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About us
The tradition of Welsh male voice choirs grew up out of mining, industrial and religious heritage. Music that is soulful, virile and powerful, yet sensitive and moving. Monmouth male voice choir seeks to uphold that tradition.
The Choir was formed in 2012 by a small group of men under the direction of Aneirin Hughes. It is now a registered charity and has around 50 members. The choir has achieved great things during its short existence, including singing at the Albert Hall, concerts in St David's Hall Cardiff and singing the anthems on the pitch at Wales v Scotland match in 2016. In addition to these major events, the choir promoted gala concerts in Monmouth and performed at fund raising events for a wide range of good causes.
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Choir Chairman Huw Edwards said: ‘We often hear people say they’d love to sing in a male voice choir and we want to attract new members to help the Choir develop. Why not just come along to a rehearsal without any commitment - you'd be welcomed and it would be a start. You may end up singing before another rugby international before long.’
Anyone interested should contact Chairman Huw Edwards email: huwedwards53@btinternet.com
tel: 07967 007701
The Choir was formed in 2012 by a small group of men under the direction of Aneirin Hughes. It is now a registered charity and has around 50 members. The choir has achieved great things during its short existence, including singing at the Albert Hall, concerts in St David's Hall Cardiff and singing the anthems on the pitch at Wales v Scotland match in 2016. In addition to these major events, the choir promoted gala concerts in Monmouth and performed at fund raising events for a wide range of good causes.
Picture
Choir Chairman Huw Edwards said: ‘We often hear people say they’d love to sing in a male voice choir and we want to attract new members to help the Choir develop. Why not just come along to a rehearsal without any commitment - you'd be welcomed and it would be a start. You may end up singing before another rugby international before long.’
Anyone interested should contact Chairman Huw Edwards email: huwedwards53@btinternet.com
tel: 07967 007701
Wonderful Gala Concert
In October the Atrium at Monmouth Comprehensive School provided the venue for this year’s Gala Concert with Mynyddislwyn Male Choir the invited guests. A large audience were treated to an eclectic mix of music including old favourites Gwahoddiad, Rachie and Anfonaf Angel (sung jointly), plus All You Need is Love, Bring Me Sunshine and Lullaby. Monmouth also took the opportunity to showcase their Eisteddfod numbers before giving a first public outing to What Would I Do Without My Music. Mynyddislwyn’s contribution included A Welsh Prayer, Ave Verum, Autumn Leaves, Sweet Caroline and In Memory I Lie.
At the end of the concert a special presentation was made to chorister Austin Matthews who is moving to Berkshire. Later, at the afterglow, all the choristers enjoyed a beer, buffet and even more singing in the Conservative Club.
At the end of the concert a special presentation was made to chorister Austin Matthews who is moving to Berkshire. Later, at the afterglow, all the choristers enjoyed a beer, buffet and even more singing in the Conservative Club.
National Eisteddfod
August saw 40 plus choristers travel to North Wales in preparation for the Choir’s second National Eisteddfod appearance. Basing themselves in Llandudno, it was just a short journey to the Maes at Llanrwst and in spite of torrential rain and muddy fields, supporters enjoyed the experience and the professionalism shown by the choir. A few weeks previously the choir had recieved a setback when MD Mike Steer was forced to unexpectedly withdraw. Thankfully Deputy MD Pete Alan was able to step in and take the baton. Despite this setback the Choir were determined to carry on and gave a pleasing performance which they all believe secured them ‘fourth’ place!
Three choirs in concert - Saturday 8th June 2019
Choral aficionados enjoyed a real treat on Saturday 8th June, when three terrific choirs joined forces for a musical feast. Monmouth Male Voice Choir was be joined by the Karl Johan Koret from Oslo, Norway and Côr Nidus, an award-winning children’s choir from Cwmbran
"The power and strength of the choirs singing together was really remarkable and an example of what Male Choirs should be about." - Nidus Choir blog piece here.
The Karl Johan Koret was founded by the Oslo Chamber of Commerce and are one of Norway’s oldest choirs with a lineage dating back to 1847. They sing traditional Norwegian folksongs together with newer romantic works specially adapted for male choirs. They will be conducted by Musical Director Victoria Jakhelin and supported by Accompanist Natalia Rybak.
Monmouth Male Voice Choir and Karl Johan Koret initially forged a link after performing together during the 2018 London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall and hope to further their friendship with a return visit to Norway in the near future.
The wonderful Côr Nidus Children’s Choir stole the show! It is obvious why they are so well admired. Formed in 2006, they are multiple award winners having achieved silver medals at the World Choir Games in Austria 2008 and again in Latvia 2014. Last year they sang before the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at the renaming of the Severn Bridge ceremony and have done recording sessions with Vangelis; their Musical Director is Evelyn Nicholson.
