Draft:London Welsh Male Voice Choir
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| London Welsh Male Voice Choir | |
|---|---|
| Choir | |
 CD Album cover for 2010 release "Live at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester" | |
| Also known as | Côr Meibion Cymry Llundain
LWMVC |
| Founded | 1902 (original London Welsh Male Choir).[1][2]
1961 (current form) |
| Genre | Male Choral Singing |
| President | Russell Harris KC [3] |
| Music director | Dr Edward-Rhys Harry[4] |
| Rehearsal space | London Welsh Centre[5] |
| Website | http://www.londonwelshmvc.org |
London Welsh Male Voice Choir (Welsh: Côr Meibion Cymry Llundain) is a Welsh Male Voice Choir based in London, UK.
The choir in its current form was established in 1961 but traces its history back to the original London Welsh Male Choir that was founded in 1902[6]. The choir is an important part of the culture and community of the Welsh diaspora in London and is frequently called upon to sing at significant occasions for the Welsh in London such as St Davids' Day celebrations and the funerals of notable Welsh individuals.[7][8]
Affectionately known as the "Red Jackets" (by comparison with the 'Green Jackets' of Gwalia Male Choir and the 'Black Jackets' of the London Welsh Rugby Club Choir [9]), London Welsh Male Voice Choir is the oldest and, traditionally, the largest of the London based Welsh Male Voice Choirs[10]. The choir is currently based at the London Welsh Centre at 157-163 Gray's Inn Road, London. [11].
The London Welsh Male Voice Choir is a registered charity.[12]
History
[edit]1902 Foundation
[edit]Although the presence of a Welsh Choir in London can be traced to at least as early as 1878 [13], the first choir to have used the name London Welsh Male Voice Choir (also known as the London Welsh Male Choir) were founded in 1902, conducted by Merlin Morgan.[2][6]
On 9 November 1924, the choir performed at the London Palladium at a memorial event for Merlin Morgan, the choir's founding Musical Director, following his death at the age of 48. Other attendees included the celebrated Welsh artist and Dramatist, Ivor Novello.[14][15]
1961 Re-Establishment
[edit]In 1981, the Choir reached their peak in the UK charts with their album "Songs of the Valleys" which got to number 61 and spent a total of 10 weeks in the Top 100.[16]
In 2012, the choir assembled a 500 voice choir to sing together at the Royal Festival Hall on London's Southbank for a "Choir of the World" Concert.[17] Held on the 7 July, the event was also the debut of Karl Jenkins' 'A Hero's Journey'. In the same year, London welsh Male Voice Choir performed the Olympic Hymn at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games along with London Welsh Rugby Club Choir.[18] Further to this, they premiered a new compostion by Welsh composer Dr Edward-Rhys Harry called "Can You Hear me?: An Olympic Truce Anthem" as part of the year's celebrations.[19]
In 2015, the choir, along with the Gwalia Male Voice Choir, performed hymns as part of the Drumhead Service at Horse Guards Parade in the presence of the Royal Family to mark the 70th anniversary commemorations of VJ Day.[20][21]
The London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs
[edit]Beginning in 1969, the London Welsh Male Voice Choir hosted a biennial celebration of male voice choir singing at the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington, London, UK. For each installment a massed choir was formed of invited international Male Choirs.[22]
The sixth edition of the Festival was broadcast on BBC One London on Thursday 1st March 1979, introduced by Sian Phillips.[23]
The latest and 26th edition of the Festival took place on 13 October 2018. [24] It was conducted by Dr Edward-Rhys Harry with accompaniment by Annabel Thwaite (Piano) and James Hearn (Organ) and featured guest compere Aled Jones. The supporting Band was The Band of the Welsh Guards and there were guest performances by Steffan Morris (Cello), John Ieuan Jones (Baritone) and Llio Evans (Soprano).
Notable TV Appearances
[edit]Singing at Rugby Matches
[edit]The Choir has a long history of performing at rugby matches, particularly those of Wales, many of which have been televised.
