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International Opera Stars fly into Glasbury
to raise money for the
Wales Air Ambulance Appeal

Every year the Village Quire and the Cwmbach Quintet organise a Pink Gig charity fundraising concert.  This year was very special – and what a night it was!

The evening opened with a set by the Cwmbach Quintet, playing "Fugue Seven in E Flat Major" by Bach; The Lark in the Clear Air, a traditional Irish tune; finishing with two movements from 'Maid in Lanner', based on West Country tunes.

To finish the first half, The Village Quire, accompanied by the excellent young actor Robin Scott Wilson, produced its "Good Old Way" set of readings from Thomas Hardy, Fred Archer and Laurie Lee, emphasised by the Quire's rendition of appropriate West Gallery and folk tunes.

Whatever happened in the first half was totally eclipsed by the magical second half, given to us all by Julianne Young, Donal Byrne and Mark Nixon.  It started with Panis Angelicus, performed as a duet and moved through other liturgical works to opera favourites.  We were treated to enthralling solos by all three performers and the enactment of a duet from Carmen by Julianne and Donal, as well as Summertime, from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess (Julianne) and Nessun dorma from Puccini's Turandot (Donal).

Indeed, no-one did sleep as the trio finished with songs from popular West End shows.  It was all utterly captivating with the large audience in rapt attention, not about to miss a note.  This was an evening for the local history books, when world-class opera came to Three Cocks and captivated all who saw it, changing many hearts and minds for good.

We raised a staggering £1665.44, all of which will go to the chosen charity.  For this we are extremely grateful to everyone who donationed so generously to the retiring collection, the bar, or bought tickets for the raffle.

This year’s chosen charity is close to all our hearts – Wales Air Ambulance, saving lives on a daily basis.  All the Pink Gig performers waived their fees in aid of this good cause, so all proceeds go directly to it.

•  Did you attend this concert?  Please send us a review

For further information about organising these events, ring Dave Newell or Cheryl Christopher on 01497 847676.  Email quintet@villagequire.org.uk

Why Pink?
Very simply, part of the money raised at the first of these gigs was to go to a charity in Tanzania, the mascot of which was a fluffy pink pig.  Hence it became known as the "Pink Pig Gig" and part of the name stuck!

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Saturday 20 June 2009 @ 7.30 pm
Gwernyfed High School Drama Studio
Three Cocks
Glasbury-on-Wye
LD3 0SG
Julianne Young (Mezzo)
Donal Byrne (Tenor)
Mark Nixon (Piano)
The Village Quire
evoking times gone by, with actor
Robin Scott Wilson
The Cwmbach Quintet
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