PATRONS’ EVENING - MAY 1st 2025, RISCA RUGBY CLUB
A departure from the formal Patrons’ Concert of recent years had been proposed this time round, and a more informal Patrons’ Evening was arranged at Risca RFC. It included an update on the Choir’s activities and an ‘Open’ rehearsal.
Music Director Matthew Harrison outlined the highlights and achievements of the choir over the past year with the win at the National Eisteddfod and the appearance at the Principality Stadium for the Wales v England match to the fore. The Eisteddfod Male Choir Competition cup was also on show to our Patrons before its imminent return. A final photograph with the cup will be taken at Waunfawr Park early in May.
Also highlighted were the variety of local community events and charity events at nursing homes and remembrance events which RMC treats with equal importance and value.
The MND (Motor Neurone Disease) project run by the Choir in 2024 was a huge success, raising over £20,000 for the charity and with over 12 choristers swelling the ranks of RMC afterwards. This year’s charity project, Men United in Song South Wales for Prostrate Cymru, starts in June culminating in a concert with RMC at the Royal College of Music and Drama in Cardiff on Friday 25th July.
Looking forward, this year’s Annual Concert will be held in the splendid St Woolos Cathedral in Newport on Sat 2nd Aug with concerts at both Brecon Cathedral and St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire in September. For more information see Events.
Matthew shared the Choir’s plan to compete in major competitions every two years (next up 2026) to give adequate time for the preparation necessary to achieve the highest standards.
The ‘Open’ rehearsal let the Patrons see at first hand the warm ups, vocal techniques and blend improvements that Matt and RMC are striving for.
There was a ‘run through’ of some of the Choir’s wedding pieces (to be ready for an engagement in Raglan). This included Can you feel the love tonight and Endless love beautifully arranged by our previous MDs, Martin Hodson and Tomos Gwyn respectively. Also, though definitely not suitable for the wedding, I’ll make a man out of you from Disney’s ‘Mulan’!!
Finally, the new emotional and powerful addition to our repertoire Crossing the bar which is sure to feature in our up and coming competitions.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was relaxed, light hearted and engaging, and the Patrons and Choir were able to socialise with light refreshments and a few drinks during and after the event.
Our Patrons are a very important part of the RMC family and their support is valued greatly. We would always encourage non singing followers and family members to support us as Patrons and become more closely associated with the Choir. Details of how to become a Patron are included in the ‘ABOUT/Patrons Club’ section of our website.
It was nice to be outside of our normal environment for this event, and particularly to be hosted so well by Risca RFC, who were a source of many first time choristers for last year’s MND charity choir.
Peter Wells (Baritone):
Patrons’ Administrator