"The power and strength of the choirs singing together was really remarkable and an example of what Male Choirs should be about." - Nidus Choir blog piece here.
The Karl Johan Koret was founded by the Oslo Chamber of Commerce and are one of Norway’s oldest choirs with a lineage dating back to 1847. They sing traditional Norwegian folksongs together with newer romantic works specially adapted for male choirs. They will be conducted by Musical Director Victoria Jakhelin and supported by Accompanist Natalia Rybak.
Monmouth Male Voice Choir and Karl Johan Koret initially forged a link after performing together during the 2018 London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall and hope to further their friendship with a return visit to Norway in the near future.
The wonderful Côr Nidus Children’s Choir stole the show! It is obvious why they are so well admired. Formed in 2006, they are multiple award winners having achieved silver medals at the World Choir Games in Austria 2008 and again in Latvia 2014. Last year they sang before the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at the renaming of the Severn Bridge ceremony and have done recording sessions with Vangelis; their Musical Director is Evelyn Nicholson.
Workshops and Concert at Usk Prison
Choir members under the direction of Mike Steer and accompanist David Carr have successfully completed a series of workshops with prisoners at HMP Usk which culminated in a successful and moving concert held in the centre of the prison attended by the Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert and the Mayor of Usk.
Julia,Gamble of HMP Usk who coordinated the programme said
'We at HMP Usk wish to express our appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for the dedication, hard work, passion and enthusiasm that the Monmouth MVC brought to this project and to the Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner's partnership fund for providing the means for making it a reality.'
'The workshops that came about have proved hugely successful, both with those who participated and others who formed part of an informal audience, and culminated in the concert on the 8th March. The concert itself has drawn great praise from all who attended both internal and external visitors and the men themselves and there was a real ‘buzz’ about the whole event which has continued into this week.'
'The Prison Chaplain David Womersley has plans to continue the good work put into motion by this project believing, as we all do, that this type of team working promotes inclusivity and encourages the men to think of others rather than to be inwardly focused; and we would hope to be able to work with the Monmouth MVC in the future on a similar type of project as part of our rehabilitative culture.'
Monmouth MVC Second Tenor Hywel Williams said 'The whole project from the workshops to the concert was absolutely brilliant. Anything we can do as a choir to help to change attitudes of offenders and possibly society must be a good thing.'
Julia,Gamble of HMP Usk who coordinated the programme said
'We at HMP Usk wish to express our appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for the dedication, hard work, passion and enthusiasm that the Monmouth MVC brought to this project and to the Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner's partnership fund for providing the means for making it a reality.'
'The workshops that came about have proved hugely successful, both with those who participated and others who formed part of an informal audience, and culminated in the concert on the 8th March. The concert itself has drawn great praise from all who attended both internal and external visitors and the men themselves and there was a real ‘buzz’ about the whole event which has continued into this week.'
'The Prison Chaplain David Womersley has plans to continue the good work put into motion by this project believing, as we all do, that this type of team working promotes inclusivity and encourages the men to think of others rather than to be inwardly focused; and we would hope to be able to work with the Monmouth MVC in the future on a similar type of project as part of our rehabilitative culture.'
Monmouth MVC Second Tenor Hywel Williams said 'The whole project from the workshops to the concert was absolutely brilliant. Anything we can do as a choir to help to change attitudes of offenders and possibly society must be a good thing.'
Albert Hall - London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs 2018
The choir enjoyed their weekend in Kensington, singing at the Albert Hall on 13th October 2018. Many thanks to the London Welsh MVC for inviting us to sing at this occasion. It was a magnificent event.
Special performance at The Rolls of Monmouth
The choir performed a selection of traditional Welsh male voice choir music with some connections to America for the American guests of Lakani World Tours on Sunday 3rd September 2018.
The grandeur of the setting and the excellent acoustics in the hall made this a very special occasion. Afterwards in the late afternoon sunshine the choir enjoyed a complimentary drink on the terrace - what a great way to spend the evening.
"Please thank all the choir for putting on such a fantastic performance. It was incredible."
Incy Britton-Foster
Lakani World Tours
The grandeur of the setting and the excellent acoustics in the hall made this a very special occasion. Afterwards in the late afternoon sunshine the choir enjoyed a complimentary drink on the terrace - what a great way to spend the evening.
"Please thank all the choir for putting on such a fantastic performance. It was incredible."
