St Donats Choral's singing come-back at CF61

Like many clubs and organisations, Covid hit St Donats Choral hard. Not being able to meet in person, the unpopularity of singing online, and losing a musical director all took their toll on membership.

At one stage it looked as though the choir would have to disband completely, a sad proposition for this community choir which has offered the joy of singing to its members and to enthusiastic local audiences ever since the choir was founded by Carl Grainger in 2009.

Then late last year, they had a change in fortune when Conal Bembridge-Sayers - teacher at the Royal Welsh College of Drama and Music in Cardiff, and is also the musical director for the high-profile Morriston Orpheus Male Voice Choir near Swansea - agreed to become their new conductor. Conal helped them navigate the Covid legislation, and when finally able to meet in person again, they were kindly found a temporary place to practice at St Illtyd’s Church.

More difficult times were to come though, as the cold weather and new waves of Covid saw numbers drop further. Having to socially distance and sing through masks certainly didn’t help morale and plans for a Christmas Concert had to be put off.

But bolstered by the enthusiasm of their conductor and accompanist, the choir were determination to keep going and in March they found their new permanent home here with us at CF61. At our warm and accessible venue, and helped by the easing of Covid restrictions, members have come back to the choir. They meet here every Monday evening between 7:30 and 9:30pm for musical companionship, and a coffee and chat halfway through practice

And now, from their new home her at CF61 they are finally able to offer that concert, not just for the family and friends who have supported them through two long and difficult years, but also for other music-lovers and friends in the making.

Called  ‘A Summer Celebration’, the concert is here on Sunday 3rd July, 2pm , and will feature an informal collection of favourites, including Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, and some popular pieces from our repertoire. Tea, coffee and home-made cakes will follow the concert and are included in the ticket price. .

Tickets are available from choir members, Nickleby's Book Store (Llantwit Major), Ticket Source, the St Donats Chorale website and also 07429 598820.  Price £10 (under 16/full-time education £5).

St Donats Chorale meets at CF61, Mondays, 7.30 pm. New members always welcome – no audition required.  https://stdonats.org/ tel. 07947 395719