The Rhondda Leader

Choral Performances at I Noddfa, Treorchy. In the pages of the future historian of musical progress in the Rhondda Valley, the achievements of the Noddfa (Treorchy) Choral Society will loom large. This is its seventh season, and as each Yuletide I arrives to give the crown of perform- ance to a year's arduous preparation, it is gratifying; to note that the Society thoroughly lives up to its motto" Pro- gress." Eisteddfodic achievements are admirable in their way, and enterprising undertakings by a "scratch" party beyond the herring pond (duly boomed by a fulsome press) less so, but for real musical zeal and devotion to Art for Mr. W. P. THOMAS, D.O. I Art's sake," commend us to-the pioneers of the Noddfa. Choral Society. Originally founded by Mr. Win. Thomas, conductor of the deservedly renowned Royal Male Choir Mr. W. P. Thomas, District Coun- cillor and Mr. John Samuel, it has flourished apace, and now occupies a I unique position amongst South Wales choirs, seeking not financial benefits, but the provision of high-class treats for the people. Mr. Win. Thomas has latterly felt unequal to the strain of continued choral training, but his mantle has worthily fallen upon the shoulders of Mr. J. T. Jones, L.R.A.M., a young man of Mi-, J. T. JONES, L.R.A.M. -0 I ability (and a product of Treorchy), and <>iganist at Noddfa Chapel. Mr. Jones is aeioted to musical study, and literally throws tremendous energy into his work as conductor. He has made great pro- gies.s' duimg tj.ie last two years, which, if maintained, will bring him to the front rank of Welsh musical conductors. The programme for the present occasion was an ambitious one, the works performed being Light of Life" (Sir Edward Mr. E. T. MICHAEL. I Mr. E. T. MIOHAEL. E,Igai-7 on Christmas evening, The Redemption" (Gounod) on Thursday afternoon, and The Hymn of Praise" (Mendelssohn) and Dies Ira?(Cheru- bini) on Thursday evening. In addition, there were miscellaneous parts added to the programme on Christmas and Boxing Day evenings, comprising rsolos and quar- tets by the artistes. The following eminent singers were the principals: Madame Bertha Rossow (soprano), Miss Maria Yelland '(contralto), Mr. Albert Pike (tenor), and Mr. Robert Burnett (baritone). Mr. Alfred Heather was the only original choice as tenor, and he was duly "billed" to appear, but indisposi- tion prevented him fulfilling the engage- ment, and he sent Mr. Pike as his deputy. A select and full orchestra was engaged, under the leadership of Mr. Gomer Jones, R.C.M. Ml. Tom Davies and Mr. J. T. Jones presided at the grand organ. There was a, large attendance at the first per- formance on Christmas night, the pro- gramme opening with an orchestral suite, March to Calvary (Gounod). Madame Bertha Rossow followed with a song, "The Soul's Awakening" (Haddock), and had a rousing reception. Mr. Robert Burnett's song, Thou'rt passing hence (Sullivan), was magnificently given, the climax in the final lines being treated with admirable dramatic conception and power. Mr. Tom Jones' violin .solo'from Beethoven was an enjoyable item, and fully justified his reputation. The audience were not slow to recognise the genius which trans- formed a collier-lad into an expert in English orchestral circles. The rendering of The Lost Chord by Miss Maria Yelland evoked the most rapturous applause of the evening. Her fine pre- sence and admirable posing, her voice of singular beauty and power, organ-like and I perfect-toned, fairly enthralled the audi- ence. The oft-heard and almost hackneyed air opened new vistas of fresh and delight- ful thoughts under her treatment, and I susrgesteu beautiful spiritual truths never dreamt of before. The encore which inevitably followed was a glowing tribute to the artiste, but perhaps a, memory of the first magnetic rendering alone would have been preferable. Mr. Albert Pike followed with a correct and pleasing per- formance of "Lend me your aid," and the miscellaneous part closed with the SInging of* a quartet by the four artist", God is a Spirit. The remainder of the evening was occupied with the perform- ance of .Light of Life." Much interest was displayed as to how the choir would acquit itself. The males opened in rather uncertain fashion, the intonation being rather cloudy, in the chorus, Seek Him," but later, in the chorus, "Light out of Darkness," the choir came into its own, the fortissimo passages being given with thrilling power. Afterwards the work proceeded without a hitch, the tenor, upon whom devolved the greater share of solo work, doing his part in meritorious fashion. The rendering of the final chorus, Light of the World," was a fit- ting conclusion to a splendid evening's work. On Boxing Day afternoon there was a large and select. audience to hear Gounod's Redemption." Local conductors of music were present in force, and there were several musicians of note, who had travelled from Cardiff, Swansea, and other districts. The Redemption is a diffi- cult work, and contains much noble har- mony, breathing a devotional spirit pecu- liarly its own. The orchestration is on broad lines and of considerable scope, and it received full justice at the hands of Mr. Gomer Jones and his players. The artistes ju their work most creditably, although it was apparent in one or two instances that the tenor was handicapped by the shortness of the notice he had received for preparation. Madame Roesow performed the solo, Ye Mountains," in a thrilling manner, and Mr. Burnett's dramatic intensity was a feature of the performance. The choir was irresistible in its magnificent renderings of the choruses, Unfold and The Hymn of the Apostles," and fully deserved the tumultuous applause of the audience. Mr. Jones' complete mastery of the score and command of baton was a notable factor in their success. The high-water-mark of the concerts Mr. JOHN SAMUEL. was reached on Thursday evening. The sacred edifice was packed in all parts many being turned away at the tioors^ failing to secure entrance. Possibly such a full house" inspired the choir and artistes, for the singing throughout was of a quality never before equalled in the Rhonddas. A miscellaneous part was again submitted, perhaps the most in- teresting feature being the performance of a Concert Overture in A by the orches- tra, composed by Mr. Hugh Hughes, Tïe- herbert. Mr. Hughes himself conducted, and had a very flattering reception from the audience. Miss Maria Yelland sang Christmas Bells (Liddle), and Mr. Robert Burnett 0 Divine Redeemer" (Gounod). Mr. Burnett appeared to great advantage in this song, infusing a depth of dramatic feeling into the ren- dering which made it an artistic triumph. Madame Rossow sang a difficult solo, From Mighty Kings," in excellent style. The choir contributed the chorus, Dies Irse (Cherubini), and did full justice to a, difficult theme. Each voice-part had been thoroughly mastered, the sopranos, if anything, excelling in purity of tone and power of attack. The soft passages were given with admirable restraint, and each idea was worked to its climax in thrilling fashion. The conductor deserves every praise for the splendid control he exhibited over the parts, and they re- sponded to his baton in a manner which made the rendering grandly effective. The "Hymn of Praise" was the fitting climax to the series of concerts. Prin- cipals and choir were in their best form, and the magnificent renditions of The night is departing" and "Ye Nations," in particular, will not soon fade from the memory. The ease and accented pre- cision of the rendering of All ye that cried unto the Lord also reflected care- ful training. We congratulate the Noddfa Choral Society Committee upon such a success- ful issue to their year's work and deliberations. With Mr. W. P. Thomas and his trusty henchman, Mr. E. T. Michael, at the secretarial helm, success is always more than half assured. Long may the Noddfa Choral Society flourish and Treorchy be the Mecca of all South Wales music-lovers during joyous Christ- mastide.