Some of their most notable appearances include:
- The 1999 Wales vs England Five Nations match at Wembley Stadium.[25] They were joined on the pitch on this occasion by Max Boyce and Tom Jones.[26]
- The 2013 Six Nations Championship match at the Principality Stadium once more against England.[25] The game is famous for the atmosphere generated by the choir and the crowd prior to the match, after the WRU decided the cut the band for the chorus, leaving just the sound of the voices ringing around the stadium. Wales went on to win the game 30 points to 3, denying England both the Championship and Grand Slam in the process, just like they had in 1999. [27]
The Choir has appeared on the Welsh language broadcaster a number of times on a variety of shows including:
Heno
[edit]In December 2016, the choir featured in a report by the magazine show, Heno, about the Christmas Concert for the Welsh community in London at the Jewin Welsh Chapel near the Barbican in the City of London.[28]
Noson Lawen
[edit]The choir appeared on the music show, Noson Lawen, in January 2016 performing an arrangement of the popular Welsh hymn Calon Lân to the melody of The Rose.[29]
Broadcast on the 21 December 1996, the choir performed the opening song of Jack Dee's Christmas Show. The Christmas Carol 'Deck the Halls' was performed with Jack starting the show stood amongst the choir.[31]
An Evening with Harry Secombe (2000)
[edit]The Choir were invited to lead the singing and perform at a special episode of Songs of Praise to celebrate the Welsh actor Sir Harry Secombe.[32]
40th Anniversary Gala Concert (2001)
[edit]The Choir were one of five groups to be invited to form part of the choir for the 40th Anniversary celebration of Songs of Praise which took place at the Royal Albert Hall, along with St. Paul's Cathedral Choristers, Royal Choral Society, St. Michael's Singers and Croydon Seventh Day Adventist Gospel Choir.[33]
The Gala was broadcast live on BBC One on 23 September 2001.
The Rob Brydon Show 2010 [34]
[edit]Along with Bryn Terfel and The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, the choir performed in the 2010 Christmas special of The Rob Brydon Show. The show was broadcast on BBC Two on Thursday 30th December 2010.[35]
Collaborations
[edit]Over the years, the choir has collaborated with a number of well known artists both live and in studio recordings.
They have performed live with Take That at Earl's Court in 1995 and Charlotte Church at Brixton Academy on he 2-3 March 1999.[36] The performances with Charlotte Church were recorded and published on DVD and VHS as 'Voice of an Angel: In Concert'. The choir have also provided backing for Charlotte Church on her eponymous album, 'Charlotte Church'.[37]
They have also recorded music with Roxy Music on the song 'Psalm' for their album 'Stranded' [38] and Aled Jones's album 'Higher' [39]
Discography
[edit] | This list of songs or music-related items is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (August 2024) |
Studio Albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| Take Me Home/Cerwch a fi Adre[40] |
|
A-side: Sloop John B, The Long And Winding Road, Save The Last Dance For Me, Day By Day, Take Me Home, He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother
B-Side: God Only Knows, Remember Then, Dock Of The Bay, An American Trilogy |
| Songs of the Valleys[41] |
|
A-Side: Amazing Grace, Myfanwy, Send In The Clowns, Bread Of Heaven, Ar Hyd Y Nos (All Through The Night), Kumbaya, Take Me Home, David Of The White Rock, Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn, Jerusalem, We'll Keep A Welcome In The Hillside
B-Side: Going Home, Scarlet Ribbons, Men Of Harlech, Moab, The Ash Grove, Ave Maria, Lily Of The Valley, Lullaby, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land Of My Fathers), Close Thine Eyes, Gwahoddiad |
EPs
[edit]| Title | Extended play details |
|---|---|
| Sloop John B[42] |
|
| Remember Then[43] |
|
Live Albums
[edit]
London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs Recordings
[edit]Other Appearances
[edit]A Symphony of British Music
Charlotte Church Albums
Roxy Music Album
Musical Directors and Accompanists
[edit]| Date | Musical Director |
|---|---|
| 1961 - 1967 | Lyn Harry |
| 1967 - 1969 | Tudor Spencer Davies |
| 1969 - 1979 | John Peleg Williams |
| 1979 - 2010 | Haydn James |
| 2010 - Present | Edward-Rhys Harry |
| Date | Accompanist |
|---|---|
| ? - Present | Annabel Thwaite |
| Date | President | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 - 1969 | William Harries | First President following reformation. |
| 1969 - 1972 | Annie Harries | Wife of William Harries. |
| 1973 | Elwyn Roberts | |
| 1974-1990 | Douglas Evans | |
| 1990-2009 | Cliff Morgan[45] | Following end of term as President, elected first ever 'Past President'. The choir sang at Cliff's funeral. [7] |
| 2009-2012 | Philip Madoc[8] | The first President to pass away 'in office'. The choir sang at his funeral at the Actor's Church in Covent Garden. [46] |
| 2013-2017 | Huw Edwards [47] | |
| 2018 - 2023 | Siân Lloyd [48] | |
| 2023 - | Russell Harris KC |
Notable Members
[edit]Bold designates current member
- Elgan Alderman, journalist [11]
- John Downing MBE, photographer [49]
- Haydn James, Conductor and Musical Director of the WRU[50]
References
[edit]- ^ "About Us". London Welsh Male Voice Choir. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
- ^ a b "The London Welsh Male Voice Choir". Celt Llundain: The London Kelt. 4 October 1902.
- ^ "London Welsh Male Voice Choir President's Concert planned for RNLI bicentenary". RNLI. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
- ^ "Director Bio". London Welsh Male Voice Choir. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
- ^ "Resident Groups". London Welsh Centre. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
- ^ a b Jones, Emrys (2001). The Welsh in London, 1500-2000. Google Books: University of Wales Press. p. 215. ISBN 9780708316979.
