'Outstanding' and 'wonderful' were two of the words used by Father Paul Davies to describe the very professional concert given on Saturday evening at Jeffreyston Church, held to aid essential restoration funds for both Jeffreyston and Reynalton Churches.
Katherine Allen and Claire N. Watkins, two students from Cardiff University, being ably accompanied on the piano by one of their tutors, Dr. Elaine Seer, delightfully sang through a range of music which embraced sacred songs, popular opera and song from favourite musicals. The concert was cleverly arranged in two halves with a 15-minute interval.
Kate Allen from Cardiff is a mezzo-soprano, who has recently been awarded the Sir Geraint Evans Prize for Singers and as a member of the Welsh National Youth Opera has performed in many principal roles.
Claire Watkins, a soprano born in Haverfordwest, has performed in many concerts throughout Wales, including solo recitals recorded on CD for both the Cardiff University Concert Hall and S4C. She recently sang in Brecon Cathedral with Ensemble Gallese.
Dr. Elaine Seer studied music in London and Cardiff, gaining a Masters Degree and Diplomas of the Royal and Trinity Colleges of Music. After teaching for three years, she joined BBC Wales where she became manager of the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra, touring most of the world with them. Since 1990 she has taught and lectured in Mid and South Glamorgan and holds a PhD for research based on the piano music of Robert Schumann.
Due to other commitments, the audience numbered just over 60, but everyone gave rapturous applause and, as an encore, the young ladies repeated the inspirational programme item 'Evening Prayer' by Humperdinck, which was much appreciated.
The total raised was £305, which, after payment of due expenses, will considerably help the restoration funds.
After the concert, everyone enjoyed an excellent supper in the Jeffreyston church hall which was prepared by the ever-faithful church members.