A large contingent of choristers from Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir travelled to Morriston recently to take part in a concert held at the Treforys Tabernacl Chapel. The concert to be transmitted at 8 pm by S4C's Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol in celebration of Easter on Sunday, March 27. The choir joined members from 11 other choirs from within the South Wales Association to make up a contingent of 360 choristers who gathered together in the magnificent setting of this most famous of chapels. Popularly known as the 'Cathedral of Wales', most visitors are struck by the chapel's imposing exterior but are further impressed, and dare we suggest, overwhelmed, by the magnificence of the interior. The eye is drawn to the centrepiece triple keyboard organ with its array of pipes above and around. The balcony runs a complete circuit above the floor of the chapel and can accommodate upwards of 700 people. The chapel is beautifully preserved and decorated in the original style. It is a truly breathtaking sight at first viewing and a visit to see this spectacular building is highly recommended. Traditional items of Welsh culture would naturally be expected from such a programme, and occasion. No-one could fail to appreciate the inspirational nature of the renderings however. The choristers were honour bound to produce an heroic performance bearing in mind the leadership, the accompanist, the superb setting and the purpose of the concert. Items covered were Arwelfa, Llanfair, Gwahoddiad, Deus Salutis, Tydi a Roddaist, Bryn Myrddin, Rachie and Morte Christe. All items were of course sung in the Welsh language. The conductor was Alwyn Humphreys, recently retired as leader after 25 years, of the Morriston Orpheus Choir. Mr. Humphreys is justifiably famous for his abilities and work in the choral world. In addition to his talents. he possesses a charm and wit that endears him to all who meet and work with him. He does though, possess an edge of steel that ensures he always gets the very best from the choristers in his charge. The accompanist was Hugh Tregelles Williams, as famous in his world as Mr Humpreys is in his. The organ was made to perform to its magnificent best in the hands of this wonderful musician. Soloists and duettists were Rees Meirion (tenor) and Fflur Wynn (soprano), both hugely talented in their fields. Introductions and voiceovers were performed by Hugh Llewellyn Davies. The chapel had been completely taken over by S4C and the ground floor filled with equipment of all kinds for the recording and naturally this precluded any presence of the public. Anyone with an interest in the choral tradition of Wales, who wishes to celebrate Easter in the traditional manner, or will derive inspiration from the singing of these wonderfully evocative hymns, would be well advised to tune in or set the video for this date. The choir were proud to be a part of the occasion and the local community can feel proud of their contribution to the proceedings. The choir feels sure viewers will find the programme memorable indeed.
