Confession time. I’m not writing this from Casablanca I`m sitting in the Bear Hotel in Cowbridge waiting for rehearsal for tonight’s show. Column deadline is no later than Monday morning, but I’ll either be in an airport (waiting) or in the air. Next week I will be writing from Casablanca.
I’m so excited about tonight. We have a complete sell out with over 50 people waiting for returns. I’m performing with the Rock Choir for the very first time. It’s the original amateur contemporary choir in the UK. Following the ITV documentary ‘The Choir that Rocks”, the public contacted Rock Choir with requests for it to come to their own hometown. Now with more than 16,000 members nationwide it’s available in over 300 locations.
Tonight I`m joining forces with Cowbridge, Pontyclun & Bridgend to form a choir of over 120. it sounds amazing. Its no wonder we’ve sold out. Also performing with me, is the really beautiful soprano and Carmarthen girl Ellen Williams, daughter to former Royal harpist Caryl Thomas.
Ok questions! Hazel Thorogood – “from all the venues in which you have sung, which is your favourite and why? Also which is your least favourite venue?
Great question Hazel. Two concert venues that instantly jump out as being just perfect. St David`s Hall, Cardiff and Symphony Hall in Birmingham – from the warmth of the auditorium to the perfect acoustics. You can whisper in these venues and still be heard at the back so you don’t need to push your voice which is so important for a singer.
Venues covered in drapes and carpets are very difficult as they absorb the sound and make you push your voice which is terrible. It`s as if you’re singing into a paper bag which is ghastly and you always feel that you are losing your voice.
The other venue I really love and I jump at each time that I`m lucky enough to be asked to perform there is the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. it’s amazing. The traditional theatre horse shoe design to the iconic Welshness of the materials used, make this building totally magical. Other theatres that pull at my heart strings are of course the Lyric in Carmarthen and I’m looking forward to my return to the Fwrness in Llanelli with my band on May 17th next year.
Lillian Williams “As you travel a lot on flights etc how do you take care of your voice”
Have to say, it’s not easy at times. The main thing is to keep hydrated as with air conditioning on airplanes you and your voice dry out quickly. So it’s no alcohol and as much water as possible without hogging the loos too much. Also sleep when you can, saying that I’m only going to manage a few hours tonight.
Right rehearsal keep in touch and send your questions through.
This article was originally published in the Carmarthen Journal in Mark’s weekly column for the paper.
