A packed Central Church enjoyed an Excellent evening where Maesteg Male Voice Choir celebrated their 50th birthday and were delighted to host and help in the celebrations by Ysgol Cynwd Sant.

Due to the ill-health of choir accompanist, Soprano soloist Stephanie Smith was postponed to a later date. Thankfully we were fortunate that Musical Director Huw Morgan 's wife Dr. Catherine Morgan volunteered to guest for the evening and Baritone Kevan Lloyd showed his soloist skills once again.

Huw Morgan chose a varied programme and the choir opened with two traditional Welsh hymns Rachie and Cwm Rhondda before Kevan  sang Omra Mai Fu and an excellent version of Anfonaf Angel. Next came the wonderful voices of Cor Ysgol Cynwyd Sant who sang five lovely songs: Cydiwn Ddwylo, Codi’r To, Ein byd sy’n llawn llawennydd, Fyny Fry (A whole new world – Aladdin) and a song composed by children of the school and ‘The Welsh Whisperer’ it’s a song all about our wonderful school and valley! Ysgol Cynwyd Sant produced a great reaction from the audience and what a brilliant sound they made. Maesteg Male Choir then brought the first half to an end with Huw's Celtic Suite and finishing with My Way.

A similar line up for the second half with the Male choir singing four popular pieces then Kevan sang two with Cor Ysgol Cynwyd Sant  with another five Welsh pieces: Merched y tir, Bywyd yn y ffosydd, Ifaciwis, Pan fyddai’n hŷn (When I grow up – Matilda and Yfory (Tomorrow – Annie). The two choirs joined together to end the concert by singing the well known Welsh hymn Calon Lan which brought a loud cheer from the audience.

After a presentation to Ysgol Cynwyd Sant by choir chairman John Evans and giving thanks to everyone involved all were invited back to the Masonic hall where the choir provided a buffet and the usual "afterglow ". Maesteg Male Choir have already booked for next year Cor Ysgol Cynwyd Sant who are such an excellent choir and thanks must go to the staff of the school for the hard work they have put in to produce such a sound.

What a wonderful celebration.

TH

Thanks to our concert sponsor Owen E. Jones & Co. Ltd. Diolch i’n noddwr cyngherddau Owen E. Jones & Co. Ltd.