Welsh Men's Choir prepares for a road trip

On Saturday night, the Vancouver Welsh Men's choir played Shaughnessy United Church, a farewell concert here before they begin a Northern BC Tour that will include Prince Rupert and Quesnel, and five points between. The songsters were in fine fettle. As the rain cleared, the church was bathed in evening sunlight. From the balcony, we soaked up every pristine note.

This concert presented an astonishing variety of spirituals, Welsh hymns and folk songs, along with a signature favourite from Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore. David Buchan accompanied on piano.

This choir's lighthearted approach adds to the pleasure of hearing their music. Though their soloists and their mastery of a capella can bring tears to the eyes, there are touches of humour too.

The array of silly instruments used to accompany a resounding rendition of Jabberwocky made the audience laugh. More laughter followed when Choir Director Jonathan Quick claimed that this nonsense song had been translated into over a hundred languages.

The Welsh Men's choir is a Vancouver institution. From a small start thirty years ago by a few Welsh expatriates, it has grown into one of the largest male choirs in Canada. The men come from more than twenty ethnic backgrounds, and the music comes from everywhere. The northern tour stops are in for a real treat.