A Debating Society is held at Ebenezer (W.C.) Chapel, Tylorstown, every Friday evening. The meetings are well attended by a large number of young people, who take part in the debates. Very enthu- siastic meetings take place.

Sport in the Valleys. Association Football. CWMPARC 4gls., BUILTH WELLS 4. This match at Cwmparc on Christmas Day attracted a big crowd. The ground was in surprisingly good condition after the heavy rain. The homesters started well, W. J. Edwards and Evan Jones scoring in the first ten minutes. Builth subsequently proved the speedier lot and found the net thrice before half-time After lemons, Builth again attacked, and scored through Eabrey. Cwmparo now played up desperately, and clever forward work enabled E. Jones and Stone to keep the ground record intact. CWMPARC 4gls., MARDY 0. This game on Boxing: Day morning proved a very interesting one, but the homesters had a big pull forward. Parr made a highly successful debut as outside- right for Cwmparc. The Mardy defence was weak, Hugh Jones being unreliable. Watkine scored four goals for Cwmparo.

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Rugby. TREALAW 0, CILFYNYDD 0. This match was played at Trealaw, in fine weather, but the ground was not in playable condition owing to the frost. Mr. Gamlin, W *-il"*TT"held the whistle. Both teams played very poor football, especially Trealaw. who were beatellon the day's form. Griffiths. at back, was the only man who kept his form up over Christmas. PENTRE UNITED 14pte., J. W. LEWIS' (LLANDOVERY COLLEGE) TEAM 0. This game was played on Friday, Decem- ber 27th, before a good crowd, on the Giiinn Park, Pentre. Referee, Mr. W. M. Douglas, Cardiff. Pentre United are greatly indebted to Mr. Lewis' (confec- tioner, Pentre) son for his kindness in prevailing on his colleagues to form a team. Llandovery arrived four short, but their full number was soon made up of sur- rounding players anxious for a game. Play during the opening portion of the game was waged in the Llandovery half, but they failed to score once. being pluckily stopped by J. W. Lewis. Scrumming on Llan.'iS line, J. Evans (caot.) scored for Pentre, but failed to convert. From an- other scrum on the line, one of the for- wards added another three points to Pentre's score. Soon after, Lewis made a fine run to half-way and found touch just as the whistle blew for half-time. After changing ends, Llan. pressed for a time, but failed to put the finishing touch. Then Walter Lee, for Pentre, in a forward rush forced himself over. Again the goal kick failed. In a very short space of time the best try of the match was scored, J. Evans crossing after several forwards had indulged in passing. This time Wyers converted. Time then soon arrived. For Llandovery, J. W. Lewis (centre) and the inside half were the most prominent, and for Pentre J. Ashley and J. Evans (captainl.

