Caldicot Male Voice Choir will once again take part in the Festival of Massed Male Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall on 27th April.
As part of the preparation it took part in a rehearsal at the Coleg Cymenudol yr Dderwen in Tondu on the 3rd March immediately following its St. David’s Day concert at Redwick.
Attended by over 400 choristers from all over South Wales and parts of England they were put through their paces by conductor Alwyn Humphreys, accompanied by Caradog Williams by practicing all the songs that will be sung at the Royal Albert Hall.
As a reflection of all the hard work done previously at local practices under the guidance of the local musical directors, the rehearsal was a great success and proceeded smoothly right through to the end, although ‘Kwmbayah’ needed some intensive work to reach perfection.
The next practice will be again at the College in Tondu on April 14th and Alwyn has dictated that copies of the pieces will not be allowed, so much work still to do!
Photos by Colleen Gauntlett
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On Saturday 2nd March Caldicot Male Voice Choir was delighted to be invited to perform its St David’s Day concert at the beautiful, historic and ancient church of St Thomas at Redwick in the marshes south of Newport. The concert was arranged to raise funds for the much needed Church restoration project.
The site has been a place of worship since Saxon times and over many hundreds of years the Grade 1 listed building has seen many additions to its form and structure, even surviving a great flood in January 1607 which drowned over 2000 people.
Hosted by John Evans, of the Church Council included in two short intermissions a brief history of the Church and an appreciative description of the choir and its achievements.
The Choir, conducted by Musical Director Siȃn Hatton and Assistant Musical Director Shirley Anne James, accompanied by Olivia Dance and John Nicholson, gave a varied performance from its wide repertoire including Welsh hymns, songs from musicals, Spirituals, rousing ‘African Prayer’, the ever popular ‘A Miner’s Song’ and the wonderful poem by Waldo Williams ‘Y Tangnefeddwyr’ to a near full house of an appreciative and enthusiastic audience which has asked that the Choir return for a repeat performance.
The Church, with its unique historic architecture, high vaulted ceiling and incredible acoustics provided a wonderful venue and makes a return a distinct possibility.
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Early in the morning of 27th February Caldicot Male Voice Choir slowly made its way along the M4 to perform at an exhibition of Food and Drink at the Tesco Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City at the request of the Welsh Government’s Food Division. This is responsible for promoting Welsh Food and Drink in Wales, the UK and internationally.
Its vision is to create a strong and vibrant Welsh food and drink sector with a global reputation for excellence, having one of the most environmentally and socially responsible supply chains in the world.
Conducted by Siȃn Hatton and Shirley Anne James and accompanied by Olivia Dance making her concert debut since joining the choir in January, the Choir performed two sessions in the atrium of the headquarters and included Welsh favourites; ‘Rachie’, ‘Anfonaf Angel’, ‘Y Darlun’ and ‘Cwm Rhondda’. Also included among others were ’You’ll Never Walk Alone’; ‘World in Union’, ‘African Prayer’ and ‘A Miner’s Song’, appreciated and applauded by all who were there.
To complete the theme of Welsh Food and Drink, the second part saw the choristers uniquely and appropriately resplendent in bright red Welsh aprons but fortunately they weren’t involved in any cooking.
Following the exhibition, the choir made a welcome return to the George Inn at Lambourn, where it had sung only two weeks before, to partake of further refreshment provided by the landlord and provide the local residents with another round of ‘afterglow’ singing led by chorister David Gould.
It was a fabulous but exhausting day out for the choir and thoroughly enjoyed by all who made the trip. May we do so again?
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Caldicot Male Voice Choir has sung in many prestigious events and venues including International Sports Stadia, The Royal Albert Hall, (to which it will return on April 27th this year), huge Cathedrals and Churches and Concert Halls throughout this country, the USA, Canada and across Europe, not to mention the National Eisteddfod stage, but few of these compare to the wonderful welcome and enthusiasm for our singing given by the villagers of Catbrook, high up and hidden in the dense forests of the Wye Valley. Venues such as these remind us of the humble roots of the great tradition that is Welsh male voice singing.
