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News Archive
18.07.16 £785 raised for the British Heart Foundation Cymru
At this week’s rehearsal in Galeri, Caernarfon. Tudor Ellis, Chair of the local branch of BHF Cymru, received a cheque from Alwynne Jones, treasurer of Côr Meibion Caernarfon. Tudor Ellis said, “The concert in St Mary’s Church, Caernarfon, raised a magnificent £785 to help our work locally and boost important research into heart disease – Wales’ biggest killer.” Bryn Griffith, Chair of Côr Meibion Caernarfon, added: “The packed audience gave both choirs a rousing reception and a worthy local cause also benefitted. It was a win, win for all.” |
Côr Meibion Caernarfon have donated all the proceeds of a successful joint concert with the Lakewood Choral Society from Michigan USA to British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru.07.06.16 Choir raises £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support This year’s Côr Meibion Caernarfon annual dinner at the Celtic Royal Hotel raised £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. At a recent choir rehearsal Eleri Brady, their North Wales Fundraising Manager, received a cheque for that amount. The annual dinner auction and raffle was organised by top tenors Douglas Williams and Gareth Thomas, helped by baritone Edwin Williams. Thanking the choir, Eleri Brady said, “Every penny will go towards Macmillan’s work in North Wales. Taking everything into account, it costs around £27 an hour to employ a Macmillan nurse and we have over 50 nurses working in North Wales, as well as our Information Centre in the foyer of Ysbyty Gwynedd.” Said Delyth Humphreys, Côr Meibion Caernarfon’s Musical Director, “Doug, Gareth and Edwin work hard every year to ensure that one of the highlights of our social year also raises money for good causes. This year we acknowledge the excellent work of Macmillan Cancer Support. 
Presenting a cheque for £500 to Macmillan – left to right: Edwin Williams, Gareth Thomas, Eleri Brady (North Wales Fundraising Manager, Macmillans), Douglas Williams, Delyth Humphreys (Musical Director) and Mona Meirion Richards (Choir Accompanist) 
Another table – having a great time! 
The fund raising items included a beautiful model of a cart, hand crafted in wood by top tenor Dei Ellis 
Officers’ table – including the choir’s Musical Director, President, Secretary, Accompanist and Chair |
07.06.16 Two continents united in song in aid of the British Heart Foundation
The event is being hosted by Côr Meibion Caernarfon, who will also perform at the concert. All profits go to British Heart Foundation Cymru to boost their important research work. Lakewood Area Choral Society are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. In an entertaining and varied repertoire they aim “to promote learning and enjoyment of choral music and provide for our audiences superior performances of choral music.” Around 60 American choir members and friends are on tour. They will stay for one night in Caernarfon and visit several tourist attractions, including Caernarfon Castle and the Welsh Highland Railway. Lakewood Choir Conductor, Bob Oster, said “We are all looking forward to visiting Wales and will be travelling to Caernarfon from Dublin, Ireland before moving on to Penrith in the North of England and then on to Scotland.” He added, “We appealed for a local choir to arrange a concert for us in the area and Côr Meibion Caernarfon kindly volunteered to make the arrangements. It’s an added bonus that a very worthy local cause will also benefit.” Tudor Ellis, Chair of the local branch of BHF Cymru, urges members and friends to come to the concert. “The tickets are keenly priced at just £5 each. If we can fill the church, we will raise several hundred pounds towards funding vital scientific research into heart disease – Wales’ biggest killer.” “Tickets can be obtained from BHF Cymru local branch members, members of Côr Meibion Caernarfon and at the door on the evening of the concert. Please come in droves!” Bryn Griffith, Chair of Côr Meibion Caernarfon, added: “The concert will showcase Welsh and American singing at its best. We look forward to uniting two continents through the common language of music.” |
10.12.15 - £935.00 presented to Hospice at Home Gwynedd and Anglesey
This year’s charity Christmas concert by the choirs of Caernarfon and District at St. Mary’s Caernarfon was a resounding success with every ticket sold and not a spare seat in the church. All the proceeds went to Hospice at Home Gwynedd and Anglesey and, at Côr Meibion Caernarfon’s final rehearsal before Christmas, a bucket of money containing £935.00 was presented to Ruth Gilford the local organiser of the charity. Said Ruth Gilford, “I want to thank everyone who took part – Côr Meibion Caernarfon, Côr Cofnod, Côr Dre, the flautist Megan Hunter, the organist Steven Parry and the readers. The money raised will help us care for patients with cancer and life limiting illness.” Bryn Griffith, Chair of Côr Meibion Caernarfon said, “When the town’s Rotary Club closed during the year we took over the arrangements and our Vice Chair, Dafydd Jones, worked exceptionally hard to make sure the popular concert continued.” Said Dafydd Jones, “Raising almost one thousand pound for Hospice at Home made the effort all worthwhile.” |
