A packed audience on St David’s Day saw a sensational concert performed at Folly Farm by the Male Voice Choirs of Haverfordwest, Pembroke, Tenby and Whitland.
Over 130 choristers, ranging in age from 18 to 98, were admirably conducted by their Musical Directors: Sarah Sharpe (Haverfordwest), Hefina Jones (Whitland), Juliet Rossiter (Pembroke) and Paul Rapi (Tenby) In addition, each M D was supported by their usual accompanists: Peter Griffiths, Owain Lewis, Carol Rees and Gill Williams.
Jess and Abi of the Sireni music quartet, treated the audience to a classic performance culminating in them asking the choirs to join forces with them in singing Calon Lan.
The concert was the brainchild of the compere, Mr Phil Thompson MBE, for the benefit of the choirs and their respective charities. In thanking Phil, on behalf of the choirs, Juliet Rossiter mentioned how Phil had approached her some time ago to see if the choirs would be interested. The rest, as they say, is history! The superb concert was the result was reflected in the comments of appreciation from the retiring audience and messages of thanks the following day, summed up by this message:
“Fantastic evening. Congratulations to one and all who made this happen. St David would have been very proud!”
Tickets for the concert sold out more than a month beforehand. Phil Thompson said: “It was one of the fastest selling out concerts that has been staged at Folly Farm.” As well as boosting the funds of the choirs involved, the event, which raised over £7,750 through ticket sales, raffle, bucket collection and cushion hire, benefitted the Paul Sartori Foundation by £1,758.
Mr Thompson thanked all those involved, including EPS Events Ltd, who made sure that the sound was perfect on the night.
Chris Ebsworth, Managing Director of Folly Farm at Begelly, said that the Pembrokeshire attraction was pleased to be able to provide the theatre for such worthwhile causes. It was a real spectacle to see so many on the stage at one time performing to a capacity audience, he added.