Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
A brief recap of 2011...
The last year has been both rewarding and exciting and I hope your year has been similar.
During 2011 I completed my second year at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and my third year has begun.
Whilst being home in Cornwall I was fortunate enough to be invited back to be guest artist for many excellent choirs including Mounts Bay Singers, Newlyn Male Choir, St Buryan Male Choir, Laudate and Four Lanes Male Voice Choir. I was also delighted to be invited to take part in Penzance Proms during October alongside Neil Shepherds local choirs.
During August, I hosted a Lunchtime Concert in St Mary’s Church, Penzance to raise money for the church bells. I never fail to be surprised by how many people come to support me on such occasions. I was accompanied by Alastair Taylor a talented musician in his own right and a loyal friend.
Whilst in Wales I was honoured to be Guest Artist for the Annual Concerts for both Rhymney Silurian and Blaenavon Male Voice Choirs. Other choirs I have performed with include Port Talbot Cymric, Beaufort and Maesteg Male Choirs.
During May , I took part in three significant events. Firstly, I performed the soprano role in Vivaldi’s Gloria at Cathays, Cardiff. Secondly forming my partnership with Colin Bryce (Tenor) by performing duets in numerous concerts including our debut concert with Port Talbot Cymric Male Choir. Thirdly was being asked to host an evening concert for Dinas Powys Music Festival.
Early last year, my class performed Brian Irvins “Dirty Beasts” to schools in and around the Cardiff area. Our autumn project was “Raining in my Heart” and toured around Cardiff. This was a selection of musicals and was an incredibly fun experience.
After being asked at many concerts, during September I recorded my first CD “Songs My Mother Taught Me”. I was fortunate enough to be accompanied by Alastair Taylor. I chose my favourite pieces including spiritual, classical, light opera and musical theatre repertoire. My CD has now been released, played on Radio Cornwall and can be purchased from my website.
Christmas is always a busy time of year and on returning to Cornwall I performed at both Cornwall Symphony Chorus and Mousehole Male Voice Choirs Christmas Concerts.
On the 10th December in St Mary’s Church Penzance I organised a concert in aid of the Phoenix Stroke Appeal and raised over £525. The concert included many local male voice choirs, Jack Callow (Piano) and Alastair Taylor (Piano/Organ).
My last concert of the year was performing the soprano role in Handel’s Messiah. This was after the soprano had become ill, therefore I had just under 3 weeks to learn the famous recitatives and arias. I believe the night was a huge success and a night to be remembered.
So, a busy year and now looking forward to 2012.
Laura
xx