- ^ a b "Cliff Morgan funeral: TV presenters and sporting heroes pay tribute to Welsh rugby great". Daily Mirror. 13 September 2013.
- ^ a b "Philip Madoc: Actor forever remembered as the U-boat captain in 'Dad's". Independent.co.uk. 6 March 2012.
- ^ "London Welsh Rugby Club ChoirHistory".
- ^ "Gwalia Male Voice Choir History Past and Present".
- ^ a b Alderman, Elgan. "I'm singing my heart out . . . And then Wales are already 7-0 down".
- ^ "LONDON WELSH MALE VOICE CHOIR - Charity 1170727". register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk.
- ^ "District Intelligence". Western Mail. 22 December 1877.
- ^ "LATE MR. MERLIN MORGAN: LONDON TRIBUTE TO AN ABERDARE MUSICIAN". The Western Mail. 10 November 1924. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ^ "Theatrical Gossip: In Memory of Merlin Morgan". The Era. 5 November 1924. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ^ a b Official Charts Company https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/london-welsh-male-voice-choir-songs-of-the-valleys/
- ^ "Bryn Terfel showcase moves to Southbank in London for Festival of the World". BBC News. 20 April 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ "Gallery: Symphony of British music closes London 2012". Lancashire Telegraph. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ "Can You Hear Me?". Banks Music Publications.
- ^ "The Queen to join the nation in marking 70 years since the victory over Japan". Gov.uk. 18 July 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
- ^ "'Defeat Into Victory': Veterans Mark VJ Day". Sky News. 15 August 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
- ^ Jones 2020
- ^ "Programme Index: BBC One London 1 March 1979". Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ "RAH Catalogue".
- ^ a b Zorab, Jack (20 February 2023). "Can the Power of Song lift a beleaguered Wales to reignite their fire". RugbyPass. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
- ^ "Pre-match Wales v England 1999: Tom Jones and Max Boyce". 19 July 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
- ^ "Six Nations 2013: Wales 30-3 England". BBC Sport. 16 March 2013.
- ^ "Cyngerdd Eglwys Jewin, Llundain 2016". YouTube. 16 December 2016.
- ^ "Côr Meibion Cymry Llundain - Calon Lân". YouTube. 4 January 2016.
- ^ Perry, Chris (2016). The Kaleidoscope British Christmas Television Guide 1937-2013. Google Books: Kaleidoscope Publishing. p. 302. ISBN 9781900203609.
- ^ "Jack Dee's Christmas Show 1996 - Full Episode". YouTube. 4 October 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
- ^ "BBC Songs of Praise - An Evening with Sir Harry Secombe 2000". YouTube. 2 October 2023.
- ^ "Search Results". catalogue.royalalberthall.com.
- ^ Perry, Chris (2016). The Kaleidoscope British Christmas Television Guide 1937-2013. Google Books: Kaleidoscope Publishing. p. 471. ISBN 9781900203609.
- ^ "Series 1 - The Rob Brydon Show Christmas Special". British Comedy Guide.
- ^ "Charlotte Church: Voice Of An Angel [VHS]". Amazon UK. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
- ^ "Charlotte Church (US version)". Retrieved 26 June 2024.
- ^ "The London Welsh Male Voice Choir". Viva Roxy Music. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
- ^ "Aled Jones - Higher". Discogs. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
- ^ "The London Welsh Male Voice Choir: Take Me Home/Cerwch a fi Adre". Discogs.
- ^ "The London Welsh Male Voice Choir: Songs of the Valleys". Discogs.
- ^ "London Welsh Male Voice Choir: Sloop John B 7"".
- ^ "London Welsh Male Voice Choir: Remember Then 7"".
- ^ "London Welsh Male Voice Choir".
- ^ "Cliff Morgan". The Daily Telegraph. 29 August 2013.
- ^ "Memorials are a way to celebrate". 18 May 2012.
- ^ "Newsreader Huw Edwards to appear at charity concert". April 2016.
- ^ "We're very happy to announce that Sian Lloyd has been elected President of the London Welsh Male Voice Choir. Thank you Siân for your continued support". Facebook. 27 April 2019.
- ^ "John Downing obituary". 25 April 2020.
- ^ "Haydn James says farewell to London Welsh Male Voice Choir". WalesOnline. 23 January 2010.
Bibliography
[edit]- Jones, Emrys (2001). The Welsh in London, 1500-2000. University of Wales Press. ISBN 9780708316979. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- Jones, Joe (2020). "One Thousand Welsh Voices". [1]
- Perry, Chris (2016). The Kaleidoscope British Christmas Television Guide 1937-2013. Kaleidoscope Publishing. ISBN 9781900203609. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- London Welsh Male Voice Choir Youtube
- London Welsh Male Voice Choir discography at Discogs