Charity Match at Mid-Rhondda Athletic Grounds. HIBERNIAN CLUB 9pts., SOCIAL AND ATHLETIC CLUB 6. On Christmas Day, a charity match was played on the above grounds between teams selected from the Hibernian Club and the Mid-Rhondda Social and Athletic Club. Both teams were in good form, and speculation was rife as to the ulti- mate winners. The Hibernian Club won after a good game, and the best of feeling- was displayed all through by the players and spectators. The proceeds 3pf the match were for the henefit of Mr. Naaman Holmes (a member of the Social and Athletic Club), who has been unable to follow his employment for a considerable time. We are pleased to be able to state that a substantial sum was realised after paying all expenses.

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CWMPARO 4gls., LEICESTER NOMADS 1. This fixture was played on Friday, before a good gate. A keen east wind blew across the ground, but play proved fast and exciting. The English forwards combined well, but Cwmparc put up some sterling defence. The home front rank were in superlative form. Parr and Evan Jones (2) scoring before the interval. In the second moiety, ding-dong play kept the spectators on the qui vive. The Leicester centre scored a perfect goal, heading a grand centre past Harry Jones at the psychological moment. Just before time. Stone put on Cwmparc's fourth goal. FERNDALE SECONDARY SCHOOL 3gls, FERNDALE CHURCH JUNIORS 1. The above match was played on neutral ground on the Mardy Park on Boxing Day, before a, large crowd. The ground was very hard, and the weather severely cold, an east wind blowing. The Church Juniors won the toss and played with the wind. They made some dangerous rushes, but the schoolboys held them back. The schoolboys' forwards combined well and soon gained their opponents' territory, and from a well-directed shot by D. M. Jenkins a goal was registered for the schoolboys. Play, after this-, was almost of an even character, until one of the Church Juniors was fouled within the penalty area, and Frank Williams scored their only goal. Play, after half-time, was chiefly con- fined to the Church Lads' half. and after a, series of dangerous attacks, W. L. Howells scored the second goal for the schoolboys. The Church Lade made some fine runs, but to no purpose, for the schoolboys were soon attacking, and from an excellent corner kick by Richard N. Jones, the third and last goal was scored by W. L. Howells. MAINDY CRESCENTS 2nds 5gls. ABER- NANT EXCELSIORS (Aberdare) 2. This match was played on the Werfa Ground. Aberdare, in very cold weather, tne ground being very hard through frost. Roberts, the visiting captain, won the toss, and chose to play with the strong wind that was blowing. The homesters drew first blood within ten minutes of the start with a fast low shot from the right wing, which gave the goalie no chance to save. A free kick was given the visitors, and Pearce scored with a, good shot from over the half-way line. After the restart, the home forwards got going, and the right wing centreing the ball, gave J. F. Williams, the home cap- tain, a lovely chance to score, which he did not fail to do, beating the goalie with a fast shot. The visiting forwards next got into action, and W. Rees, the left wing, falling on the line, shouldered the ball into goal. On resuming after half-time, the ball w.as once more set going, and Thomas, the centre-forward, scored with a low shot, striking the upright and rebounding into goal, which was soon followed by another goal by Bundy, the right wing, who passed the two full-backs and scored with a high shot, rising over the goalie's hands. Bundy was again in evidence, and passing to the left wing, the latter transferred to, his inside, who put in a hard shot. The goalie, however, saved beautifully, hitting the ball out to the visiting inside- right, who centred, and Thomas scored with a slow shot, which was wide of the goalkeeper. Pearce and Rees were the pick of the visiting backs, and J. F. Wil- liams of the homesters. W. Rees and W. Jones were the pick of the forwards, while Probert played very hard for his side. There was nothing to choose between the goalkeepers, who both saved some very hard shots. FERNDALE CHURCH JUNIORS 2gls., ARDWYN UNITED 0. This match was played at Ferndale on Saturday last. The United kicked off and play was soon carried into Ardwyn's half, and was of a most exciting character. After a bout of real good passing, Fred Lewis opened the score for the Juniors, and kept the lead un to the interval. On change of sides, a seal was shot. by D. J. Evans. but was disallowed owmcr to the fact that one of the United had previously handed the ball. A pain the Juniors were soon on the aggressive, and before long Eddie Rose nut in a. good .hot. The hall was centred, and play was ror once carried into the home goal area, but to no purpose. E. Rees played a r-ery fine game for the Junio-re. When the whistle went, the Juniors left the field victors by 2 goals to nil. tJIOOTBATJ, TIKQTTTRTTRSI—Kree Oa-ps, A"Wet« aa'es Flesh Gloves, VmKromHoriB. tor., ep'fiallv recommended; private fitting room. -Willie Lie well vn. Oash Chemist, Dunraven Street, Tonypandy. 3860