09.11.2015 - Côr Meibion Caernarfon steps into the breach to safeguard a town tradition It has been a tradition in Caernarfon for many years to hold a Charity Christmas Concert at the beginning of December in the beautiful St Mary’s Church which forms part of the ancient town walls. The concert has always been arranged by the town’s Rotary Club but, with that branch now closed, there was a danger that the event would fall by the wayside. Fortunately, Côr Meibion Caernarfon stepped into the breach and it can be announced that the Christmas concert will be held once more this year – on Friday 4 December at 7.30pm. Taking part will be Côr Meibion Caernarfon, Côr Cofnod and Côr Dre, together with talented young flautist Megan Hunter and readings in the Christmas spirit. Tickets cost £5 with all the proceeds going to Hospice in the Home – Gwynedd and Anglesey. Tickets are available from members of the three choirs, and will also be for sale at the event. Said Bryn Griffith, Chair of Côr Meibion Caernarfon, “It would have been a shame for Caernarfon to lose this tradition. Fortunately our Vice Chair, Dafydd Jones, has worked hard to arrange this year’s concert in our name, as he did many times for the Rotary. “This year’s pattern will be similar to past concerts, but in the future I would like to see the choirs and societies of Caernarfon and district taking it in turn to arrange the event, putting their own stamp on this popular concert.” Said Dafydd Jones, “I’m glad that Côr Meibion Caernarfon have taken on board and rescued this year’s charity Christmas Concert so that tradition continues. For many, it is the real start of our Christmas celebrations.” |
09.11.2015 - Two choirs sing in harmony once again On Saturday 30 May there was a very successful joint concert at Theatr Seilo Caernarfon by Croydon Male Voice Choir and Côr Meibion Caernarfon with all the proceeds given to local children’s cancer charity, Gafael Llaw. The return leg , so to speak, takes place on Saturday 21 November 2015 with Côr Meibion Caernarfon singing in the lovely church of St. Johns, Old Coulston, Croydon. Once again, both choirs will perform several pieces together. Bryn Griffith, Chair of Côr Meibion Caernarfon, said: “Over 50 choir members are travelling to Croydon and we will be staying for two nights in the area. It’s great to see so many new young members on this trip, as there were at our recent concert in Northwich, Cheshire. “Croydon Male Voice Choir describe themselves on their website as “Southern England's most exciting male voice choir”. This will certainly be an exhilarating weekend for us all! |
24.08.2015 - Choir Thrills The World! Côr Meibion Caernarfon got a rousing reception and two encores at the official opening of the Gul Fireball World Championship 2015 at Plas Heli, the Welsh National Sailing Academy in Pwllheli. They were invited to entertain the sailors, their families and friends at the opening evening of the Championship last Saturday evening 22 July. The championship has attracted competitors from all over the world to the Llŷn Peninsula. Said Gareth Roberts, Events Manager at Plas Heli and a first tenor with the choir, “We were keen to give our international guests a taste of Welsh culture and the response of the audience of approximately 300 was enthusiastic – they would not let the choir leave the stage!” Gareth added, “This was the second choir to sing here and the first time for me to try out the acoustics by singing with the choir. It felt really good – not unlike singing in a church. “Plas Heli will be a great venue for musical events, such as the Mynediad am Ddim concert in September of this year and the national Cerdd Dant Festival booked for November 2016. Said Bryn Griffith, Chair of Côr Meibion Caernarfon, “We thank Gareth and Plas Heli for inviting us to take part in the official opening of the championship. It was a great honour, and I’m so pleased with the response of the audience.” |
12.07.15 - Grand Summer Concert in Llangengan Church The amazing sound of a Welsh male voice choir will fill the ancient and beautiful church of Llanengan on Saturday 25 July. There will also be three soloists – three Jones’ as it happens – Raymond, Annest and Glesni. Said Dewi Roberts, one of the concert organisers, “We can expect a popular programme ranging from Welsh hymns to West End show stoppers. The proceeds will go to two very deserving causes, the Bardsey Island Trust and Bro Enlli Parish.” “Llanengan Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Llŷn, looking over Porth Neigwl (Hells Mouth) towards Bardsey Island. The acoustics are excellent and the audience are in for a treat.” He added, “The concert starts at 7.00pm. Tickets are £10 each from Abersoch Post Office and the Sun Inn, Llanengan, or telephone 01758 713893.” |
05.06.15 - Bryn yn parhau… (Welsh version only) Yn wahanol i arweinwyr ambell blaid wleidyddol, mynnodd aelodau Côr Meibion Caernarfon fod eu cadeirydd poblogaidd, Bryn Griffith, yn parhau yn ei swydd am gyfnod estynedig! Bu Bryn o Plas Felin Gerrig, Llanllyfni – Bryn Plas, fel y mae pawb yn ei adnabod - yn aelod o’r côr ers dros ugain mlynedd. Meddai, “Bu’n fraint cael arwain criw mor ymroddedig dros y ddwy flynedd ddiwethaf dan arweiniad ardderchog Delyth Humphreys a’n cyfeilydd, Mona Meirion Richards. “Mae datblygiadau diddorol ar y gweill a ‘dwi’n benderfynol ein bod yn dychwelyd i’r brig cystadleuol a chyngherddol. Bydd denu mwy fyth o aelodau newydd – yn arbennig cantorion profiadol – yn ein helpu i wneud hynny. …a Dafydd yn dychwelyd! Is Gadeirydd newydd Côr Meibion Caernarfon yw Dafydd John Jones. Ers ymddeol fel plismon sawl blwyddyn yn ôl, bu Dafydd yn aelod gweithgar o sawl sefydliad yn nhre’r Cofi, yn cynnwys y Rotari a’r Clwb Golff. Bu’n gadeirydd y côr ddwy waith o’r blaen. Meddai, “Ers dyddiau Ferodo, mae’r côr wedi rhoi Caernarfon ar y map am bron i 50 mlynedd. Mae’n cynnig llawer mwy na chanu – sef cyfeillgarwch. Ar dripiau pell ag agos, mewn cyngherddau mawr a bach, mae’r hwyl a’r boddhad yn donic!” |
