UPDATE. .01 .07.09 . . UPDATE . .01.07.09 . . UPDATE . .01.07.09. . UPDATE . .01.07.09
NEXT CONCERT: GALA CONCERT, LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL EISTEDDFOD
MONDAY, 6th JULY
Cyngerdd Nesaf : Gala Agoriadol Eisteddfod Ryngwladol Llangollen
Nos Lun, Gorffennaf 6ed, 2009
Next Rehearsal, JULY 5th, 2pm - 4pm in the Memorial Hall, Betws y Coed
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE AND THE TIME
CROESO I YMWELWYR / VISITORS WELCOME :
John and the choir are very pleased to welcome visitors to Betws y Coed to their regular Sunday afternoon rehearsals in St Mary's Church room which usually start at 2.00pm. Look out for the choir's notice boards which are set up outside the Church indicating whether the rehearsal is being held and especially those planning to attend are also advised to check the latest information posted at the head of this page in case there have been any changes.
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A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY.
It is always a real pleasure to report good news on this web page and last Sunday's rehearsal witnessed something special and memorable for everyone connected to Cantorion. John, the choir, friends and visitors were able to celebrate the 90th birthday of Huw Roberts its oldest active member. Huw informed everyone present that he had been a chorister with one choir or another for 80yrs and this must , today, be some sort of record especially for someone still actively involved in a choir of Cantorion's status. Huw continues to participate in all of the choir's performances having recently returned from Northern Italy after Cantorion's visit to Morbegno. He is looking forward to the Gala concert in Llangollen next Monday evening and he was keen to state that being involved in choral work throughout his life and his love of singing has been of great importance and a safeguard for his longevity. He continues to look forward to every rehearsal and concert and one must say that numerous new recruits to the second tenor section over the years including this writer have enjoyed and benefited from his sage advice and example. He is a witty and very humerous person and there are many tales to tell about his spontaneous comments and observations both on and off stage.
The choir acknowledged the occasion with the chairman, Geraint Anwyl, presenting Huw with a framed photograph and everyone present sharing a birthday cake and other treats during the rehearsal 'tea break'. It goes without saying that all those who know him and who have enjoyed his friendship and companionship and especially those friends from his time with Rhos wish him continued good health and involvement with Cantorion. He is one of a kind and we are blessed to have him singing with us.
Huw cuts his cake watched by the chairman and his colleagues in the second tenors.
Photos from John Rogers Jones
'HOT FROM THE CAMERA'
PLEASE VISIT THE TOURS' PAGE TO SEE THE LATEST CLIPS FROM THE MORBEGNO VISIT!!
MORBEGNO--- MAY 2009
A very tired but satisfied party of choristers, family members and choir supporters arrived home in the early hours of June 1st after completing a most successful short trip to Northern Italy. Cantorion had enjoyed its visit to Morbegno as part of the town's twinning arrangements with its partner, Llanberis. The group members had been very pleased and grateful for the wonderful, warm and generous reception that they had received from Morbegno's twinning committee, sponsors and the local people. There are many highlights to report at both choir and at an individual level. Chief amongst these would be the Thursday morning visit to Val Masino when the choir participated in the formal opening of a new conservation area in a most beautiful part of the region. Few would not have been impressed with the natural grandeur and magnificent scenery of this somewhat isolated valley, so typical of the glaciated Italian Alps. The weather was glorious, the backdrop breathtaking, the crowd welcoming and the hospitality 'brilliant' rounded off with lunch in a typical valley restaurant. That same evening the choir returned to the neighbouring village of Cataeggio to perform in the local parish church and give its first formal concert . The small church was crowded with local people who clearly enjoyed the choir's singing and that of its soloists and guest soprano , Sharon Evans. It was evident that the audience had not experienced the quality and power of a traditional Welsh male Voice choir and many were taken aback at the intensity and passion of the evening's performances. Inevitably, the return to Morbegno was somewhat late after a 'gentle' afterglow.
Cantorion performing at the opening.
Some of the choir members observing the' tape cutting' ceremony.
Photos by John Davies (Bass)
Cantorion enjoying the view from the bridge in Cataeggio
Photo from John Rogers Jones.
The choir is presented to the audience in Cataeggio Church.
PHOTOs by Sergio Pedretti
Sharon Evans entertains.
The following morning provided another memorable occasion when the choir party visited a local primary school and after entertaining the children with a brief selection of songs , witnessed John Daniel teaching the assembled children a typical welsh lullaby to their obvious enjoyment and that of the fortunate observers. It was a delightful and rewarding experience for everyone concerned. It was no coincidence therefore that the tune and words were to haunt many of those who subsequently traveled to Lake Como for a brief trip on the lake later that day. The day concluded with the Morbegno twinning committee hosting the choir and local people to a Welsh lamb 'roast' (a gift from the Welsh Meat Board) and BBQ,which included large helpings of meat and that other delicacy 'bara brith' imported directly from Wales.Clearly, it proved to be another excellent Noson Lawen, and one shared with members of the local Morbegno mixed choir, Corale"Marco Enrico Bossi".
