It is the church where Katherine Jenkins famously began her singing career and now St David’s Church in Neath has produced another rising star in chorister Rebecca Conway who has just received the prestigious Royal School of Church Music’s Gold Award.
Twenty-two year-old Rebecca is only one of two choristers from the whole of Wales in the past year to have attained such a high level of choral excellence.
Rebecca, who began singing in St David’s choir as an 8 year-old, had to sit a demanding exam requiring her to demonstrate her skill and musicality in solo singing, as well as effective leadership and stylistic awareness as a chorister in a wide range of choral styles.
Her performance hit the right note with the examiner who commended her for her “impressive singing performance and her exemplary commitment to her choir and church.”
“I love singing, and I have learnt so much from being in St David’s Church choir,” said Rebecca.
“It is part of my life now, and I feel part of the church family. I can’t believe that I’ve actually achieved the highest award as a chorister, it’s amazing!”
Choir Director, Mark Ritzmann said, “We are all very pleased about Rebecca’s achievement, as it is an award that only comes to the most dedicated of choristers, and she is fully deserving of it for her outstanding work and commitment.”
St David’s has a reputation for producing top singers, and it was while head chorister at the church Katherine Jenkins became Welsh Choir Girl of the Year.
Katherine recently returned home to give a concert to help raise money for the St David’s Church Tower Appeal. The Appeal aims to raise £500,000 for urgent repairs to St David’s tower and the roof above the choir stalls.
For more information please contact The Rectory on 01639 644612