14.05.15 - Two choirs sing in harmony for a great cause Theatr Seilo Caernarfon will host two male voice choirs on Saturday 30 May with all proceeds going to the local children’s cancer charity, Gafael Llaw. The choirs are Croydon Male Voice Choir and Côr Meibion Caernarfon. Said Iwan Trefor Jones of Gafael Llaw: “Our charity was formed in June 2013 to support children in their fight against cancer. We donate the money we raise to Dewi Ward, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Alder Hey Hospital and the cancer charity Clic Sargent. He added: “Tickets for the concert are keenly priced at just £5, and can be obtained from Gafael Llaw, Palas Print Caernarfon and members of Côr Meibion Caernarfon. Please come in droves to enjoy good singing and boost our important charity work.” The concert will appeal to all musical tastes and will include choruses from well known musicals, English and Welsh hymns, American spirituals and popular contemporary pieces. The two choirs will perform some songs together. Bryn Griffith, Chair of Côr Meibion Caernarfon, said: “We are delighted to support the excellent work of Gafael Llaw and Croydon Male Voice Choir can expect a warm Welsh welcome in Caernarfon. In November, they will be hosting us on a return visit to South London.” Said Croydon Male Voice Choir Chair, Kim Ormond: “Our party of almost 90 people, including wives and partners, are all looking forward to staying in Caernarfon. On our way to North Wales, we will be singing in Chester Cathedral on the afternoon of 29 May.” |
02.02.15 - WELSH CHOIR IN NORTHWICH VALENTINE’S EVENING CONCERT
Nine times National Eisteddfod of Wales winners, Côr Meibion Caernarfon, will sing a varied and popular programme including Welsh classics and West End show stoppers, led by conductor Delyth Humphreys and accompanist Mona Meirion Richards. Also taking part will be Meinir Wyn Roberts, a talented young soprano from Caernarfon. She recently graduated with first class honours at the Royal Northern College of Music. In 2014 she won the prestigious Osborne Roberts Blue Ribband Award as best young soloist in the National Eisteddfod of Wales. She is now continuing her studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Said Caernarfon Choir Chairman, Bryn Griffith, “On St Valentine’s Day we aim to win the hearts of the people of Northwich and hope that the town’s new two day festival will be a huge success! “The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 from Hearts of Northwich Festival Organisers, Gordon and Angela Atkinson heartsofnorthwich@gmail.com and Julian Williams on 07919921708.” |
One of Wales’ most successful choirs will sing at the Valentine Evening Concert on Saturday 14 February in St Helen’s Church Northwich as part of the inaugural Hearts of Northwich Community Festival.18.11.14 SINGING FOR THEIR SUPPER – A SUPPER FOR THEIR SINGING! The members of Côr Meibion Caernarfon do much more than sing for their supper. Having just returned from a very successful visit to Galway in Ireland two members of the choir are now busily arranging the choir’s annual dinner early in the new year. They are Douglas Williams from Bontnewydd and Gareth Thomas from Llanrug, both from the choir’s first tenor section. Helped by Edwin Williams from Brynsiencyn, one of the choir’s first bases, they are old hands at arranging the annual dinner. And it’s not just the location, the food and the entertainment they have on their plate. As part of the event they raise a great deal of money for good causes. Said Gareth, “This year we donated £328.65 to the British Heart Foundation. Last year and the year before we gave similar sums to the Wales Air Ambulance and Cancer Research.” Doug says, “We are very grateful to everyone donating items to be raffled and those who buy the tickets. We will soon be asking for your help again to support our 2015 charity.” Choir Chairman Bryn Griffith said, “These events arranged under the leadership of Gareth and Doug are a good example of the social life as well as the singing and concerts enjoyed by choir members. He added, “Côr Meibion Caernarfon would like compete in the big choir section of the National Eisteddfod held in Meifod, Powys next August. We are therefore keen to increase our numbers by around ten. No large choir from this area has competed in the big choir competition for a while, and it’s time for that to change.” |
14.10.14 A feast of Welsh music / Féasta de cheol na Breataine Bige. 50 Welsh male voice singers and a harpist with a €60,000 golden harp will provide a feast of entertainment at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway on Friday 31 October, starting at 8.00pm. Côr Meibion Caernarfon will sing a varied and popular programme led by their conductor Delyth Humphreys and accompanist Mona Meirion Richards. The 9 times National Eisteddfod of Wales winners last appeared at the Town Hall 12 years ago. Said choir Chairman, Bryn Griffith, “Caernarfon in north west Wales is a World Heritage Centre because of our magnificent castle. The choir members come from a variety of occupations, including lawyers, teachers, mechanics, farmers, administrators and retired people. Every member speaks Welsh.” Bryn added, “We have fond memories of the great Irish welcome we received on our previous visit to Galway city including a standing ovation and several encores at the concert. “Performing with us this time will be the gifted harpist, Dafydd Huw. His golden harp is worth €60,000, but his musical talent is priceless. He will be playing music from the traditional to the modern, from Welsh folk-songs to musical show favourites.” |
