Feb 27th 2010. Welsh night has become a firm favourite in the musical calendar of Newport over the past few years and last Saturday’s was perhaps the best yet. Not only did the night have a ‘Welsh touch’ it also had the ‘female touch’The choir were conducted by their first lady, Vivian Redfern, the guest Choir were the Morningside Ladies Choir from Telford and the choir member’s ladies provided a feast of welsh tea and cakes during the interval truly an evening with the feminine touch.
Newport Male Voice Choir did not disappoint the capacity audience singing many traditional well known Welsh tunes with true feeling.
The Morningside Ladies Choir under their Conductor Rita Windsor performed a varied programme greatly appreciated by all.
Compere Peter George not only kept the evening going with his Welsh anecdotes but also performed a couple of welsh songs. John Lofty from the Choirs Bass section also sang as did David Tooth.
Michael and Jo Ward accompanied the Male Voice Choir and Cath Parnham accompanied the Ladies Choir.
This was one of the most successful Welsh Nights to date but as the strains of the Welsh Anthem ‘Hen wlad fy nhadau’ (Land of my Fathers) were dying away the Welsh Dragon had a sting in it’s tail as the Welsh landlord from the pub next door attempted to charge Choir members large parking charges.
'A well it would never happen in the Valleys'.
December 20th The final concert of 2009 took place at Christ Church, Little Drayton. The Choir reprised the programme from Dec 18th which was greatly appreciated by the capacity audience.
December 18th The choir gave it's annual Christmas Concert at St Nicholas Church, Newport. a packed church enjoyed a programme of Christmas songs and carols. during the interval choir members served wine and mince pies. Solists for the evening were Judy Foote, David Barnett and David Tooth who also compered. Vivian Redfern conducted and Mike Ward accompanied ably assisted by Jo Ward on percussion. Organists were Mike Hallam and John Thurman.
October 3rd The Cosy Hall, Newport, audience witnessed a new chapter opening in the long history of the Choir. The evenings concert titled 'Last of the Summer Wine' introduced new Musical Director Vivian Redfern and new accompanist Mike Ward. The enthusiastic audience enjoyed the programme with guest soloist Anita Davies and choir soloists John Lofty and David Tooth, who also compered. The audience were served a glass of wine during the interval which added to the atmosphere created by the programme. The final song 'Rythmn of Life' also introduced Jo Ward who played second piano with husband Mike. A great night! that was the reaction by all who attended.
Sept 5th. St Swithens Church Cheswardine was the venue for the John Naylor's final concert as Musical Director. A party was held afterwards in the Village Hall and presentations were made to John with thanks for his 6 year tenure with the Choir.
August 15th 2009 a concert was held on behalf of Hinstock WI. A packed village hall enjoyed a vaired programme of music from the Choir with soloists David Barnett and Ron Burgess and guest soloist Judy Foote
June 30th 2009 The Choir are pleased to announce the appointment of Vivian Redfern as it's new conductor and welcomes Michael Ward as it's new accompanist.
June 6th 2009 The Choir made a return visit to Christchurch, Little Drayton were a capacity audience enjoyed a varied programme from the Choirs repertoire. Rev Jim Norton made a glowing tribute to the Choir and also welcomed choir member Rev Joe Green who was in the audience after a long illness.
February 28th 2009. A Welsh concert was held in the Cosy Hall, Newport. A large audience enjoyed the mainly Welsh programme.Guest soloist Anita Davies sang suberbly. Ladies of the Choir served Welsh tea and cakes during the interval.
December 19th 2008. The Choir held it's 65th annual Christmas Concert at St Nicholas Church, Newport. Once again a capacity audience helped to make the concert a musical success.Choir members served all with mince pies and wine during the interval.
Saturday November 8th 2008 A joint concert with singing group Temponilla was held at St Patricks RC Church Wellington with the proceeds to Drugs Anonymous. The programme content was varied and well received by the audience. Soloists for the Choir were Ron Burgess and David Tooth
Friday October 10th 2008 the choir attended a fish & chip supper at Newport Rugby Club to celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of Harry and Doreen Dibsdall and also Harry's birthday. A full evening of entertainment was enjoyed by all present with performances by the Choir and invited soloists, Virginia Peaceful,Judy Foote,Gwen Davies,David Knowles,Peter George,David Tooth. Vivian Redfern accompanied and David Barnet conducted the Choir.
'What a Wonderful World'
September 26th 2008 the Choirs annual autumn concert was held in the Cosy Hall, Newport and featured a programme of songs from around the world to celebrate Olympic Year.
The programme selection was well received by the large audience.
The next performance in Newport will be the Christmas concert at St. Nicholas Church on Friday Dec 19th
August 2nd 2008 the Choir visited Pen-y-Bont Memorial Hall this is the second time the choir has performed here and the audience were very enthusiastic and appreciative. Thanks to all who attended and organised this great event
21st June 2008 the Choir were guests of St Swithurns Church Cheswardine Shropshire. The Choirs Musical Director is Organist at this church so a special welcome was given. Refreshments were provided for the choir members and a memorable evening was had by all present.
Joint Concert
May 31st 2008 the Choir joined other Shropshire Male Voice Choirs in a massed Male Voice charity concert organised by The Rotary Club of Telford at TCAT College. The concert was conducted by William Haywood (MD for Russell Watson). The concert arrangements were made by Newport Male Voice members Ben Fish and David Tooth.
April 11th/12th 2008 The Choir recorded their latest CD 'From the Heart' at the Cosy Hall, Newport. 24 songs were recorded and after editing and mixing has taken place the CD is expected to be ready for Sale in November.
Rule Britannia.
September 28th 2007 the choir held an evening of English Songs in the Parish Rooms Newport. The packed hall resounded with song including many with enthusiastic audience participation. The choir performed, for the first time, a special arrangement, by John Benson, of 'Rule Britannia' with guest soloist Suzanne Winter singing the Soprano lead.
Charity Concert
7th September 2007 the choir organised a charity concert on behalf of former Choir Chairman Frank Peaceful with proceeds going to Wellington & District Day Care Trust. The successful evening raised approx £1200 for this worthwhile charity. Frank was unable to attend due to ill health and sadly passed away on Tuesday 11th September
Brackley (Northampton) Male Voice Choir
Saturday June 9th 2007 Newport hosted a highly acclaimed joint concert with Brackley. Newport performed for the first time an arrangement by Gordon Weston of My Prayer dedicated to his son Tony who was in the audience with other members of the Weston family.
Boyan Ensemble of Kiev Concert
Friday November 17th 2006 we were very proud to have hosted a concert in St Chad's Shrewsbury by the world famous BOYAN ENSEMBLE from Kiev, Ukraine
Supporters Club
The choir has a flourishing supporters club which has its own social agenda and helps to raise funds for all the choir's activities.
To join the supporters club of the Choir e-mail:- peggottie@btinternet.com
