EVENT: Last weeks City of Newport Male Choir Concert in support of local girl Alzbeta (Liz) Matysakova was a huge success. 

Alzbeta has gained a place at the world famous Italio Conti school for the performing arts in London. The City of Newport Male Choir have taken her under their wing and given her a helping hand in what will no doubt be a rewarding but very expensive few years. 

From the outset I make no secret that I am a great fan and very proud of the choir that bears our city’s name. 

They truly are Newport’s finest ambassadors. Under the guidance of their musical director Fiona Bryant and the enthusiastic leadership of their chairman Dr Eric Jones I have never heard them sound better than they did at this concert. 

As usual looking as smart as a troop of guards they put everything they had into every song they sang. The packed to the rafters audience loved it. 

Highlight for me was without doubt their version of my favourite song in the world: The Sloop John B. For many others it was hard to choose. Their versions of A Miners Song, Gwahoddiad, If I Ever Leave You, Let It Be Me, Myfanwy, Rhythm of Life and their lively Rock Around The Clock and many more won them many new friends and admirers. Alzbetta herself performed two sets. 

As a young sixteen year girl with a full audience in front of and around her, plus a full male voice choir sat directly behind her, it could have been intimidating. 

From the outset she smashed it. Stunning the audience with her version of clown. 

Followed by equally good versions of Breathe and Hallelujah. Sending shivers down the spine there was hardly a dry eye in the house. 

Her second set was just as impressive. She was given a well deserved standing ovation by the audience and her new big brothers in the choir. She left no one in the slightest doubt of why she was lucky enough to be awarded a place at one of the most respected schools for the performing arts. 

I felt proud at the way in which the choir, their musical director Fiona and accompanist Barbra Davies so quickly volunteered their talent to help Alzbeta. 

Living up to their motto “Making Music Making Friends” the choir pulled out all the stops to support her. 

Choir chair Dr Eric Jones presented Alzbeta with a certificate confirming that she is an honorary member of the City of Newport Male Choir. 

He then achieved a lifelong ambition of actually conducting the choir and audience in singing Happy Birthday to Fiona. 

A fantastic night of musical entertainment all here once again in the very heart of Lliswerry. 

(Allan Morris)