It has been a little while since the beautiful sound of a choir echoed throughout Llangunllo’s Church, but fortunately, The Friends of St Cynllo’s managed to secure a booking for local singers, The Dolau Mixtures, on Saturday, July 13th..which turned out to be lucky for us! The mixed choir has been delighting audiences for over 30 years, and this evening’s entertainment was no exception.
Expertly led by their Musical Director and accompanist, Catherine O’Rourke, the group treated visitors to a varied and interesting selection of songs, from the best-loved to others that are not performed so often, which was most refreshing. The evening commenced fittingly, with, “As Long As I have Music” a moving tribute to music and how uplifting it can be. Next, came Carole King’s, “You’ve Got A Friend,” Bond theme, “Skyfall,” made famous by Adele, and “This Little Light Of Mine.”
While the choir took a break, the talented, Duncan Gibbs, sang and played his Appalachian Dulcimer, creating a charming and full sound for an instrument with so few strings! A traditional folk song came first, played in the style of Bert Jansch, with, “Peace, Love & Understanding” a Nick Lowe composition, previously recorded by Elvis Costello & The Attractions, concluding. The choir returned with a section of inspirational songs, starting with Sting’s, “Fields Of Gold,” introduced by a retired teacher, telling his heart-warming tale, (which, no doubt, brought a tear to a few eyes,) of an emotional farewell, when pupils sang the song to him as he left for pastures new. Bette Midler favourite, “The Wind Beneath My Wings” followed, and a musical trio from some of Simon and Garfunkel’s best, ending with, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
As the choir got their breath back, two more solos followed, sung by gifted tenor, Trevor Morgan; Charlie Chaplin’s, “Smile,” famously covered by Nat King Cole, and Javert’s powerful solo, “Stars,” from Schoenberg and Boublil’s Les Miserables. The final segment began with, “Suo Gan,” a touching lullaby, sung partly in Welsh and English, then continued with more jewels from Les Miserables, including, “I Dreamed A Dream,” “Castle On A Cloud” and the rousing, “Do You Hear The People Sing?” The programme ended, aptly, with, “Ashokan Farewell” written by American folk musician, Jay Ungar. Of course, we wanted more and we got it in fine form, taking us back in time to The Inkspots and the 1940’s with “Java Jive.” When the applause had faded from the appreciative audience, it was time to draw the raffle, sending home the happy winners with their choice from a grand prize cache.
As the weather held, everyone was invited into the churchyard for a glass of fizz or soft drink, a tasty and plentiful array of savoury and sweet canapés, prepared by a team of Friends’ volunteers, and to continue the feel-good factor by chatting and mingling in good company. Very grateful thanks to The Dolau Mixtures, on their first and successful visit to St. Cynllo’s and Llangunllo, and to all who helped to make the evening a thoroughly enjoyable occasion for all.
Words: Debbie Jones Photographs: Michael Brown & Debbie Jones