14th of October. This will be the first time RMC has produced an Annual Concert for four years, indeed, since before the pandemic. Please check the website for information about this and other events.

Finally, we had an enjoyable last rehearsal on Sunday 20t August before our short break until the beginning of September kicks in. Most of the gents were as bright eyed and attentive as usual; some on the other hand not so much.

Question: How do you know when the choir’s been on an “all day jolly” to a whisky distillery the day before? Answer: When they can barely keep their bloodshot eyes open during rehearsal; and I’m not mentioning any names….

We ended the rehearsal with the perfect piece to lull any hungover seals to sleep. (This was Eric Whitacre’s The Seal Lullaby) Well done to Trevor Baker for managing to stay awake through the opening few bars of this soothing lullaby!

Until September.

Matt

Matthew Harrison – Music Director