Incy Britton-Foster
Lakani World Tours
Powerful and rousing performance in 2017 Charity Gala Concert
‘The Regimental Band of the Royal Welsh gave us an incredibly powerful and rousing performance and Monmouth Male Voice Choir just gets better and better’ said High Sheriff, Kevin Thomas.
Mr Thomas and his wife Elaine were guests of honour at the Choir’s Charity Gala Concert in aid of ABF – The Soldier’s Charity in the Blake Theatre. The Mayor of Monmouth, Felicity Cotton, David Davies MP and Maj. Gen Lennox Napier also attended.
In a moving tribute, compere Aneirn Hughes recalled the story of Hedd Wyn, the bardic name of the poet Private Ellis Humphrey Ellis of the Royal Welsh Fusilliers, who wrote the winning poem for the National Eisteddfod of Wales held in Birkenhead in 1917. Tragically he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of Pilkem Ridge in France on 31 July 1917 a week before he would have been awarded the highest honour of the Eisteddfod - The Chairing of the Bard. The Chair was draped in black as a symbolic of respect for the ‘hero of all heroes who died on the battlefield of all battlefields.’
After the tribute the Regimental Band of the Royal Welsh, conducted by Major Denis Burton, played the French Military Band and the Choir sang the well known Welsh hymn ‘I bob un sy’n fyddlon’ followed by the medley of First World War songs. This was followed by the Band playing the Evening Hymn and Last Post.
High Sheriff of Gwent, Kevin Thomas, said
‘The Regimental Band gave us an incredibly powerful and rousing performance and Monmouth Male Voice Choir just gets better and better. Rarely do you see an audience that is so engaged and so thoroughly enjoying themselves.’
Further Information: Huw Edwards 07967 007701
Mr Thomas and his wife Elaine were guests of honour at the Choir’s Charity Gala Concert in aid of ABF – The Soldier’s Charity in the Blake Theatre. The Mayor of Monmouth, Felicity Cotton, David Davies MP and Maj. Gen Lennox Napier also attended.
In a moving tribute, compere Aneirn Hughes recalled the story of Hedd Wyn, the bardic name of the poet Private Ellis Humphrey Ellis of the Royal Welsh Fusilliers, who wrote the winning poem for the National Eisteddfod of Wales held in Birkenhead in 1917. Tragically he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of Pilkem Ridge in France on 31 July 1917 a week before he would have been awarded the highest honour of the Eisteddfod - The Chairing of the Bard. The Chair was draped in black as a symbolic of respect for the ‘hero of all heroes who died on the battlefield of all battlefields.’
After the tribute the Regimental Band of the Royal Welsh, conducted by Major Denis Burton, played the French Military Band and the Choir sang the well known Welsh hymn ‘I bob un sy’n fyddlon’ followed by the medley of First World War songs. This was followed by the Band playing the Evening Hymn and Last Post.
High Sheriff of Gwent, Kevin Thomas, said
‘The Regimental Band gave us an incredibly powerful and rousing performance and Monmouth Male Voice Choir just gets better and better. Rarely do you see an audience that is so engaged and so thoroughly enjoying themselves.’
Further Information: Huw Edwards 07967 007701
HMSG 125 - St David's Hall, Cardiff
The choir was invited to support the voices of Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls to celebrate their 125 anniversary.
The chosen piece was Karl Jenkins' "In these Stones Horizons Sing", which introduced us to a new genre of music and the opportunity to sing with a full orchestra and with the massed voices of the school. We were joined by members of the Drybrook & District MVC and thoroughly appreciated their support.
HMSG’s beloved musical director, Mario Conway, who is retiring this summer after 35 years of loyal service to the school, was given a standing ovation at the end of the show.
The chosen piece was Karl Jenkins' "In these Stones Horizons Sing", which introduced us to a new genre of music and the opportunity to sing with a full orchestra and with the massed voices of the school. We were joined by members of the Drybrook & District MVC and thoroughly appreciated their support.
HMSG’s beloved musical director, Mario Conway, who is retiring this summer after 35 years of loyal service to the school, was given a standing ovation at the end of the show.
Choir perform to mark St David’s Day
Monmouth Male Voice Choir gave a special concert to mark St David’s Day at the Hog’s Head in Llanvetherine on Friday 3 March 2017.
Choir Secretary Stuart Baber said ‘It is important for us to mark our Welsh heritage and we are honoured to have performed in Llanvetherine to celebrate St David’s Day.'
‘As a choir we have achieved great deal in the past couple of years having sung at St David’s Hall, on the pitch at the Principality Stadium and a number of local performances for good causes. This concert and hog roast supper in the lovely village of Llanvetherine was another of these events to help local good causes’ said Stuart Baber Secretary of the Monmouth Male Voice Choir (monmouthchoir@yahoo.co.uk).
