HISTORY OF THE CHOIR
The Corran
Singers were formed in 1994 by members of the disbanded St Clears Deanery
Choir. They were people who loved choral singing - if there were people
around who liked to listen, so much the better. The choir met in the local
church every Thursday and held concerts and regular events raising funds for
various charities.
In January
2003, the Musical Director Mrs E Jameson resigned, and the accompanist Mrs
Heather Jenkins took the choir in hand for a period of six months alone.
During this time the choir became confident in singing with music to
accompany them and their confidence grew very quickly. In September 2003
the choir took on a new accompanist, Mrs Ann Harry, who, together, with the
musical director and the choir, all work really well together and a great
time is had by all. The choir is fortunate to have a very efficient
librarian who organizes all the music and ensures the smooth running of all
events.
In October
2004 the choir celebrated their tenth anniversary holding a Grand Concert at
the New Millennium Hall, which was supported by many local artistes.
In October
2005, the choir went on their first choir tour to Pipriac, in Brittany,
which was very successful. Singing in Pampont Abbey and Pipriac Church the
choir received standing ovations in both venues. Soloists who travelled to
Brittany to support the choir were Bass Baritone, Ian Evans, Soprano, Jodie
Warlow, and Tenor Clive Edwards, who all regularly help the choir out when
holding fundraising ventures.
Over the
years the choir has gained and lost members. Membership currently stands at
48 - 12 men and 36 ladies. More men are always welcome! New members also
welcome. In the 14 years of the choir's existence this philosophy has
remained unchanged - they sing for the joy of singing, they give their
services free of charge and have raised thousands of pounds for charitable
causes along the way.
Singing to
a wide range of audiences throughout South West Wales the choir has built up
a very varied repertoire. Aiming to appeal to all ages their music ranges
from the “Faure - Cantique De Jean Racine”, “The Trumpet shall Sound”, a
choral anthem, to songs from West End musicals and more traditional Welsh
items, “Y Tangnefeddwyr”, “Gwcw Fach” to the Teddy Bears' Picnic and the
African National Anthem.
Although
the choir is based in Laugharne, home of Dylan Thomas, members come from
many of the neighbouring communities as well as the township itself. Choir
members come from many walks of life and travel from a very wide area of
West Wales to rehearse every Thursday evening.
Led for the
last six years by Musical Director Heather Jenkins and accompanied by Ann
Harry the choir has been on a roller coaster of success.
Having
produced their own CD in 2007, entitled "Every Morning When I Wake" this
proved so popular that the choir released their second CD in Nov 2008
“Every Evening at Sundown” , which is now available for sale from all choir
members.
In October
2008 the choir made their second tour of France singing in Honfleur and Caen
in Normandy. They started their trip by visiting Paris for two days and then
returned to Caen where they stayed for four nights, having two concerts
during that time.
Leading up
to the tour the choir has a busy time planned with two concerts for American
visitors to the township of Laugharne, a concert on the 6th June,
at the Millennium Hall, where they have invited the Vivace Singers from
Cardiff, a professional group of young ladies, to be their main guest
artistes at a Grand Concert. The school choir from Dyffryn Taf School
performed at the concert, together with items from soloists.
The choir
held a concert during the month of August and also lead the Community
Singing at the local chapel in aid of Chapel funds in September.
During 2008
the choir handed over Ł1000 to Air Ambulance Wales and has also helped other
organisations raise funds by singing at various venues. On March 2nd
the choir performed on the Tesco sponsored stage at the Cardiff Millennium
Centre, Cardiff Bay. A wonderful day out was enjoyed by all which builds the
team spirit of the choir during such events.
This year
2009, the choir have already sung at the Giltar Hotel on two occasions in
Tenby, at the opening of the new hall in Red Roses, Laugharne Church and
Merthyr Church all helping to raise funds for different causes.
For bookings please ring: Mrs Heather Jenkins
Musical Director 01994 427908.
