Privileged and Proud
December 10 2019 will certainly go down as one of the Orpheus' 'Special Days'.
The Choir was both privileged and very proud to be asked to perform as part of the Commissioning of HMS Prince of Wales - The Royal Navy's newest Aircraft Carrier. Leading an impressive 2,000 strong guest list which included high ranking service personnel as well as family members of the ship's crew, were HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, the Carrier's Lady Sponsor and HRH The Prince of Wales.
Details of the scale of the Carrier ( see our earlier News item) had given Choir members a hint of what to expect. But seeing the ship close up and then going on board into its massive hanger was something else.
The Choir was part of an entertainment programme which also included representatives from the Carrier's Affiliated Cities, Bristol (The Choir of Bristol Cathedral) and Liverpool ( Danielle Louise Thomas). The Orpheus sang two sets which included a variety of music from musicals to Welsh Hymns and its final set, immediately before the ceremonial element of the Commissioning, ended with a stirring rendition of 'God Bless the Prince of Wales'.
The Choir's Gen Sec. Colin Johnson is pictured presenting a Choir plaque to Officers of HMS Prince of Wales. On Colin’s right is Commander Joe Allfree RN, who also happened to be the First Lieutenant on HMS Dragon when the Choir sang at Dragon’s commissioning.
On Colin’s left is Lieutenant Martyn Wardle who liaised with Colin and our Events Manager Steve Pearson on the arrangements for the Commissioning Ceremony.
