ABERTILLERY ORPHEUS MALE CHOIR

Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir hit their "Peak"

23rd October 2010

The AOMC once again demonstrated it's youthfulness and versatility by hopping over the border to participate in some well deserved relaxation and concerts for a variety of good causes. Lead by their youthful chairman Fred Prosser, organised and orchestrated by their MD Stephen Bard and accompanied by pianist Penny Hughes, thirty-six choristers with wives and supporters took the Peak District by storm.

Day one consisted of a 9-hour drive with fully inclusive en-route carvery finishing up at the Best Western Hotel in Stockport. From Base camp Stockport, the choir's first concert was at St. Barnabus Parish Church at Bradwell (nr Chesterfield). The concert was put on in support of raising funds for a new church roof and the event was extremely well supported by local audience members. The choir sang to a capacity crowd and at least they've bought 100 more tiles!

Day two consisted of a trip around the Peak District followed by an afternoon concert at St John the Baptist Church at Dronfield. The concert was organised on behalf of the Rotary Club of Drone Valley and once again, the choir did not disappoint in its professional delivery of song. The afternoon was adorned with some senior members of the Rotary Clubs including Mr Richard Tillings of Abertillery, Partricia Quinn of Drone Valley and our very own Fred Prosser of Ebbw Vale. All the monies raised at this event will go to worthy caused both home and abroad.

Day 3 and the penultimate day of the tour. What better than not only to visit but actually perform at Chatsworth Country House (nr Bakewall), Derbyshire! Over 450 visitors made their way to the house, most of who listened to the choir sing a number of old favourite songs. Whilst at Chatsworth House, one the younger members of the choir parked his zimmer and took receipt of his 25 year celebratory award. Known to the choir as Lyndon Smith (with 2 'f's), he received his award from Abertillery Town Mayor William (Bill) Bard and Chatsworth House events manager Miss Kelly Measures. What a fitting end to a terrific concert!

Throughout the tour, the choir were once again pleased and delighted to be supported by one of Abertillery's homegrown talents. Soloist Miss Elizabeth Tiley put on a superb arrangement of songs and arias at each concert and the choir thank her very much for her participation and support. The choir would also like to thank Mainline Coaches for transporting them back, forth and around the venues whilst in the Peak District.

THE CHOIR NEEDS YOU!

The choir have a real need for choristers, particularly in the tenor sections at this time. If you would like to learn more about the choir or you wish to join this fine band of male choristers, please visit our website at http://www.abertilleryorpheus.co.uk/ for more details. No bookings, no auditions, no embarrassing moments, just simply turn up, sit amongst the sections, find your pitch and that's it! Practice is Tuesday and Friday each week 7-9pm at Bryngwyn School, Abertillery.