Annual Concert 2009

The Barry Male Voice Choir welcomed the ladies of the Orwell Singers, Ipswich to share in their recent Annual Concert held at All Saint`s Church Barry.  The near capacity audience enjoyed a gala evening of modern and classical songs.

This was a proud and memorable occasion for Dorothy Connell and the choir as it was Dorothy`s first Annual Concert as conductor of the Barry Male Voice Choir.  The choir responded to her direction with passion and control.  As ever the choir were accompanied by the talented Emma Arscott. The Male Voice programme included a medley of songs from the popular musical Paint Your Wagon, Musz I Denn (Wooden Heart) made famous by Elvis Presley,a selection of Welsh songs including Delilah and the ever popular and inspirational hymn Llef.

The Orwell Singers conducted by Gloria Wilson and accompanied by Sylvia Davies sang with fine tone and control.Their programme included a selection of Songs from the Shows, The Sound of Silence by Paul Simon, Negro Spirituals and a moving African Medley .

Both choirs combined to provide sensitive harmonious renderings of John Rutter`s For the Beauty of the Earth. and Howard Goodall`s Love Divine. The concert ended with a multilingual composition Hwyl Fawr Ffrindiau (Goodbye friends) written and arranged by Dorothy Connell. This song expressed the genuine feeling of regret later expressed on the departure of the Orwell Singers after a very enjoyable afterglow held after the concert.

The Barry Male Voice Choir is well travelled and following last year`s enjoyable visit to Scotland is now preparing for a concert tour of Southern Ireland .The choir is a strong fellowship of very sociable men sharing a common interest of music and song.  The choir motto remains "Friendship through Music."

Choir Crosses a Musical Border Again

It was a case of 'over the border and away' once again for conductor Dorothy Connell and the Barry Male Voice Choir for their latest concert. This time the choir's destination was Worle, Somerset rather than Stirling, Scotland where the choir performed a concert in aid of the fabric of St. Martin's Parish Church. The 900 year old Norman Church provided a perfect ambiance for a summer evening concert. A large audience enjoyed a varied programme, which included songs from the shows Oliver and Les Miserables, traditional Welsh hymns, songs of love and songs such as We'll Gather Lilacs and Daffodils, which evoked the beauty of nature. Solo items were provided by choir member tenor David Evans and the choir's talented accompanist Emma Arscott, whose assured performances were greeted with prolonged applause. The announcement made by compere Douglas Baxter that "the concert interval would be as long as necessary" was soon understood by the puzzled audience. It simply meant that the second half of the concert would start when everyone had finished consuming the refreshments provided of wine and cheese! Following the concert, the choir and their travelling supporters adjourned to a local hostelry, where the usual concert afterglow was enjoyed by all. The busy choir schedule continues with a concert at Raglan on July 11 as part of the Raglan Music Festival.

Article written by Gareth Jones.

Choir's Highland Fling

The recent visit to Scotland by the widely travelled Barry Male Voice Choir was considered by choristers and supporters alike to be an unqualified success.

This, the choir's first visit to Scotland was particularly timely as it allowed conductor Dorothy Connell, an Ayrshire lass, to return to her homeland during the official year of the Scottish Homecoming during which Scottish emigrants from across the world are encouraged to return to Scotland.

The weather which varied between rain, mist and low cloud reduced the scenic splendours of Scotland to blurred outlines. In spite of this the party mood remained buoyant and happy.

The choir performed at both Crieff and Stirling.

On both occasions Douglas Baxter, choir president and compère informed the audiences that the concerts would be dedicated to the memory of former chorister Dennis Blake who until his recent sad death was the longest serving member of the choir with a period of service of nearly sixty years.

The Crieff concert given in aid of the local Community Hospital and Parish Church featured local soloist Elizabeth Boyd. The audience included former chorister Jack Baker now living in Crieff and Susan Burgess formerly of Barry now employed by the Scottish National Trust who had driven more than a hundred miles to attend.

