Cory feature at Welsh Proms
2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the official opening of St David’s Hall, the National Concert Hall of Wales. Recognised for its acoustic excellence, the Hall has been proud to play host to some of the world’s greatest orchestras and performers. The Welsh Proms, led with the unflagging energy and enthusiasm of Owain Arwel Hughes CBE, continues to play a pivotal role in St David’s Hall’s classical programme. As the centre-piece to this year’s Proms series Cory Band was once again joined by massed voices for the Wednesday night ‘Brass and Voices’ Prom. Choirs included Cwmbach Male Choir, Morlais Male Choir, Cwmdare Voices and Pelenna Valley Male Voice Choir. The concert was led, as always, by the Festival’s founder, Owain Arwel Hughes CBE and presented by the much loved Beverley Humphreys.
“Is there a sound more evocative of the spirit of Wales than the hush of a male voice choir of 200 in the magic of Parry’s Myfanwy or the full-throated hwyl of John Hughes’ Cwm Rhondda?” was the question asked in the Festival programme and the audience was left in no doubt of the answer following an evening of rousing and evocative choruses from around the world and Wales itself. The programme included traditional Welsh fare such as Tydi a Rhoddaist, Llanfair, Myfanwy, Arwelfa and Cwm Rhondda, with the audience also being treated to a plethora of international classics including works from Elgar, Respighi, Wagner, Verdi and Vaughan Williams. Audience members were clearly delighted as they left St David’s Hall with one commenting, “I really enjoyed this evening. There’s nothing like combining Welsh Male Voices with a brass band. It was over too soon. Some phenomenal music making. Thank you!”
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