The Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken and a packed St Mary’s Church, witnessed another superb performance from the town’s male voice choir on Saturday 12th October. 

The evening began, or perhaps kicked off is more appropriate, with a rousing rendition of the Dafydd Iwan song Yma O Hyd, now the well known football anthem of Wales. Chairman, Richard Mitchley then welcomed the Lord Lieutentant, choir sponsor Bob Tabor and other guests before the choir sang the popular Paul Simon classic Bridge Over Troubled Water and the lilting Welsh melody Ar Lan Y Môr. For the final song in the opening session, choristers were joined by guest soloist Holly Thody and together they performed the Les Misérables favourite I Dreamed a Dream. Holly then delighted the appreciative audience with a mesmerising set that included: I Could Have Danced All Night, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, Did You Not Hear my Lady and Ave Maria. The choir returned to complete the first half with Wonderful Tonight (specially adapted by their Deputy MD Allan Waters), Myfanwy, Moon River (an arragement by MD Lewis Hutton) and Anfonaf Angel.

Returning to stage refreshed, the choir raised neck hairs with What Would I Do Without My Music, before bringing tears to eyes with a sobering Tell My Father and concluding their session with Gweddi’r Arglwydd (the Lord’s Prayer).

Holly then captivated everyone once again with a sublime set: Come Unto Him, Without You, Ach ich fuhl’s and finally Poor Wandering Ones. Those in the audience that had seen her lead performance in the Savoy production of My Fair Lady already knew of her talents, now many more had enjoyed her exceptional vocal range.

For their finale the choir had held back two of their most stirring pieces, O Gymru and Gwahoddiad, these book ending two new numbers specially arranged by MD Lewis Hutton, Faith’s Song and the Nat King Cole classic When I Fall in Love. The choir were particularly pleased to perform Amy Wadge’s Faith’s Song because it was the theme song for the popular TV series ‘Keeping Faith’ which stared their founding Musical Director Aneirin Hughes and was written by local author Matthew Hall who was present in the audience.

With Gwahoddiad still echoing in the rafters, chants for more rang out. Lewis Hutton teased that an encore hadn’t been prepared, but then suddenly a ships wheel appeared on stage and choristers began donning pirate hats and eye patches ready to perform a hilarious version of Drunken Sailor in Welsh (Y Morwr Meddw). A terrific ending to yet another fantastic concert from the town’s most vibrant and energetic choir.

The choir motto is Hwyl a Hiraeth – singing to stir the soul and they certainly do that, so be sure to book your ticket for next year’s Gala Concert (October 2025) you will be guaranteed an unforgettable evening’s entertainment. However, if you can’t wait to hear them again, then travel to Devon next month and enjoy their Dragon’s Song Tour!

14th November St John’s Church Torquay

15th November St David’s Church Exeter

16th November St Andrew’s Church Plymouth