St David's Praise 2000
	St David's Praise 2000 has come and gone! The packed house formed a responsive audience who greeted Musical Directors Kelvin Thomas and Jeffrey Howard as old friends. The warmth and fellowship of the occasion, the variety of music, and the young musicians featured as extra-special guests, made this a night to remember. This year's theme was "Gloria". The choir and orchestra began with the opening of Vivaldi's and ended with extracts from Puccini's. Between these came powerful rousing hymns like 'O for a Thousand Tongues' arranged in what has now become the 'classic' Jeffrey Howard style - quiet and reflective worship songs arranged by Anne Brown, bringing the choir to a haunting pianissimo - and some light orchestral moments including 'The Big Country'. Cambrensis sang a few brand new items from Kelvin and Anne's new musical 'A Shout of Joy'. Anne who had unfortunately been seriously ill for the past few weeks had returned home from hospital and was able to be in the audience for part of the evening - which was a delight to all who had been praying for her recovery. The first half closed with a 'Cross- Section', starting with Morte Criste (When I survey) and ending with Eirlys Gravelle's clever arrangement of 'Man of Sorrows' - truly 'What a Saviour'! Part two began with the Radestky March which led the way into a number of lighter items. A lovely moment came towards the end when Kelvin (who has to be pressed to sing in St David's Praise!) joined Jeff on stage to lead 2 classic gospel numbers, 'O Happy Day' and 'Andrae Crouch's To God be the Glory', to everyone's delight.
	The guest soloists were enjoyed more than ever - four exceptionally talented local young musicians whose gifts are truly being used to God' glory. First on stage was 16 year old violinist Anna Cresswell who has had close links with Cambrensis since a child. She played Massanet's Meditation from Thais - with a grace and style which had the audience mesmerised.
	The emphasis with our soloists was on reflection as twelve year old Huw Morgan gave a performance of Debussy's Clare de Lune well beyond his years. Jeffrey had arranged the famous 'Czardas' for Anna, Huw and Sarah, plus orchestra. All three soloists were given sparkling passages and once again these three youngsters - all of whom were modest, whilst conducting themselves with panache - had captured everyone's hearts.
	In Part 2, fourteen year old Sarah Cresswell continued in this vein with Evelyn Glennie's 'A Little Prayer' for marimba. Sarah made the marimba sound like a choir humming a chorale. By contrast she then played a showpiece 'Etude in A Flat' and the audience loved it!
	Late in the programme as a contrast eighteen year old Matthew Brind took stage. Matthew is a multi-talented musician, and recently wrote a musical 'The Messiah' which was performed by members of his church, Llandaff North Gospel Hall, and other churches last Autumn to great acclaim. He accompanied Tabitha Watling in 'There's Baby Jesus' and Cambrensis joined Matthew in the rousing 'Blessed Be'. So something for everyone, music of all styles - with one aim - to give Glory to God! Don't forget to book early for St David's Christmas Praise - Friday December 8th. Tickets on sale from October 18th. Next year's main St David's Praise is on Saturday May 19th.

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