15.09.14 A good year... and even better to come! During the last twelve months a dozen new members have joined Côr Meibion Caernarfon. There are now 60 members on the books. But as the choir reconvenes this autumn, the door is still open to new members – both tenors and bases. Says Choir Chairman, Bryn Griffith, “Under the guidance of Delyth Humphreys and Mona Meirion Richards, the choir is in very good spirits. It’s encouraging to see so many new faces – young and not so young – in our two hour Tuesday night rehearsals in Galeri, Caernarfon. “However, we’re not resting on our laurels. If you like singing, join our ranks and experience the pleasure first hand! You’ll receive all the help you need to settle in and learn the choir’s popular repertoire. The first year membership is free for new members.” Bryn added, “There are exciting years ahead for Côr Meibion Caernarfon as we approach our 50th anniversary. We have trip to Ireland at the end of October and discussions are well advanced about a possible visit to Holland next year. “Most of our members come from Caernarfon and the nearby villages. Others travel from places further afield such as Dwyfor and Ynys Môn. Several members sing in more than one choir. “We have members from most walks of life. As well as singing, it’s an excellent place to get advice about anything under the sun! “To join, come to our Tuesday night practice at 7.45pm in Galeri, Caernarfon, talk to any member of the choir, ring me on 01286 880291 or visit our website www.cormeibioncaernarfon.org You won’t regret it!” Photos and quotes from three new members - Emyr Davies, Rhun Dafydd and Gruff Lovgreen:
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Emyr Davies from Anglesey, but now living in Caernarfon. He is a partner in the NFU Mutual Insurance office in Llangefni and Regional NFU Officer for Ynys Môn. A guitarist in a Welsh group, he is also a photography and travel enthusiast. He is currently busily arranging a round the world honeymoon holiday to take place after his wedding in January.
Rhun Dafydd from Groeslon is Production Manager with Gwasg Dwyfor, Penygroes – a busy local printing firm which employs four people. As well as singing with the choir, Rhun is a keen football supporter and has just returned from seeing Wales’ 2-1 win in Andorra with Hogia Dyffryn Nantlle.
Gruff Lovgreen from Caernarfon works for television company Cwmni Da in their state of the art headquarters in Victoria Dock.17.02.14 - CHOIR’S SUCCESSFUL RECRUITMENT DRIVE Eight new members have joined Côr Meibion Caernarfon over the past two months raising the total number of singers to almost sixty. The choir is currently recruiting members in every section. “But, says Chairman, Bryn Griffith, “though the initial response has been most encouraging, our Musical Director, Delyth Humphreys is still looking for more members to strengthen each section, in particular for bottom bases and top tenors.” Bryn added, “It’s great to see so many young people joining the choir. The first event for most of them will be the Charity Concert of the Chairman of Gwynedd Council, Councillor Huw Edwards – a long serving choir member – at Galeri, Caernarfon on Saturday evening 8 March 2014.” The new members are Rhun Dafydd from Groeslon, a printer at Gwasg Dwyfor, Penygroes (base); Siôn Inch, an apprentice plumber from Penygroes (baritone); Malcolm Williams from Penygroes, a mobile maintenance officer with Cymdeithas Tai Eryri (tenor); Ian Pierce from Caernarfon, a retired headteacher (second tenor); Gruff Lovgreen from Caernarfon, a member of staff of television production company Cwmni Da (base) and Emyr Davies from Tregaian Anglesey, Regional Secretary with NFU Cymru (top tenor). Retired GP, Dr Huw Roberts, the Choir’s President, has joined the baritones after many years of service in the background. And Now Parry from Caernarfon – one of the founding members of Côr Meibion Ferodo –has made a welcome return to the ranks of the second tenors. In appealing for yet more new members, Bryn Griffith added, “Côr Meibion Caernarfon is a great place to sing and socialise. If you are interested in joining just come along to one of our rehearsals at 7.45pm in Galeri Caernarfon. Or contact us through our website www.cormeibioncaernarfon.org" |
September 2013 - Epsom audience “bowled over” by Caernarfon choir performance! Côr Meibion Caernarfon received a standing ovation at the end of a very successful concert in Epsom Playhouse, Surrey last Saturday 21 September. Tickets were at a premium in the 450 seat Surrey theatre and the audience included many expatriate Welsh people and members of local choirs. It all started when Gwen Saxby, a voluntary steward at Epsom Playhouse, attended a Caernarfon choir rehearsal in Galeri while on holiday in the town. So enthusiastic was her praise when she returned to Surrey that theatre manager Elaine Teague invited the choir to perform a one off concert in the town. Elaine Teague said “Gwen was bowled over by the choir and thought it was a great shame their choral music tradition could not be shared with a Surrey audience. I am delighted that Côr Meibion Caernarfon accepted the invitation to sing in our lovely theatre. Their show was immensely enjoyed by all.” After the concert, Gwen Saxby had no regrets about persuading the theatre manager to book the choir. “It was wonderful and I wish their performance had lasted another hour!”, she said. Under the baton of musical director Delyth Humphreys with Mona Meirion Richards on the piano, the choir sang a varied programme of music in Welsh, English and Africaans. Additional items were given by accomplished harpist Dafydd Huw Jones. Said choir Chair, Bryn Griffith, “We stayed for two nights at a Weybridge hotel and the trip was a social as well as a musical success. Everyone was kind and welcoming and we would love the chance to do it again.” |
