This was to be the first Patrons’ event since 2019, owing to the disruptions of the COVID pandemic. The pandemic had also disrupted communications generally, so when I offered back in March to send out the invitations, it turned out to be a more complex process than expected. However, after following up old contacts and with some sterling recruitment by choristers, we were looking forward to welcoming some fifty Patrons and other guests on 24th June, including our President, Steve Tom, and his wife, Louisa.

Such was the popularity of the event and demand for tickets that our original venue, Dan-y-Craig Church, was clearly going to be too small; but we were able by kind permission of Pastor Marc Owen to make use of Moriah Church nearby instead. With ticket sales in advance and at the door, a total audience of some 120 assembled on a warm summer’s evening, for what was billed as an occasion to ‘Meet Matt’. The choir sang six items, including our three for the Eisteddfod in two weeks’ time; but the main focus was on our new Music Director, Matt Harrison.

Accompanied by MD Emeritus, Martin Hodson, Matt displayed his considerable flair and dexterity on both bassoon (Weber’s virtuosic Andante & Rondo Hongrois), and saxophone (Paul Creston’s atmospheric Sonata for Alto Saxophone).

Tenor soloist, Henley Cegielski, sang for us Una furtiva lagrima from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, accompanied by Matt on bassoon and Martin on keyboard.

Matt engaged in his usual banter with the audience, which went down very well; and he performed his party trick of improvising on a familiar tune in a given style, both chosen at random from a bag by members of the audience. On this occasion it was Row, row, row your boat in the style of ‘soul jazz’, gaining him a standing ovation from the choir members.

For the choir this was an excellent practice run for Llangollen, though it exposed a few weak points that we will need to work on in these final weeks. But the audience were very appreciative of the event, and there was considerable interest from potential new Patrons.

Afterwards a good crowd made their way up the road to Choir HQ to be regaled with refreshments prepared by some of the wives. Many thanks to them and to those who transformed our rehearsal space into a welcoming party venue. This felt like a really positive event for the choir, and another important step towards recovering ground lost in recent years.

Robin Grayson, Patrons’ Administrator