Guilsfield Singers' concert 'uplifting and joyful'
The Guilsfield Singers performed to a full house at Guilsfield Community Centre on July 19, delivering a diverse and moving programme under the direction of James Llewelyn Jones and Sarah Garrett.
The concert, titled Broadway & Beyond, featured powerful renditions of African Prayer and World in Union, alongside gentler pieces such as Tears in Heaven and For the Beauty of the Earth.
Associate musical director James Llewelyn Jones said: "I can't tell you how proud I am of what we have achieved together in just 10 weeks.
"The choir's enthusiasm and willingness to be open-minded enough to try so many different tools and techniques to literally transform their singing has been incredible to witness.
"It's truly remarkable."
Guest soloist Grace Farrell was praised for her performances of songs from Les Misérables, My Fair Lady, Carousel, Jesus Christ Superstar and Show Boat.
A highlight of the evening was an extended Rodgers & Hammerstein medley, bookended by Ms Farrell's performances of The Sound of Music and You'll Never Walk Alone.
Audience members described the concert as "a great evening", "very professional", and "wonderful singing", with many saying they were already "looking forward to the next one."
Teresa Jones, chairman of the choir, said: "Talking to audience members afterwards was a complete joy.
"They loved every minute of the concert and could not believe the beauty of our singing."
The following day, the choir performed at the Mayor's Service at St Mary's Church, supporting tenors Mayor Phil Owen and Deputy Mayor Bill Rowell.
The choir's next event is an A to Z Choral Day, open to all, on Saturday, September 13 at Guilsfield Community Centre.
The event will run from 10.30am to 4pm and will feature choral works from Ave Verum Corpus to Zadok the Priest.
Entry is £10, with free admission for students.
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