June 2013 - Two choirs and an international reunion in Criccieth on Sunday 7 July On Sunday 7 July 2013 at 8pm in Criccieth Memorial Hall there will be “A Feast of Singing” in an international concert by Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir and Côr Meibion Caernarfon. The concert will be particularly emotional for Gwyn Roberts, founder of the Canadian Choir. He comes from Y Fron near Caernarfon and spent 22 years as a member of Côr Meibion Caernarfon, ten of them as its Chairman. Because of his unique contribution on both sides of the Atlantic, Gwyn Roberts has been made an honorary life member of both choirs. “Although many of the current members still lay claim to Welsh connections, we now have members from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds. Our regular Wednesday evening rehearsals are held in Dewi Sant Welsh United Church Toronto.” Gwyn adds, “Our six concert tour of Wales is the result of many months of planning. Criccieth on 7 July is the first. We then sing in the “Stiwt” Rhosllanerchrugog on 9/7 and Ysgol y Berwyn Bala on 11/7. Says Bryn Griffith, present Chairman of Côr Meibion Caernarfon, “We look forward to our reunion with Gwyn. He made a distinguished contribution to this choir before moving to Canada. He then worked hard to ensure the success of our Canadian tour a few years ago.” |
May 2013 - International spring for Côr Meibion Caernarfon Spring is very much an international affair for Côr Meibion Caernarfon. Says Choir Chairman, Bryn Griffith, “Our May concert in Theatr Seilo with the Royal Hengelo Male Voice Choir from the Netherlands was a huge success followed by a very enjoyable social evening. “At the beginning of June, we will be singing to visitors as part of a series of concerts in St John’s Church, Llandudno. We then sing with a choir of young people from the United States in Caernarfon Catholic Church in mid June. During the first week in July, we look forward to welcoming the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir. Gwyn Roberts, the Canadian choir’s founder, is a former Chair of Côr Meibion Caernarfon. “To continue the international theme, our weekly Tuesday night rehearsal at Galeri, Caernarfon are well attended by appreciative visitors. We receive regular requests to attend via our website. “A group of American tourists comes every week and they were joined last week by another group from Germany. “Male voice choirs are a popular tourist attraction and it is a pleasure to give a taste of Welsh culture to visitors from all over the world. After buying our CDs they take home fond memories of their visit to Caernarfon.” |
May 2013 - Côr Meibion Caernarfon is seeking new members Côr Meibion Caernarfon wants to recruit new members in every section – especially top tenors and bottom bases. Says Choir Chairman, Bryn Griffith, “We are inviting singers of all ages, experienced and inexperienced, from near and far to join the choir. It does not matter if they have not sung in a choir before, as long as they have a decent singing voice. Experienced singers are welcome to join us in addition to their existing choir. “Our rehearsals take place every Tuesday night in Galeri, Caernarfon from 7.45pm for approximately two hours led by our Musical Director, Delyth Humphreys and accompanist Mona Meirion Richards. Bryn Griffith adds, “You will receive a warm welcome and make good friends in Côr Meibion Caernarfon. Since I joined the choir, I’ve had the pleasure of singing with world renowned soloists in the best concert halls in the UK, including the Symphony Hall Birmingham, St David’s Hall Cardiff and the Albert Hall in London. The choir has experienced many eisteddfod successes and travelled widely in the UK, Ireland, continental Europe and North America. “Our members include craftsmen, teachers, policemen, farmers, local government officers, solicitors, builders, accountants, factory workers and quite a few who have retired. It’s a place where you can receive help and advice about every matter under the sun! “The years ahead will be exiting for Côr Meibion Caernarfon as we approach our 50th anniversary. To express an interest in joining please phone me on 01286 880291" |
April 2013 - Dutch male voice choir sings in Caernarfon It’s not only flowers that will be coming to Wales from Holland this spring. A famous Dutch male voice choir will also be visiting Caernarfon in early May. Koninklijk Hengelo Mannenkoor (also known as KHM) (the Hengelo Royal Male Voice Choir) was established over 125 years ago in 1886. Its 70 members sing a wide repertoire ranging from operatic pieces and musical show arrangements to folk songs and carols. Says Dafydd Les Hughes, Secretary of Côr Meibion Caernarfon, who is arranging this part of the visit, “Hengelo Choir and family members will be here from 2-6 May. They will perform in a “Feast of Singing” concert at Theatr Seilo, Caernarfon on Saturday 4, starting at 7.30pm. There are over 100 people the Dutch party. We look forward to welcoming them all, and to sing and socialise together. Tickets for the concert are bound to be in short supply so order them quickly from Palas Print Bookshop Caernarfon or any member of Caernarfon choir. The price is £5. Dafydd Les added, “The town of Hengelo is in east Netherlands close to the German border. With a population of over 80,000 it is strategically located on the A1/E30 Euroroute from Amsterdam to Moscow. The centre was heavily bombed during the second world war but the town’s many shops and cultural centres are flourishing once more.” |
