Resignation of the Choir’s Musical Director
The Morriston Orpheus Choir is sad to announce the departure, at the end of this year, of it’s Musical Director, Conal Bembridge-Sayers. Conal took over the Choir in 2021, and his engaging presence, and incredible ear for music, has led to a series of successful introductions of new pieces to the Orpheus. “It’s been a pleasure to have Conal’s energy and professionalism in the last two years, which have been turbulent and difficult for many choirs. His guidance as our eighth conductor in our 88 year history has been invaluable, and we wish him all the best with his PhD studies over the next few years”.
Conal Bembridge-Sayers said: ‘Having successfully led the choir out of Covid-19, I’m very proud of my achievements with the Orpheus. My highlights include our performance in Lincoln Cathedral, an appearance on Songs of Praise's 'New Year’s Day Special', and of course our 2023 annual concert, where I led the choir alongside the Cory Band, Pendyrus Male Choir, and recent Celebrity Masterchef winner, Wynne Evans. I’m sure these memories will live with me for some time. I’d like to give a special thanks to the fantastic music team, Helen Roberts and Ieuan Jones, who are not only the best at what they do in Wales, but have become great friends. Both Kevin Williamson and David Taylor have supported me as chairmen throughout my time with the choir, and I give my thanks to them, as well as a heartfelt thank you to Secretary and Vice Chairman, Mike Skone, without whom the choir simply could not run. I look forward to focusing more of my time on my work teaching at three universities and running performance activities at a successful school in Bristol, as I embark on my journey towards a PhD in music education. Best of luck to the choir and to their next MD!’
On behalf of the Choir, Conal has also run a series of workshops in local primary schools, with funding from the Lottery Fund in association with Ty Cerdd. 18 workshops are being delivered across 4 schools promoting singing in each school, teaching them a little bit about the Orpheus, and learning a Christmas Medley to sing with us in our Christmas concert on the 2nd December. They’ll also sing their own songs at this concert in the Morriston Tabernacle. The workshops will run throughout October and November until the Concert. Tickets for the concert are £15, with under 16s going free with a paying adult, and are on sale now. Click Here
Candidates for the role of Musical Director are invited in the first instance to send a cover letter and CV to Choir General Secretary Mike Skone via email: secretary@morristonorpheus.com
