Neath Polyphonic Choir unveils Christmas concert in support of Popham Kidney Support

Neath Polyphonic Choir has announced its Christmas concert will take place on December 8 at St David’s Church, Neath. The funds raised from the evening will be donated to kidney charity, Popham Kidney Support, to help better the lives of kidney patients and their families across Wales.

The evening of live music, which begins at 7 pm, will feature special guest soloist, Osian Wyn Bowen, as well as Briton Ferry Silver Band under its leader, Jeff Pearce. The musical team will be led by the Choir’s Music Director, Mark Ritzmann, with Lara Omidvar as Accompanist, and Mary Evans as Assistant Accompanist. The night will also feature Guest Organist, Huw Tregelles Williams.

Tenor soloist, Osian Wyn Bowen, is local to the South Wales area and is a graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Opera School, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned vocal coaches John Fisher and Adrian Thompson.

The event will raise funds in support of local kidney charity, Popham Kidney Support, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. It was originally founded as The Paul Popham Fund, Renal Support Wales, in March 2013, five months after the passing of Paul Popham (father of the charity’s CEO, Joanne Popham) following a courageous battle with kidney cancer. The charity has grown exponentially in the decade since, supporting over 3,000 people in 2022 alone.

Entry to the concert is £15 per ticket, which includes programme and refreshments, with those aged 16 and under entering for free. To book tickets, please contact the organisers on 07970 027685 or simply pay at the door on the night.

Joanne Popham, Popham Kidney Support CEO, said:

“We’re immensely grateful to Neath Polyphonic Choir for their generous support. The funds raised from this concert will make a significant impact on the lives of kidney patients and their families across Wales. It’s heartening to see the local community come together to make a difference during the festive season.”

Mark Ritzmann, Music Director, said:

“We’re delighted that our Christmas Concert this year will be helping raise funds for the good work of Popham Kidney Support. With some top musicians on board, and a wonderful line up of Christmas music, it promises to be a hugely enjoyable evening filled with the festive spirit”