April 2013 - Côr Meibion Caernarfon elects new chair The new Chair of Côr Meibion Caernarfon is Bryn Griffith of Plas Felin Gerrig, Llanllyfni – Bryn Plas as he is known to all. He has been a member of the choir for over twenty years. Bryn said, “Since retiring from my work as Development Manager with Cymdeithas Tai Eryri, I have more time to devote to my other interests – farming, singing and being a grandfather of two.” He added, “In the baritone section I’ve learnt lots of classical and popular pieces and have travelled widely in the UK and abroad. Just as importantly, the choir has been an excellent place to make new friends. I was warmly welcomed from day one.” “It’s a great honour to be elected Chair of such a successful choir. I wish to thank my predecessor, Dafydd Jones for filling the post with dignity and humour over the past two years.” |
Sunday September 23 2012 We had our first concert following the Summer break at St Mary's Church Betws y Coed in front of a full and enthusiastic audience. The concert is the last of the series of concerts held at the Church each year between July and September to entertain visitors to the area and it ihas been our privilege each year to close the series. Each year we have been inviting the winner of our Caernarfon Young Musician of the Year (which is sponsored by the Choir) to accompany us but this year we gave the young singer from Paradwys, Anglesey Lucy Kelly to sing with us. She sang a total of ten songs in Welsh and English, including a number of hits from the West End, and these were warmly received by the audience. The Choir practises every Tuesday evening at the Galeri Caernarfon - there is a warm welcome for both new members and visitors to join us at 7.45pm |
Dates for your diary: September 23rd at 8pm Concert at St Mary's Church , Betws y Coed December 7th at 7.30pm Rotary Club Annual Christmas Concert, St Mary's Church Caernarfon |
Visit to Germany One of the highlights of 2011 was the choir’s visit to Germany between 26 July and 1 August. There were three successful concerts, one of them in the church where Johann Sebastian Bach got married. The choir were invited to central Germany by visitors who came to a choir rehearsal in Galeri, Caernarfon. As well as the concerts, the choir visited Berlin and the infamous Colditz Castle. |
September 2010 After many months of discussions, at last the choir’s new website is ready to be launched. The choir would like to thank Delwedd, (www.delwedd.co.uk) a website design company from Caernarfon for sponsoring the choir by creating and hosting the new website at no cost to the choir. After this year’s summer break we had our first concert on the 10th of September at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, when we entertained students and lecturers from Coleg Menai, and from a number of other colleges in a presentations evening. A number of the choristers followed this with a fine curry and a couple of Cobras at one of Llandudno’s best Indian restaurants ! |
May 2010 On May 15th 2010 we enjoyed a very successful concert in Wordsley, near Birmingham. This was the third time we had been invited to sing in Wordsley, and as usual the church was full, and the audience was very enthusiastic. At least a dozen CDs were sold on the night. The majority of the choir stayed the night and a very enjoyable one it was. |
March 14 2009 Concert in Caernarfon with Kidderminster Choir |
September A New Conductor for the Choir On the 2nd of September Delyth Williams from Groeslon near Caernarfon started as the choir’s new conductor. Delyth is 29 years of age and is a music teacher at Ysgol Eifionydd, Porthmadog. We hope that her experience of teaching small children will be of great use when trying to keep control of a room full of our choristers ( some people have said that it should not be very different !!!!) |
July Last Concert with the Choir for Menai Williams The concert in Landerne and the recording with Bryn Terfel were the last time for Menai Williams to conduct the choir. Menai has decided to retire from the post of conductor after a period of 15 years conducting Caernarfon Male Voice Choir. We are very grateful to her for what she has achieved with the choir, including winning at the National Eisteddfod several times, but also for raising the musical standard of the choir quite considerably. Under her leadership Caernarfon Male Voice Choir has become famous for the quality of sound it produces, and we look forward to hearing the fruits of her labour on the new CD. Recording with Bryn Terfel, Caernarfon To bring the choir’s season to an end in the Summer of 2008 we recorded a song with Bryn Terfel as the soloist. We recorded the song in our practice room at Galeri, Caernarfon and it will be on the television sometime this Autumn. Veterans Day Caernarfon As last year the choir was invited to sing at the ‘Veterans Day’ celebrations in Caernarfon, which is a special day to remember and celebrate our armed forces. Trip to Brest and Landerne in Brittany Between the 10th and 14th of July the Choir went on a trip to Brittany, visiting the city of Brest and the town of Landerne which is twinned with Caernarfon. We were staying in Brest and we went to Brest2008 which was a large maritime festival with hundreds of boats and ships of all sizes, and was very interesting, and then we took part in a festival of singing and dancing through the streets of Landerne before singing in a concert in a church in Landerne ( we went on stage at 11.45 at night !!!) During the concert the choir sang the national anthem of Brittany, which is sung on the same tune as Land of My Fathers. |
