THE LINDEN SINGERS ANNUAL CHARITY CONCERT: was held on the evening of Saturday July 8 at Woodlands Sports and Social Club, Cwmbran, with guest choir City of Newport Male Choir.

Proceeds were in aid of charity Ty Hafan and, as you would expect, the concert was well attended.

Gil and I were delighted to attend, especially as this local charity had been one of my chosen charities, ten years ago when I was honoured to be mayor of Torfaen. 

Also present, as invited guest, was former musical director of the Linden Singers, Mr Lyndon Weaver. Renowned local charity fundraiser is Mr John Williams of Garndiffaith and as honorary president of The Linden Singers, John, gave a very warm welcome to all present. 

The Linden Singers Choir has a new musical director, Karen Middle, who was directing her first annual concert for the choir.

On this occasion, the ladies of the choir were grateful to David Martyn Jones, musical director of the City of Newport Male Choir, who offered to stand in at the last minute as accompanist .

The ladies, looking very elegant in puce tops and black trousers, opened the concert with an appropriate number, which they regard as their theme song As long as I have Music (Don Besig, Nancy Price), the words of which have, I am sure, provide great solace to listeners who suffer the stress of illness.

Changing the tempo the choir then sang Sherri Porterfield’s poignant Kyrie, which uses the four words of the Latin Mass, translating as “Lord have Mercy”. 

The Linden singers completed their first set with two ever popular numbers Sun and Moon ( Claude-Michel Schonberg, Richard Maltby, Alain Boublil) and Alan Simmons and the lively arrangement of the Spiritual Every Time I feel the Spirit. 

The City of Newport Male Voice Choir were next to take the stage, this well known Gwent Choir was established in 1943, as the programme notes stated it came into being “as a means of relieving the tensions of the latter war years, starting with a membership of 25...we are proud to be part of, and to continue, the traditions of Welsh Male Voice Choirs and the musical sound that is renowned the world over.”

On this occasion their accompanist was Ellen Routley and the musical director was David Martyn Jones, usually known as Martyn, having previously been deputy MD to Fiona Bryant. Ellen as accompanist was taking over from Barbara Davis, who has been with the choir for over 25 years.

“Gwahoddiad” is the Welsh for “invitation” and the choir began their set with the arrangement by John Tudor Davis of this well-loved number by Lewis Hartsough.

The choristers followed with a trio of popular and rousing numbers; Let it be Me ( G. Becaud, arranged by Alwyn Humphries) The Water is Wide (arranged by Miles Ramsey) and the iconic Men of Harlech (arranger Mansel Thomas).

After a brief interval and drawing of raffle tickets, we were addressed by Kelly of Ty Hafan, who gave thanks to all present for raising funds for this needed local charity. Kelly gave a short description of the work of the charity and how this charity needs funds to provide the service it gives.

Our visitors from Newport then opened the second half with a display of their varied repertoire; ranging from the lovely lyrical Maid of Llanwellyn (Charles McCartha); followed by the number Martyn identified as “my very favourite in this set”: All My Trials (arr. Jeff Funk); the emotive Ar Lan y Mor ( ‘By the Sea-shore’ Emrys James).

They ended their spell binding quartet with the lively and lusty number from South Pacific: There is Nothing Like a Dame (Arr. William Stickles). What a great display of vocal versatility and vitality! 

The Linden Singers then delivered their final set and appeared looking most elegant in sparkling turquoise tops and black skirts. They opened with The Lord Bless You and Keep You by John Rutter; who apparently is a great favourite of their musical director.

The ladies then sang a very plaintive version of Shenandoah (arranger Jeff Funk).

The ladies followed this beautiful number with Another Day (Delyth Rees, Eleri Richards). The audience was then treated to a premier performance by the ladies of a very special arrangement of Amazing Grace (Jean Anne Shafferman). Wings (Carl Strommen) was the beautiful number chosen to complete their set.

This wonderful concert concluded in an unforgettable manner with the two choirs combining to sing two much loved numbers: Speed Your Journey (Guiseppe Verdi, arr. Sydney Northcote.) and one of my most favourite numbers: Morte Christe (Isaac Watts). 

Amazingly the choirs had not rehearsed this joint performance but still produced a spine tingling, faultless performance.

John Williams, visibly moved, as we all were, then thanked everyone who had made the evening so memorable and then asked for a reprise of Morte Christe so that any other /former choristers, like himself, could join in.

This request was granted, much to the joy of everyone and provided a magnificent end to a marvellous evening of Music. Thank you everyone!

Please note that both choirs welcome new members, further information can be obtained from their websites. 

(Mary Barnett)