After an absence of 6 years due to Covid restrictions, the choristers wound their way on two buses through the long and winding forest roads (again in the dark and rain) to arrive at the small Catbrook Memorial Hall to entertain an audience of about fifty villagers who always greet the choir with a warm and encouraging welcome.
Conducted by Siân Hatton and Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson, the programme not only included songs such as ‘Anfonaf Angel’ and ‘Benedictus’ written by Robat Arwyn but also included contrasting performances of ‘African Prayer’, ’16 Tons’, ‘A Miner’s Song’ by Dan and Laura Curtis, ‘Yma O Hyd’ by Dafydd Iwan, ‘Cwm Rhondda’ of course and ‘Bring Him Home’, ’76 Trombones’, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and ‘This is the Moment’ from various stage shows showing the versatility and variety of the Choir’s singing repertoire. A solo performance was also made by Siân Hatton who recited the humorous two verses of the poem ‘The Lion and Albert’ by Marriott Edgar much to the delight of the enthusiastic audience.
The concert was followed by a traditional ‘Afterglow’ in which choristers and the audience are entertained by a mix of unaccompanied choir singing led by John Nicholson
Once again, the choir left to the plaintive strains of ‘On the bus, on the bus’, with the hope that it will not be another six years before it will return.
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On Thursday 21st December the choir closed its seasonal Christmas programme by making its way to the Two Rivers Hotel for the first time to present the regulars and diners with a selection of Christmas Carols and Songs.
Conducted by Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson the choir included favourites such as ‘Joy to the World’, ‘Casatschok’, the Johnny Mathis favourite ‘When a Child is Born, ‘God Rest You Merry Gentlemen’, ‘Silver Bells’, Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’ ‘Little Drummer Boy’ and ‘A Christmas Medley’ which included Jingle Bells as a finale. The patrons were invited to join in to sing alongside the choir with carols ‘Away in a Manger’, ‘O Come all ye faithful’ and ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’.
This was the first time the choir had visited the hotel and hopes to be invited again next year. The carol singing was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present.
In 2024, as well as its popular Annual and local concerts the choir will be appearing in the Festival of Massed Voices at the Royal Albert Hall on April 27th and returning to St Andrews Church in Harrow in May after an absence of ten years.
Meanwhile Caldicot Male Voice Choir wishes you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda.
The Choir will return to practice on January 8th.
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Lyn stood in the middle of the road to take this while Ben looked out for traffic (far left).
Mentioned in the poem ‘Usk’ by T.S. Eliot, the 15th century, family run White Hart Village Inn in Llangybi once owned by Henry VIII and part of his dowry to Jane Seymour, has in its long history echoed to the sound of the chants of Cistercian Monks and to the tramp of Cromwellian army boots. Nothing however has compared to the sounds of Caldicot Male Voice Choir when it turned up to entertain the patrons and diners with its Christmas carolling on Friday December 15th.
Standing with their backs to an ancient 15th century fireplace, complete with a Priest hole’ the choir, conducted by Sian Hatton and accompanied by John Nicholson entertained with a collection of songs and Carols recently performed at its concert with St Briavels School. The programme included ’Joy to the World’; ‘When a Child is Born’; the Christmas hit ‘Silver Bells’ sung by so many including Bing Crosby, Matt Monroe and Perry Como; the ancient carol, ‘God Rest You Merry Gentlemen’, the Russian drinking and dance song ‘Casatschok’, the iconic hit of Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’; a Christmas medley which included ‘Have yourself a Merry little Christmas, ‘A Child is a King’, finalising with ‘Jingle Bells’.
Included was a range of community carol singing, including seasonal favourites ‘O Come all Ye Faithful’ and ‘Away in a Manger’ enthusiastically joined in by regular patrons and visitors alike,
During the break in performances the choir was treated to a fabulous feast of festive refreshments provided by the proprietor, Khaled Shalaby. Many thanks for inviting us and looking after us so well.