March to July Recording the new CD During the year the choir has been recording songs for a new CD which will be released shortly. |
June Concert with the Rhos Ladies Choir On the 21st of the month a concert was held ar St. Mary’s Church, Caernarfon with the Rhos Ladies Choir from Rhosllannerchrugog. The Rhos Ladies Choir is a very special choir and there was great praise for the concert, but it has been a bit difficult finding any information about them on the Internet – it’s high time they had a website !! A very enjoyable evening followed at the Sailing Club in Caernarfon. |
May Concert in Wordsley Another opportunity for a concert in Wordsley. The choir has had several invitations to this area to sing and as usual the church ( and the car park ) were full to overflowing. We had a very interesting night thereafter in a local pub with a mountain to chips to eat. |
April Concert for the Samaritans As one of the choir’s members works with the Samaritans, he arranged a concert to support them, and the choir took part with the Gwynedd and Anglesey Youth Brass Band, a very impressive young band, of a very high standard. |
March Concert in Swindon A very successful concert was arranged in Swindon with the Swindon Male Voice Choir and afterwards both choirs enjoyed a night of singing at a local hotel, before we started the long journey home the following day. Swindon Male Voice Choir are coming to Caernarfon to sing in 2009 |
February Concert in Shrewsbury A concert was arranged in the Music Hall, Shrewsbury on the 23rd of February to celebrate St. David’s Day. The soloists were the tenor Robin Lyn Evans and the soprano Gwawr Edwards, with her sister Menna Rhys Griffiths accompanying. This was followed by a very enjoyable evening in the company of the Welsh people of Shrewsbury and also the notable tenor Dafydd Edwards, who is Gwawr and Menna’s father. http://www.bbc.co.uk/cymru/eisteddfod2007/sites/lluniau-sadwrn2/pages/lluniau_sadwrn.shtml?12 - Robin Lyn Concert celebrating the Choir’s 40th Birthday To celebrate the choir’s 40th birthday a concert was arranged in Galeri, Caernarfon on the 2nd of the month with top class soloists, namely David Kempster, Baritone and Sarah-Jane Davies, Soprano and the exceptionally talented accompanist Annette Bryn Parry. Born in South Wales, Sarah had her early education in Caernarfon. She is a soprano with a glittering career ahead of her and she represented Wales in the ‘Cardiff Singer of the World’ competition in 2007. http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/cardiffsinger/sites/2007/pages/wales.shtml David Kempster comes from Chirk in North Wales and he has also represented Wales at the y ‘Cardiff Singer of the World’ in 1999 and recently he was singing in a concert to celebrate the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen. http://www.hazardchase.co.uk/artists/david_kempster The choir knows the accompanist Annette Bryn Parry well as we have been performing on the same stage as her several times, and she is one of the best accompanists in the country. http://cy.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annette_Bryn_Parri The concert was a great success, and we are now looking forward to the concert to celebrate our 50th !!! |
January A Dinner celebrating the Choir’s 40th birthday On the 19th of January everyone connected with the choir came together at the Celtic Royal Hotel in Caernarfon to celebrate the choir’s 40th Birthday. We had a very successful night with excellent food, and afterwards certificates were presented to members who had been with the choir since the start, and to the Conductor and Accompanist. The guest speaker was Winstone Roddick C.B., Q.C. who is one of the choir’s Vice Presidents. Ath the end of the night after they had finished their own concert at Galeri, Caernarfon we were joined by the Ruthin Mixed Choir and we all enjoyed a night of singing to celebrate our birthday. |
December Rotary Christmas Concert, Caernarfon On the 7th of December we sang at a concert to celebrate Christmas arranged by the town’s Rotary Club. The audience was entertained also by Cor Cofnod, a ladies choir from the Caernarfon area and by the soloist. |
October Entertaining a Conference at Venue Cymru, Llandudno On the 2nd of October the choir entertained about 400 people from the tourism industry who were attending a conference at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on the invitation of the Welsh Assembly. There were people from all over the world there and they were very interested in learning more about the choir and about Wales' choral tradition. |
