CAMBRIAN MALE VOICE CHOIR Tonypandy Rhondda
Late in the 19th century, the discovery of coal rich seams in the Rhondda Valley resulted in a mass migration to the once idyllic landscaped area. Within the valley, in the small village of Clydach Vale, a choir of over a hundred men was formed by the employees of the local colliery and became ‘The Cambrian Colliery Cambrian Colliery Male Choir’. Clydach Vale Rhondda The choir continued to grow throughout the early 20th century. They were very active in the arena of local and National Eisteddfodau and gained the reputation of being an elite male choir.
In 1930, 1931 and 1932 it set a unique record as the first choir to win at the National Eisteddfod for three consecutive years.
Cambrian Male Voice Choir 1932
With the onset of World War II the choir disbanded. The present choir was reformed in 1947 under the baton of Mr D.R.Lewis a young man of exceptional talent and dedication. Within three years the choir grew in strength to 110 voices.
Unfortunately shortly after reforming there became a shortage of ‘top tenors’. The choir made the extremely difficult decision to disband. Undeterred, with a determined and resolute attitude, a number of them reformed immediately under the name ‘Cambrian Gleemen’ with about 40 voices.
The first members of the Cambrian Male Choir 1947/48 with David Rhys Lewis (Conductor) front row on the extreme left. It quickly re-established the tradition of performing at Eisteddfodau, charity performances, appearing on television and singing regularly on radio etc. Many of the celebrities who sang in concert with the choir were world famous names amongst whom were – Sir Geraint Evans, Elizabeth Vaughan, Charles Craig and Delme Bryn Jones .
In the competitive field the choir won numerous prizes in Eisteddfodau, they grew in number and in stature and were once again named ‘Cambrian Male Choir’
Throughout the history of the mining industry many workers were maimed and killed due to the arduous nature of the work. The Cambrian Colliery had more than its fair share of deaths and the choir lost many men as a result. In 1965, 32 miners lost their lives at the No.1 Pit. Though none of the miners were members of the choir, it had a profound effect on the choristers lives as well as the community of Rhondda as a whole. Membership dwindled and interest was at low ebb, when their conductor left them the choir hung together by a thread. In the years to follow, their pianist Mrs Muriel Rees was their rock and the choir began to break new ground musically. Pianist and Musical Director Mrs Muriel Rees with the choir in 1971
One of the choristers, Mr E. Davies took over the conductorship for a while and in 1973 a new conductor was appointed, Mr Paul Bennett. In him they found an exceptional music director and new ideas were soon formulated.
In1978 present musical director Mr Fred Nicholas, joined the choir. Fred initially was only going to stay three months, to help the choir with a forthcoming tour to Miami. Fortunately he is still with us. Our present day accompanist Mr Brian James hails from another small mining village of Cwmaman in the Aberdare Valley.
The choir activities are various and widespread. They have sung on numerous occasions at the Festivals of 1000 voices at the Royal Albert Hall.
They have given concerts across the length and breadth of Britain and have performed concert tours in America, Germany and Canada. They still take great pleasure in the fact that they were the first Welsh choir to perform in Disneyworld Florida. In Germany, they have formed a lasting friendship with a choir there, the Frohsinn Male Voice Choir in Simmern and have reciprocated by hosting the Frohsinn in Rhondda several times.
Amongst other events the choir participated in a stage production of the works of the author Gwyn Thomas. Actor Glyn Houston required a local choir to help him with the production and he chose the Cambrian.
The choir has also participated in the Welsh Association of Male Voice Choirs ‘Choir of the Year’ Competition, winning the title on two consecutive occasions. They were the Majestic Choir Competition Runners Up in 2008.
The Choir has also taken part in the Festival of Welsh Voices held at the Royal Albert Hall, London in October 2010. They have also been part of Festival of Remembrance both locally in Rhondda as well as The National Festival in Cardiff. Their last tour was of Scotland in April 2010.
We have recently returned from a very successful tour to Malta in April 2013.
Welsh Festival of Remembrance Cardiff. November 2010 Musical Director - Mr Frederick Nicholas
Fred Nicholas was educated at Tonypandy Grammar School and is a graduate of the University of Wales. He joined the Cambrian in 1979 and held the post of Head of Music at Bryncelynnog Comprehensive School until his retirement in 2012.
An accomplished brass player he has conducted several brass bands including Lewis Merthyr, Rogerstone and Ynyshir.
He has appeared on T.V and BBC Radio Wales where he featured in the first of a new series, “First Hand” which gave insight into his commitment to musical activities.
He has also had a long association with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.
Fred’s musical skills have been essential to the choir’s progress and his enthusiasm for producing variable and exciting repertoire has guided Cambrian into the new millennium.
Accompanist - Mr Brian James
Brian took over as accompanist from Mrs Stella Willey. He was born and still lives in the village of Cwmaman in the Cynon Valley. He is an accomplished pianist and actor. Brian studied privately with the London College of Music winning several prizes and regularly plays the organ at the local parish Church of St. Joseph’s in Cwmaman. He was a founder member of Cwmaman Operatic Society in 1968 where he was their accompanist before taking over as their Musical Director. In 1989 he became Musical director of Mid Rhondda Operatic Society until 1999 when he returned to Cwmaman opera for a production of “Meet me in St. Louis” which was part of the events for the newly refurbished theatre which was re- opened by a visit of Prince Charles. As an actor his many roles have ranged from farce to Shakespeare, he also has turned his hand to directing plays.
To book the choir or to get further information :
Email: [email protected]
Tel: Peter Davey (Secretary) on 01443 670097: or Tel: Linden Evans (Chairman) on 01443 670044
Our website: www.cambrianmalechoir.org.uk