Bridgend Male Choir - International Eisteddfod Winners 2014

Описание: Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod July 2014. Bridgend Male Choir. Position 1st for Male Voice Section. As seen on Live TV.

I was overjoyed and thrilled to sing alongside my chorister colleagues at the International Music Eisteddfod in Llangollen in July 2014. It was there under the talented leadership of our previous Musical Director, Rhiannon Williams-Hale that we excelled in the Male Voice Section by beating south Africa into first place. It was a competition we had practised hard for and felt elated at having 'reached the pinnacle' of our achievements - as voiced by our then Chairman, Mr John Gould.

This recording of our entry that went out on Live TV brings back memories of those proud moments when we all sang our hearts out. Yet it is with sadness to note some of our number who have passed away having fought bravely against illnesses that eventually overcame them. We will always remember them.

I am proud to be among these wonderful fellows who give of their time and efforts to sing at charity fund raising concerts as well as competing in high level competitions. As I type the Choir is about to embark on this year's annual Concert Tour, this year to Majorca, where we will sing at three Cathedral venues in support of cancer charities on the island. On our last night we will be singing in the magnificent Santa Maria R.C. Cathedral that stands out proudly above the beautiful harbour in Palma. We are told that there is seating capacity for 1,400 and that buses are expected from all over the island at that final concert....

Ever since my youth I have always wanted to sing in a choir like this. I love their choice of music and in particular their beautiful rendering of the good old Welsh hymns that warm the heart. I am in my fifth year with them and wish I had joined years ago! My singing with the Baptist Men's Movement Glee party nearly 50 years ago with my father in Cardiff plus an involvement with the Ely Baptist Church choir and the City Temple Crusader Choir all those years ago had helped, I think to point me in this direction at this latter stage of my life. It is the sincerity and professionalism of this choir that charms me most. I often think with some emotion of my father & indeed my dear mother when singing some of the lovely sacred hymns that they too had held dear.

The choir now moves on under the capable guidance of our new musical director Ryan Wood who heads our wonderful musical team. All brilliant musicians of whom we are so proud. Our present chairman Gareth Davies who is also our compere at musical events has often informed the audiences that the Choir has, since it was established as the South Wales and district Police Choir in 1960, raised over One Million Pounds for charitable causes! Long may it continue.