September Concert at St. Mary’s Church, Betws y Coed On the last day of September we performed at the annual concert at St. Mary’s Church, Betws y Coed to bring to a close their series of choral concerts, and as usual the church was full, including visitors from 14 countries such as Australia. America, New Zealand and many others. Thanks go to our soloist Meinir Roberts, a young singer with an exceptional voice. See the photographs page, and for those of you who are not familiar with the beautiful countryside around Betws y Coed here are a few webpages describing the area. http://www.bbc.co.uk/cymru/gogleddorllewin/safle/betwsycoed/pages/lluniau.shtml?4 Concert with the Tennessee Mens Chorale On the 22nd of September our choir sang in an excellent concert with the Tennessee Mens Chorale in the Pritchard Jones Hall, Bangor. Their choir includes members from across the state of Tennessee and even though they only rehearse about 4 times a year they had a very special sound. Their choir is touring North Wales for about 10 days, singing in chapels and in another two concerts with Cor Meibion yTraeth and Cor Meibion y Rhos. Our members were amazed to hear their organiser talking to our choir in fluent Welsh even though he was an American, and then to see that the programme and the cover of their CD were both bilingual – Welsh and English – good for him ! ( see photographs ) and for more:- |
July ‘Veterans Day’ in Caernarfon On the 14th of July the town of Caernarfon was full of ex-members of the armed forces who were celebrating a special ‘Veterans Day’ to remember all those who have been in the forces over the years. An open air Service was held in the prescence of the Mayor of Caernarfon and numerous other invitees, before moving on to a large marquee on Slate Quay where the choir entertained the audience ( see the Photographs page) Concert with Cor L’Essenelle from Belgium On the 13th of July the Cor L’essenelle choir from Esneux near Liege in Belgium came to sing in St. Mary’s Church in Caernarfon. This choir was established in 1961 and in 1977 became part of “A Coer Joie” and chose the name L’Essenelle. The choir sings a mixture of classical, religious, folk, traditional and jazz music. After the concert we heard more from the choir whilst singing with our members at the town’s Sailing Club and many thanks to the club for preparing such a wonderful buffet. ( see Photographs page) |
June 2007 Concert with the Band of the Welsh Guards On the 28th of June our choir performed for a packed house in a joint concert with the Band of the Welsh Guards at Galeri, Caernarfon. The concert was part of the ‘Welsh Guards Band Kape Tour’ and was very well received by the audience. Social Evening at Vernon's place On the 16th of June we held a social evening for the choir at 'Vernon's place', namely Llain Meddygon and we must extend our thanks to Vernon ( second Tenor ) for cleaning out the sheep shed and providing such a suitable location. We had excellent food ( Hog Roast ) and entertainment from Hogia'r Bonc who are a group of singers from Bethesda, North Wales who entertain by singing traditional and popular Welsh songs. Thanks also to Walt (second tenor in our choir and a member of Hogia'r Bonc ) for bringing the lads to sing. |
Evening of Song At the beginning of May a mixed choir from Langhus in Norway visited Britain and their first visit was to the town of Caernarfon. They had asked to meet our choir and that night we all had a very enjoyable night of singing at the Stables Hotel, Llanwnda. Who knows, perhaps we will get an invitation to Norway one day ( click here to see photographs ). |
A new Committee and Chairman for the choir
Chairman – Owain Wyn Owain Wyn ( Baritone ) was elected Chairman for the next two years. Originally from Anglesey, Owain Wyn was trained as a Town Planner and is now self employed in Caernarfon as a Business Consultant. The Owain Wyn Consultancy Service offer “ a range of consultancy services for business, voluntary sector and public bodies including strategic planning, marketing and project evaluation”. email – owainwyn@globalnet.co.uk He has been a loyal member of the choir for many years and now has two busy years in front of him as the choir is celebrating 40 years since its formation and we have many celebratory events planned over the next two years. Officers of the Choir
The Committee
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Following the Annual General Meeting recently a new Committee and Chairman for the choir were elected.St. David’s Day Concert On St. David’s day this year we held a concert at the new Llanwnda Community Centre which was built recently. It was a very successful evening when the choir sang with two soloists Casi Wyn and on the harp. We were given a very warm welcome and an excellent feast by the officers of the centre after the concert. Following the success of this evening the choir has decided to try and arrange a number of Community Concerts in local halls around Caernarfon. |
Sweden Trip The choir recently returned from a very enjoyable trip to Linköping and Stockholm in Sweden, where we sang in a concert at the Missionskyrkan centre in Linköping. The choir were assisted by guest accompanist Sioned Webb and by Dafydd Huw the renowned harpist who also performed solo items on the harp. The choir would like to thank both for their excellent performances, and Sioned in particular for helping out at the last minute. |
October 2006 Choir wins many Plaudits The Choir’s reputation has gone one notch higher following recent public performances. On April 1st the Choir appeared with Bryn Terfel, Catrin Finch and others to help celebrate the official opening of Y Galeri (see galericaernarfon.com). The performance included its recently commissioned piece Caernarfon -celebrating the town’s unique contribution to Wales and the world. And on Saturday April 30th the Choir again sang the song on S4C’s Noson Lawen. |
Contact Us
Iolo W. Thomas (Choir Secretary)
Bodafon
Ffordd y Gogledd
Caernarfon
LL55 1BE
Phone Number: 01286 675333
email: iolowatcyn@gmail.com
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