Orchestra and Choir provide heavenly festive treat for Kidwelly at St Mary’s Church

Kidwelly was treated to the double delight of both an orchestra and a choir in St Mary’s Church Kidwelly on the evening of Friday (Dec 1.)

The theme was festive, with music from around the world. Some pieces were quite complicated . There was also  an unaccompanied solo from Imogen Evans who conducted both the choir and the orchestra. Imogen’s  voice was clear and pure. The decorations and superb acoustics in the church made for a beautiful setting.

The event was well attended and very much enjoyed by the audience who joined in singing two Christmas carols with gusto. There was also tea and biscuits after the concert and an opportunity to chat with the musicians and singers.

The Rusty Players Carmarthen are part of the People’s Orchestra, funded by the Arts Council. The intention is to  encourage performances by those musicians who may not have practised their skills and have not played for a long time.

There is also the aim to encourage younger musicians to perform the youngest age accepted being 9-years-old.  Imogen, who has a degree in music from Kings College London, and plays the harp and violin, started as conductor for the orchestra two years ago. She has been conductor for the choir of some 23 people, which grew from an initial 8 regulars for four years.  The commitment and enthusiasm of the members was very apparent, especially from one, a self-taught clarinet player insisting on attending despite being still in recovery from appendicitis.

The concert was the second time the Myrddin Chorale have performed in St Mary’s Kidwelly.  Performances on both occasions have been to raise funds  for the Nurture Centre in Carmarthen, and latterly St Mary’s Church itself.

Along with The Rusty Players Carmarthen they have also performed at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Aberglasney, and St Mary’s Church in Swansea.  There are plans afoot to perform in Cardiff sometime soon.  There are three concerts a year (spring, summer & winter), and rehearsals are weekly in Carmarthen on different days.