In 1999, the Choir made its first Concert Tour to Italy, to Cuneo in the region of Piemonte. We were there between the 5th and 12th June, and gave concerts in Cuneo, Caraglio and Mondovi. It was a most successful tour in all respects. Musically, we were very well received by all our audiences, as was borne out by the reports in the local Italian newspapers, and by letters sent from Italy to the Merthyr Express.
Our guest soprano soloist, Joyce Edwards, produced stunning performances at each concert, receiving critical acclaim from all quarters.
The social side of the tour was as excellent as ever, not least due to the help of our good friend, John Grist, of the Cambridge School of English in Cuneo, for obtaining for us free use of the local swimming pool for the duration of our stay. Indeed, we are grateful to him for all the hard work he did on our behalf in Italy which helped to make the tour such a great success. We are also indebted to Anna Carasso Cavalleri and Donna Chierando for their friendship and help during our stay, and to Signore Elio Rostagno, Consigliere Maurizio Davico and Consigliere Fabrizio Pellegrino for their help with concert arrangements.
Our thanks must also be given to the manager and staff of the Hotel Lovera Palace in Cuneo, a beautiful and elegant hotel, and our home for the duration of the tour. Nothing was too much trouble for them, and our every need was catered for. They even laid on free transport from the hotel to each of our concerts.
Help with translations for the tour brochure was provided by Janet Erten, Signore D Casetta Italian Vice Console in Cardiff, Signore Mario Moruzzi, Signore Ino Conti and Signorina Francesca Poledri.
We are grateful, too, to the Stephens and George Print Group of Merthyr Tydfil for their generous sponsorship of our Tour Brochure, and to Signore Paul Sidoli for his generous gift.
Back to Tours
Back to Dowlais Choir main page.
Author's Website.