August 11 marks the 21st annual visit to St. David's Cathedral by Cor Meibion De Cymru (South Wales Male Choir). The cathedral will resound once again to the thrilling sound of one of Wales' largest male choirs. Around 100 choristers are expected to travel from all parts of South Wales. A few exiles from England will also 'cross the bridge' to take their place on stage. This year's programme reveals the wide repertoire of the choir. The carefully chosen programme is almost totally different from that performed a fortnight previously in Fishguard. The choristers have been burning the midnight oil in learning their work. The climax of the concert will be 'Martyrs of the Arena'. Dramatic lyrics by J. S. Stallybrass, complement the music of Laurent De Rille. Once again, the concert will feature soprano Jill Padfield. apart from her delightful solo singing, Jill will join the choir for a trilogy which commemorates the Abolition of Slavery. The choir helps to organise the biennial Texaco Young Musician of Wales competition. This year's winner, harpist Glain Dafydd, will provide an opportunity for the audience to marvel at her extraordinary talent. Glain, 15, hails from North Wales, and is excited at the prospect of performing in St. David's Cathedral. The soloists line-up is completed by tenor Peter Totterdale. Peter has been singing solo with the choir for a few years, but is still the youngest chorister. The concert will be held together by compere Barri Hurford, no stranger to the cathedral. The concert will also be the first in St. Davids for the choir's new conductor, Elaine Robins. Elaine has led the Towy Valley section of the choir for five years and recently took over the baton of the whole choir. Sian Davies will accompany the concert at the piano. Terence Gilmore-James will add to proceedings at the organ. CMDC are once again very grateful to Chevron Texaco for their ongoing financial support and sponsorship. Tickets, £15, £12, £9 and £7, which are selling fast, are available from St. David's Bookshop, telephone 01437 720480.