Saturday morning proved to be one when members were able to choose from different visit options of interest to anyone touring in the area. Every member of the party selected one or other of the attractions on offer. Those technically minded were taken on a tour of the local power station, one of the major sponsors of the week's events. Of particular interest was the fact that the hot water created as a by product of the power generation was then sold as central heating water for the town of Morbegno. The many farming members and those with associated interests visited a family owned large integrated farm complex which had its origins in the traditional transhumance production of cheeses from the higher alpine pastures.The views of the Welsh farmers afterwards was especially interesting as they digested the economics and social and educational implications of the facility and its relevance to them and Wales. The remainder of the group were treated to another visit to a Nature conservation area near Morbegno. The small party was taken on a walking tour above the wetlands reserve and were rewarded once again with some tremendous views and in particular with close sightings of a flock of circling black Kites. No doubt many photographs were taken on all three visits and hopefully some will be made available for viewers to see on this site's pages later on!
One of the choir groups visiting the Wetlands Nature Reserve listening to the Park's guide.
On the walking track above the Wetlands watching 'Black Kites'
Saturday evening was the choir's last formal appearance as part of the week's activities when it held a joint concert with the local Morbegno choir in Morbegno's splendid auditorium. John and the choristers had been looking forward to this event for some time and they were not to be disappointed with either the venue and its facilities, their own and the soloist's performances or the overwhelming response from the capacity audience. Unfortunately, Sharon had been taken ill during the day and was unable to appear with the choir but everyone rallied around and produced a tremendous concert for the local people. Major successes were the performances of the Italian pieces chosen for the evening greeted with genuine appreciation and long and generous applause from the listeners accompanied by a standing ovation for 'Nessun Dorma'. Everyone involved was moved by the occasion and realised that it had been a special event and yet another milestone in Cantorion's history. The feeling of something well done was reflected in the post concert reception attended by both choirs and organisers.
Norman Rogers Jones enjoys walking above Morbegno
Temperatures throughout the week had been persistently high and there was concern that Milan city would be too hot to visit on the Sunday, en route home. Consequently, the returning group was rerouted through neighbouring Bergamo which also proved to be a master stroke. The party members were able to visit the old city centre and in particular enjoy an outdoor exhibition of classic international Formula 1 and other marque racing cars as well as visiting and relaxing amongst some of the city's historical and beautiful decorated churches. It provided a full if tiring prelude to the long journey home but left, together with all of the other experiences in the minds of the Morbegno visitors, a real sense of achievement and success for a job 'well done'. John, Cantorion's committee, choristers and supporters wish to thank Ken Jones, the Morbegno twinning committee, Mayor and sponsors and especially the good folk of Morbegno for their kindness, co-operation, advice, warm welcome and generosity throughout the planning, preparation and actual visit and genuinely hope that it can repeat and reciprocate the events in the near future. The choir would also wish to thank John, Olwen, Gwilym, and Sharon for their work and support and also Gareth Oliver for his efforts in helping plan and organise the tour.
CANTORION'S NEW PHOTOS
At its recent all day rehearsal in Llanrwst, the choir used the opportunity to have a new photograph taken. This was the first opportunity since Colin retired to have an up to date group photograph, to include John Daniel and other new choristers. Fortunately, the weather was excellent and the location with the river bridge and old house in the background was ideal. Copies of this and the other photos can be obtained by contacting the choir's secretary, Mr Arthur Roberts . (Details are given on the Choir's shop page on this site)
LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL EISTEDDFOD,
6th. JULY, 2009.
Cantorion is pleased to announce that it will be sharing the platform with Cor Godre'r Aran and the Fron Male Choir as part of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod's Opening Gala Concert on Monday evening, the 6th of July, 2009. This is a new venture for the Eisteddfod and it will be a special occasion for the choirs involved. Cantorion has been delighted to perform in public with Cor Godre'r Aran on two previous occasions when entertaining the crowds at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium before International Rugby games. However, this will be the first time the choirs have shared a concert platform in support of such worthwhile causes as part of the proceeds will go to Wrexham's Nightingale House Hospice.
The choirs and Eisteddfod management have been in discussion for some time and it is very pleasing to note that the organisers have also been able to engage the services of some exciting young talent to perform in the evening's concert. These include, Faryl Smith ( Britain's Got Talent finalist) and Denbighshire born, Mark Evans ('Your Country Needs You finalist). The choirs' tenors will also be listening very carefully to the young tenor, Alexei Kalvecs .
CANTORION on You Tube
The choir has uploaded a number of video clips of its different performances to You Tube for general viewing. Anyone wishing to see a selection of these are invited to 'click' on the LINK below and choose those of interest to them for further viewing. Cantorion's intention is to make additions as appropriate following concerts and proposed tours.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Cantorion+Colin+JOnes&search_type=