The evening was rounded off until time to go with a session of ‘Afterglow’ singing thoroughly enjoyed by all of the late night diners and village regulars.
(I think when T.S. Eliot refers to a white hart he’s talking about a deer behind St Cybi’s Well, not the pub).
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Caldicot Male Voice Choir choristers are always thrilled to welcome a local school choir to join in with them to sing a Christmas concert and this year on Monday 11th December it was pleased to welcome the children of St Briavels School to its Choir Hall in Caldicot.
Conducted by Musical Director Sian Hatton, assistant musical director Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson; the choir presented festive favourites; ‘Joy to the World’; ‘Shepherds Watch and Wise Men Wonder’; ‘Mary’s Boy Child’; ‘When a Child is Born’; ‘Silver Bells’; ‘God Rest You Merry Gentlemen’; ‘Casatschok’ with its noisy ending, the iconic classics ‘White Christmas’ and the delightful ‘Little Drummer Boy’. The Choir’s contribution also included ‘The Carol Singers’, a comical parody of a group of carollers singing so badly they were arrested.
Accompanied by Olivia Dance and led by Charlotte Bishop, the children’s choir performed two parts. The first included; ‘Jingle Bell Rock’; ‘Away in a Manger’ joined in with the men of Caldicot choir and a piece from the film ‘Nativity’ entitled ‘Sparkle and Shine’ which contained the words ‘Stand back and put your shades on because I’m about to shine’. Wearing festive ‘shades’ they certainly did!
During the interval the children and choristers were amazed and thrilled that Santa came into the hall and was invited to join in with the choir for the rest of the evening. Did you know that Santa is a bottom bass. No surprise there!
The children’s second half performance included ‘Somewhere in my Memory’ from the film Home Alone followed by delightfully singing a capella ‘Shepherds on the Hills’ before finalising with ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’.
Caldicot choir completed its performance with a Christmas Medley in which the children participated on stage to sing ‘Jingle Bells’ enthusiastically joined in by all.
The children’s choir, organised by parents among others, Claire Gilmour, Charlotte Bishop, Caroline Kingston and pianist Olivia Dance has about forty children in its rank, is self-funding, relying on fund raising events and donations and practices after school time at St. Briavels primary school.
Both the men of Caldicot Male Voice Choir and the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience of singing together and both look forward to possibly doing so again next year.
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Caldicot Male Voice Choir is happy to sing at almost any venue, large or small and on the 5th December a number of choristers arrived at the small Church Hall in Rogiet to sing for the ladies of the local Women’s Institute.
Conducted by Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson the choristers entertained the ladies with a repertoire of Christmas songs opening with ‘Joy to the World and following on with ‘Mary’s Boy Child’, ‘God Rest You Merry Gentlemen’, ‘Shepherds Watch and Wise Men Wonder’, the rousing ‘Casatschok, with it’s loud ending. ‘When a Child is Born’, ‘Silver Bells’, ‘Little Drummer Boy’ and finalising with the most sung Christmas song of all time, Bing Crosby’s ‘I’m Dreamin’ of a White Christmas’.
The ladies were delighted to be invited to sing along with the carols ”Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ and ‘Away in a Manger’ during the performance.
Afterwards the choir greatly appreciated home made mince pies, sausage rolls and sandwiches while quenching their thirsts with tea and coffees.
A delightful afternoon of singing thoroughly enjoyed by all and the ladies hope to see us again next year.
Another smaller venue in the New Year will be at the Memorial Hall in Catbrook and this will be contrasted with a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London in April.
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On a gloriously sunny but cold Saturday afternoon on the 25th November, Caldicot Male Voice Choir was pleased to accept an invitation to open the afternoon of Christmas celebrations and activities which included the turning on of the Christmas lights in Caldicot’s town centre as darkness approached.