Choir Secretary Stuart Baber said ‘It is important for us to mark our Welsh heritage and we are honoured to have performed in Llanvetherine to celebrate St David’s Day.'
‘As a choir we have achieved great deal in the past couple of years having sung at St David’s Hall, on the pitch at the Principality Stadium and a number of local performances for good causes. This concert and hog roast supper in the lovely village of Llanvetherine was another of these events to help local good causes’ said Stuart Baber Secretary of the Monmouth Male Voice Choir (monmouthchoir@yahoo.co.uk).
Kidney Wales Concert in Cardiff city centre
The Choir performed at the Annual Concert of Kidney Foundation Wales on
Thursday 8 December at St John the Baptist Church in Cardiff city centre near St Davids' Hall, House of Fraser etc.
Thursday 8 December at St John the Baptist Church in Cardiff city centre near St Davids' Hall, House of Fraser etc.
British Legion Remembrance Concert 2016 - St David's Hall, Cardiff
On 5th November 2016 MMVC performed at the British Legion's Remembrance Concert - combined choirs at St David's Hall, Cardiff.
Another big event for us, in the company of other great choirs including the Military Wives and Serenata Ladies Choir.
The military band was sensational and the rendition of Mansions of the Lord was a real highlight.
Another big event for us, in the company of other great choirs including the Military Wives and Serenata Ladies Choir.
The military band was sensational and the rendition of Mansions of the Lord was a real highlight.
MonMVC sing at the rugby - Wales v Scotland
Monmouth Male Voice Choir joined the Pendyrus Male Voice Choir to perform before the Wales v Scotland International
Monmouth Male Voice Choir sang on the pitch at Cardiff's Principality Stadium before the rugby international between Wales and Scotland 2016.
The Choir were selected to perform at the first of this year’s RBS 6 Nations matches in Cardiff by the regular international match conductor Dr Haydn James.
Chairman of the Choir Huw Edwards said ‘This is an incredible opportunity for a choir that was only formed three years ago. We are all very proud to have sung on the pitch to help entertain the crowd and add to the unique atmosphere of the Stadium.’
The Choir of over forty members performed on the pitch after a gruelling schedule of rehearsals - twice a week. They sang well known favourites to entertain the crowd such as Sospan Fach, Calon Lan and Cwm Rhondda and also Loch Lomond as well as the two national anthems Flower of Scotland and Hen Wlad Fy Nhaddau.
‘To sing before over 70,000 fans and millions watching on TV was an incredible way to start the year and shows that the Choir is going from strength to strength. We may not have been good enough to perform at the Stadium in our boots but we are certainly good enough to perform with our voices’.
Further Information:
Huw Edwards
huwedwards53@btinternet.com 07967 007701
Monmouth Male Voice Choir sang on the pitch at Cardiff's Principality Stadium before the rugby international between Wales and Scotland 2016.
The Choir were selected to perform at the first of this year’s RBS 6 Nations matches in Cardiff by the regular international match conductor Dr Haydn James.
Chairman of the Choir Huw Edwards said ‘This is an incredible opportunity for a choir that was only formed three years ago. We are all very proud to have sung on the pitch to help entertain the crowd and add to the unique atmosphere of the Stadium.’
The Choir of over forty members performed on the pitch after a gruelling schedule of rehearsals - twice a week. They sang well known favourites to entertain the crowd such as Sospan Fach, Calon Lan and Cwm Rhondda and also Loch Lomond as well as the two national anthems Flower of Scotland and Hen Wlad Fy Nhaddau.
‘To sing before over 70,000 fans and millions watching on TV was an incredible way to start the year and shows that the Choir is going from strength to strength. We may not have been good enough to perform at the Stadium in our boots but we are certainly good enough to perform with our voices’.
Further Information:
Huw Edwards
huwedwards53@btinternet.com 07967 007701
Testimonials
- The choir's singing was lovely and moved my father to tears.He grew up in Morriston with the traditions of Morriston Orpheus Choir .As one of the few Welsh speakers present he wondered at the choice of Myfanwy but since it's one of his favourites he enjoyed it nevertheless.!
- So many people said how much they enjoyed your singing and it helped make the ceremony special and memorable.Thank you all so very much.
- On behalf of Llandenny PCC I would like to thank you and the choir for making Friday night's concert such a success. We have had lots of people saying how much they enjoyed themselves and our treasurer is very happy as we will have made at least £600.
- The choir is a great ambassador for Monmouth and something for the town to be very proud of.
- Thanks again for coordinating the event and we will hopefully meet again at another concert in the future.