BMC Choristers Update

Following in the footsteps of many Welsh choirs, Bridgend Male Choir were the 2008 guests traveling to the Netherlands to honour the veterans who participated in the relief of s’Hertogenbosch in October 1944.

The Dutch “October 1944 Foundation” has never forgotten the principle role of the 53^rd Welsh in liberating its town after a long period of starvation and hostility and has traditionally invited a Welsh choir to participate in the celebrations and to honour the bravery of its serving men, many of those very proud persons present throughout.

The Choir’s first engagement was at a packed Welsh Cenotaph in the City outskirts where it sang Gwahoddiad before singing Mike Sammes’ arrangement of the famous Lawrence Binyon poem, For the Fallen, accompanied on piano by Laura Smith and on Soprano Cornet by Meirion Davies. The accomplished local mixed Choir, Gemend Koor s’Hertogenbosch also sang several items. On behalf of the Choir, President, Trevor Veasey, laid one of many wreaths at the most moving of services attended by many of today’s forces, local dignitaries, representatives of the British High Commission, residents and schoolchildren, many of whom were in tears.

The evening’s Concert at the large Hervormde Kerk again featured both Choirs, with a total stage presence of 180 choristers. John Jenkins led the Welsh visitors through a most appropriate repertoire, soundly supported by the Choir’s young and gifted accompanist, Laura Smith and the dulcet tones from the instrument of Meirion Davies, the latter making his first of what is likely to be many appearances with the Choir. Soloists, Leon Evans and Paul Carter were very well received and together with the whole party a credit to Bridgend and Wales. The Choirs jointly sang Bastiaans’ World War II Requiem receiving praise from the Musical Director and Committee of the Dutch Millennium Choir who had traveled from Utrecht and were present in the audience. Much applause was received throughout the Concert for both Choirs, but in truth its volume was nothing in comparison to that given to the Veterans who had again made the long journey from many parts of the UK.

The following morning saw the Choir effortlessly sing at the magnificent St Jan’s Cathedral enjoying an acoustic which reverberated around its cloisters, to the delight of the many people present. Visits to Arnhem’s Oosterbeek Cemetery and to the bridges at Nijmegen ended the singing part of the tour. Long term Chairman of Llantwit Major’s Royal British Legion, John Ll Thomas laid the Choir wreath at Arnhem in yet another emotionally charged visit. A day of relaxation in Amsterdam brought another excellent tour to an end and time for participants to reflect on the lessons and tremendous pride felt in the previous few days.

Our City of 's-Hertogenbosch was liberated by the 53^rd Welsh Division on the 27^th October 1944.

Each year we celebrate the liberation of our city and this year we were delighted to welcome Bridgend Male Choir into our city to participate in the celebrations.

Our Choir and the Bridgend Male Choir took part in the emotional service at the Welsh Monument. Each choir sang their individual items and we all sang the National anthems. The many people who were at this ceremony were deeply moved by the service and the wreath laying.

Both Choir's fully participated in the Liberation Concert and there were very moving experiences there especially when the remaining Liberators of our City stood up.

The concert was a tremendous success and the quality of the Bridgend Male Choir was recognised by all.

The Choir also made a visit to Oosterbeek Cemetery and sang as a mark of respect to those sadly lost during the war. The Choir also had an enjoyable visit to Amsterdam.

It was very sad for us when the Choir left our City because they had played such a vital role in our Liberation Celebrations. They were great ambassadors for the town of Bridgend and for the great country of Wales. We have many happy memories of their and we have now made more  new friends from Wales. We look forward to visiting Wales in the future and also welcoming Bridgend Male Choir back to our City whenever they want to come.

Sincerely yours,

Inno van Riemsdijk,

Chairman of the Gemengd Koor ‘s-Hertogenbosch