Glorious', 'excellent' and 'exhilarating' were just some of the superlatives used by concert reviewer Ray O'Luby in the Bournemouth Daily Echo recently to describe the performance of The South Wales Male Choir under the batons of Founder Conductor Alun John and Keith Griffiths with soprano Iona Jones and Saundersfoot-based Broga Rince from the Hynes School of Irish Dancing.
The 'Sounds of Wales' concert, compered with "panache" by the ever popular Brian Harries, also featured Pembroke trumpeter Tim Bourne and Llantrisant Harpist Kathryn Rees whose 'seductive' solo items were incidentally marred by an unholy rattle emanating from somewhere on high in the roof of the International Centre.
By the second half of the concert, the building faults were corrected, following strong words from choir officers and several members of the audience to the BIC Management.
However, the furore has continued in Bournemouth's local press, for many music lovers have long been campaigning for the retention of the Winter Gardens as a concert venue, stating that the BIC is not a suitable replacement. The choristers of Wales' largest male choir share their view, many being members of the 'Friends of The Winter Gardens.'
"We agreed to appear at the BIC despite preferring the historic acoustic gem of the Winter Gardens, as Bournemouth is a popular weekend for choristers and supporters alike," said CMDC Chairman Philip Howells. "We didn't want to sever our links with the area, in fact we have entertained both supporters of the Winter Gardens last year and now the BIC this year. Our audience figures year on year proved that the Gardens are far more popular, so perhaps it may cause at least some councillors who are all for knocking down the Winter Gardens to think again.
"It was obvious that, in the first half, to many of the audience the noisy fault was the last straw. Thanks to the 'unflappable' choir and our wonderful supporting artistes, we still provided a superb evening of live music, song and dance," he added.
The Choir, sponsored by Texaco, includes a number of Pembrokeshire men from Pembroke, Haverfordwest, Fishguard, Tenby and Narberth and this year celebrates its 21st Anniversary.