Local close harmony choir Synergy, based at Abergavenny Rugby Club, have recently returned after competing in Cornwall. 60 choirs of all ages and nationalities converged for the Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival (CIMVCF) – the largest event of its kind in Europe, with approximately 3000 choristers entertaining in 50 concerts and celebrations across the county,from the 2nd to the 6th of May.
Synergy, with 31 singers on stage, competed in the small choir (40 voices and under) category at the Hall for Cornwall in Truro against 15 other choirs. These included the Sydney MVC from Australia and choirs from Holland, Germany, Finland, as well as choirs from England, Wales and local Cornish choirs.
Under the directorship of Synergy’s three Musical Directors, Andrew Walker, Martin Flory and David Mitchell, Synergy sang four songs displaying the choir’s versatility. The first was the traditional male voice choir piece ‘The Rhythm of Life’ with accompanist Susan Shore. This was followed by three a cappella pieces: Synergy’s own arrangement of the classic ‘Myfanwy’, popular Queen song ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ and the anthemic ‘You Raise Me Up’, made famous by the likes of Josh Groban and Westlife.
The adjudication panel, under the Chairmanship of Gwyn Arch MBE, awarded Synergy second place and the cup for the top UK Choir in the competition. The winners were Euga Male Voice Choir from Finland, containing 20 exceptionally talented music students with an average age of only 23.
Synergy is comprised of male singers from all across Monmouthshire as well as neighbouring counties of Powys, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Glamorgan. The choir was bolstered by eleven recruits as a result of a recent free singing course funded by a grant from Abergavenny Town Council. The new recruits, making up over a third of the number on stage, have displayed great dedication and determination to learn the repertoire to help the choir to success at such a prestigious event. In the space of six months they have turned from inquisitive singers to part of a champion choir, proving what can happen with dedication and great tuition from the talented M.D.’s.
Rehearsal nights are on Thursdays at 7.30pm at Abergavenny Rugby Club. The choir are always interested to recruit further male singers of any age and particularly, at present, within the bass section. Any interested parties are welcome to visit the choir on rehearsal nights where they will be made most welcome.
Synergy offer a varied repertoire with light humour, are available for hire for private or corporate occasions by contacting sing-out secretary Mike Howley Tel. 01989 720450.
On the Saturday of the Abergavenny Food Festival, 21st September, Synergy host an exciting joint concert with The Beaufort Male Voice Choir at St. Mary’s Church, Abergavenny. The choirs will be joined by a musical interlude from ‘Spare Parts’ a talented group of musicians from within Synergy’s numbers.
Tickets are on sale now! www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com/fringe_music.htm
For further details of the choir you can find us on Facebook as ‘Synergy Choir’ or view our website: www.synergysingers.com