The medieval church of Holy Rude was the magnificent venue of the Stirling concert given in aid of the church funds. The church alongside the stronghold of Stirling Castle possessed a strong sense of atmosphere. It was here that James VI of Scotland later to become James I of England was crowned in 1567. The church organ is the largest Romantic Organ in Scotland and the concert included a recital by resident organist Ian Boulter in which the musical range and awesome power of the instrument was demonstrated with great prowess. Conductor Dorothy Connell can be justifiably proud of the choir's response to her masterly control and the resultant sensitive rendition of songs some with strong Welsh and Scottish flavours. Her arrangement of "Flower of Scotland" with percussion accompaniment provided by Clarence Nugent added to that provided by the choir`s talented accompanist Emma Arscott was particularly well received by the large audience.

The concert ended with presentation of gifts. Don Surridge, chairman of the Barry Male Voice Choir presented the former Provost of Sterling, Bailie Colin O'Brien with a cut glass Welsh Dragon on behalf of the choir and a Photographic Collection of the Vale of Glamorgan on behalf of the Mayor of the Vale, Audrey Preston. Bailie O'Brien responded by thanking "the wee lassie from Ayr" for bringing herself and her choir to Scotland in the year of the Homecoming and presented the choir with a copy of the Stirling Coat of Arms.

The choir party having enjoyed themselves immensely returned home happy in the knowledge that they had fulfilled their ambassadorial duties with aplomb and can look forward to the future with welcome optimism.

Article written by Gareth Jones.

Christmas Concert 2008

The large congregation who attended All saints Church , Barry for the Annual Christmas Concert of the Barry Male Voice Choir shared in a true Christmas festival of music and song. In addition to being a memorable musical event the occasion also marked, what is believed to be, the last choir concert conducted by Douglas Baxter.The choir was well supported by the RAF St. Athan Voluntary Band under the baton of Alan Bourne. The choir of course was as ever accompanied by the talented and lovely Emma Cureton -Arscott.

The musical versatility of the band at all times shone brightly and played a big part in creating a joyous Christmas atmosphere appropriate to the occasion.The combination of the choir, the tuneful congregation and the band responded to the masterly leadership of conductor Alan Bourne and produced carol singing of a rare quality and passion. " It was a wonderful start to the proper Christmas", was the comment of one member of the congregation.

The Christmas Concert has traditionally been held to support a local charity. This year was the turn of the Barry First Responders, a voluntary group who freely offer expert support to victims of various emergencies. The work of the group was explained by Tony Rossetti and a collection was taken.

The retirement of Douglas Baxter follows in the tradition established by his eminent predecessors. As a musician of distinction over a period of more than twenty years Douglas has been at the forefront of musical life in Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan. In addition to performing at formal concerts Douglas and the choir have willingly performed at local Residential Homes, the Community Hospital, schools and churches in addition to forging links further afield especially in our twin town Rheinfelden where Douglas is as well known as he is here in Barry.

The choir are delighted that the following local dignitaries were able to pay tribute to Douglas by attending this his last concert, Jane Hutt AM,The Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan Councillor Audrey Preston and Consort, Deputy Mayor of Barry Councillor Howard Hamilton and Deputy Mayoress, Anthony Hampton representing Councillor Gordon Kemp Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Chief Inspector Lawsonof South Wales Police,Brenda Adams of the WRVS and Barry Male Voice Patron Gareth Howe.

As a part of his legacy Douglas leaves a choir with an extensive repertoire which allows the choir to demonstrate it`s considerable vocal skills.

Choral singing is an enjoyable interest in the company of a group of sociable people. New choir members are always welcome. The view held by many that they cannot sing is simply not true. There is room for any interested man in the Barry Male Voice Choir. Gentlemen, Why not give us a try? Make this your New Year`s Resolution!

Practices restart on Monday January 5th following the Christmas break at Holy Trinity Church ,Trinity Street ,Barry.

Further information can be obtained from John Rees Davies, Secretary on 01446 746387

The Barry Male Voice Choir wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Article written by Gareth Jones.