Following introductions and invitations to join the choir by Steve Drawley, the choristers, Musical Director Sian Hatton and accompanist John Nicholson all warmly wrapped in burgundy fleece jackets and adorned with festive hats entertained the watching crowds of shoppers to 30 minutes of a range of Christmas songs and carols. Opening with the uplifting ‘Joy to the World, Joy to the World’ the singing soon brought the shoppers and children around to listen.
The varied programme continued with ‘Mary’s Boy Child’, ‘Silver Bells’, ‘While Shepherd’s Watch and Wise Men Wonder’, ‘God Rest You Merry Gentlemen’,’Casatchok’, When a Child is Born’, a delightful public premiere of ‘Little Drummer Boy’ and finalised with a Christmas medley which included ‘Jingle Bells’ joined in enthusiastically by the watching audience.
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A small selection of the photographs taken on the night by Colleen Gauntlett.
On November 4th Caldicot Male Voice Choir was proud to celebrate its 60th Anniversary with a wonderful concert at its choir hall.
To a packed hall of invited guests, vice presidents and supporters the choir presented an eclectic mix of songs it had performed over the decades since its formation in 1963 as well as a few not sung in public before.
These included opening with rousing ‘African Prayer’ and continuing in the first half a mixture including ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, ‘A Miner’s Song’ and new presentations of ‘This is the Moment’, ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘Yma o Hyd’ and including ‘Ride the Chariot’ with soloist David Gould and Sian Hatton.
Guest Artiste Rachel Williams from Tredegar accompanied by Siȃn Hatton included in her first presentation songs from musicals; ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ from Les Misèrables, ‘Movie in my Mind’ from Miss Saigon and ‘Memories’ from Cats.
Also included in the first part was a humorous presentation from chorister David Gould relating memories and anecdotes of the early years of the choir.
The concert was attended by invited guests Jessica Morden MP, John Griffiths SM, Cllr. Meirion Howells, chairman of Monmouthshire County Council, Cllr. Lisa Dymock of Caldicot Town Council and supporters Marjory Bartlett and Jennifer Coombes. Also in the audience were Gwyn and Margaret Jones who were also celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. The choir paid tribute to long serving chorister Peter Heslop on the occasion of his 80th birthday on the night and to debut chorister, baritone Kevin Evans.
The choir was particularly thrilled that the concert was also attended by three members, Sharon, Andrew and Joyce of retired chorister Bill Nash who celebrated his 100th birthday in January this year.
The second part opened with the well-known Welsh hymn ‘Rachie’ and concert premieres of ‘Love Changes Everything’ from Aspects of Love, ‘Down Among the Dead Men’ and contrasting with ‘Cwm Rhondda’.
Rachel delightfully followed with two further items from modern musicals ‘She Used to be Mine’ and ‘The Wizard and I’ from the musical Waitress and Wicked respectively.
This was followed by a report by chorister Leon Jones on the history of the building of the choir’s incredible purpose built choir hall, the envy of all choir’s who have visited it. Leon particularly paid tribute to the then secretary Islwyn Watkins, then treasurer Mervyn Roberts, President Richard Evans and chairman Peter Heslop without whose dedication and hard work the hall would not have been built.
The concert continued with favourite ‘Anfonaf Angel’ followed by ‘Every Time I Feel the Spirit’ first sung by the choir in 1990, the child’s prayer ‘Y Darlun’ and finalising with ‘World in Union’.
A third address was included by new chorister Owen Hammett-Johnson who joined, among ten others since January. He delighted the audience with his heartfelt feeling of initial trepidation at joining followed by the thrill of new skills learned, the joy of singing in a large group with a like-minded purpose, comradeship of course but most of all a feeling of belonging to a wonderful family of choristers. Naturally Owen put forward an encouragement to other men in the audience to join such a fabulous group.
The wonderful celebration evening of 60 years ended with presentations to the musical team of Siȃn Hatton, Shirley Anne James, John Nicholson and guest artiste Rachel Williams.
The audience and choristers went home happy in the knowledge that they had experienced a unique occasion in the history of Caldicot Male Voice Choir and are looking forward in seeing, at least in part what the next 60 years may offer.
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