Cape Welsh Choir - Gift Of Song [CD]

The male voice choir was established in CapeTown in 1982 under the directorship of the late Rosa Salmon and with the support of the Cape Cambrian Society. From a modest initial membership comprising mainly Cambrian members, it soon expanded to some four dozen men from a variety of backgrounds having a common love of the genre of Welsh choral music. Indeed, the prime objective of the choir is to foster the art of choral singing in the Welsh tradition in an enjoyable way, and to assist worthy causes by means of public performances while doing so. Some twenty years on, the choir has a proud record of over 500 performances and 10 television appearances to it's credit and has raised an estimated two million Rand for various charities. Performance venues have ranged from imposing concert halls to homes for the aged and modest rural schools, and the occasions have varied from straightforward concerts to State functions and musical stage productions. We have sung songs embracing a great many styles and origins and in nine different languages, both on our own and in the company of other choirs, accompanied by instruments ranging from antique upright pianos to some of the best orchestras in the country. We have had the privilege of working with some of the most illustrious artistes of the day in South Africa as well as visitors from overseas, including the inimitable comedian and balladeer Max Boyce. The choir was awarded a gold medal for it's standard of performance at the Roodepoort International Eisteddfod in 1991. The choir is affiliated to the Western Cape Association of Male Voice Choirs and is a member of the Welsh Association of Male Voice Choirs. Time has seen choir members and officials come and go, but all of us who have been and are currently associated with the choir have felt ourselves singularly fortunate in being able to participate in thes particular form of music endeavour. We are especially pleased at now being able to share our gift and love of song with you in the form of this CD.