It was a busy few days for the Choir, firstly with the visit of the choir from Finland on May 19th followed in total contrast to a visit to Rogiet Primary School on the morning of 24th May to sing some Welsh songs as part of the School’s Eisteddfod. In glorious morning sunshine, Musical Director Sian Hatton led the proceedings and explained to the children about Welsh choirs and how to sing in them.

The children, including pupils from Caldicot Welsh School Ysgol Cymraeg y Ffin really enjoyed listening to Rachie, Gwahoddiad, Llanfair and joining in with Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau before singing Yma o Hyd as well as ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star’ in Sol Fa notes with the hand signs. ‘Doh, doh, soh, soh, lah. lah, soh, enthusiastically joined in by all the children. A memorable morning thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

This was followed by a concert in Caldicot Methodist Church the day after on May 25th to help the church funds. The choir, conducted by Sian Hatton and Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson, delighted the audience with Welsh songs including Rachie, Yma o Hyd, Anfonaf Angel, Llef, Y Tangnefeddwyr and Gwahoddiad as well as 16 tons, 76 trombones, You’ll Never Walk Alone and Shenandoah. It also premiered its performance of ‘This is the Moment’ which it will sing at the Royal Albert Hall in April next year.

Guest artiste at the concert was harpist John Thomas who also included a medley of Welsh songs such as Bugeilio’r Gwenith Gwyn, Llanfair, Ar hyd y Nos and the Girl from Penbryn in his repertoire.

What an incredible evening on the19th May! Caldicot Male Voice Choir was pleased and proud to welcome the 82 choristers of Muntra Musikanter from Finland to its choir hall for a joint evening of entertainment and mix of different choral cultural singing from both Wales and Finland.

Following a welcome by vice chairman John Nicholson, Caldicot Male Voice Choir conducted by Sian Hatton and Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson presented in two performances an eclectic mix of Welsh songs with Rachie, Anfonaf Angel, Gwahoddiad and Yma o Hyd contrasting with 16 Tons, Shenandoah, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Seventy six trombones, A Miner’s Song, World in Union and finally Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau.

In two performances, alternating with Caldicot and resplendent in white tie and tailcoats, the Finland Choir conducted by Riku Laurikka incredibly blended several songs and compositions in both Finnish and Swedish with the theme of nature and the sea and included compositions ranging from Elga and Finnish composer Sibelius. An amazing tribute was the surprise inclusion of Calon Lan, sung expertly in Welsh to the delight of Caldicot and its supporters. The outstanding Muntra Musikanter finalised their incredible performance with ‘Finlandia – Finland. your day is dawning’ by Jean Sibelius.

The Finnish Choir was presented with a commemorative slate plaque bearing the Welsh Dragon and the Choir badge together with Anniversary ties. The Finland choir responded with the presentation by chairman Sam Simonsen of two books of European choral music in several different languages.

Both choirs relaxed, following both outstanding performances to light refreshments and drinks which included an ‘afterglow’ where both choirs sang informally other songs from their repertoires until sadly it was time to depart.

Muntra Musikanter, which means ‘Merry Musicians’ continued its tour with a concert in Llandaff Cathedral on 20th May and finalised with a visit to Stonehenge on its way home on Monday.

Both choirs sincerely expressed the wish to meet up again as soon as they are able.

What an incredible two concerts on March 31^st and April 1^st!  Caldicot Male Voice Choir was proud to present its Annual concert at its own Choir Hall, firstly on Friday to invited guests, vice presidents and choir supporters and duplicated again on Saturday 1^st April open to the public.

The concerts, hosted eloquently by compère Stephen Dance and supported by the incredible voice of top tenor Rhydian Jenkins (who had previously sang for us in 2019), accompanied by the talented pianist Kim Lloyd Jones, the choir, conducted by Siȃn Hatton and Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson presented a wide range of songs to a packed house on both occasions. These included Welsh favourites ‘Rachie’, ‘Y Tangnefeddwr’, ‘Llef’, ’Anfonaf Angel’, ‘Calon Lȃn’ and the premiere by the choir of ‘Yma o Hyd’.

Interspersed in the programme were favourites ‘16 Tons’, ‘Rock a my Soul’, ‘A Miner’s Song’, ‘76 Trombones’, ‘Diridonda’, ‘Shenandoah’, ‘Benedictus’, ‘The Prayer’ (accompanied by Kim Lloyd Jones), ‘Ride the Chariot’ (soloists David Gould and Siȃn Hatton), ‘Morte Criste’ in which Rhydian Jenkins sang the solo part and of course finally ‘World in Union’ and National Anthem ‘Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau.

Among the Choir were three choristers making their debuts at an Annual concert; Matthew Johns, Owen Johnson and Nick Dance.  A daunting experience but thoroughly enjoyed by all three.

Rhydian’s performance was outstanding and received two well deserved standing ovations on Saturday evening. Included in his varied repertoire songs from opera including ‘Una Furtiva Lagrima’, ‘En fermant les yeux’, Mozart’s ‘Il mio Tesoro’, and ‘Vainemamaint, ma bien- aimee’.  Included were Welsh songs; the beautiful ‘Mae Hiraeth yn y Mor’ and ’Llanrwst’ and finally Ivor Novello’s ‘Shine Through My Dreams’. But how will anyone who was there ever forget his incredible, bilingual (English and Welsh) rendition of Bring Him Home from Les Misérables?

On both evenings the audiences went home in the knowledge that they had experienced a wonderful musical evening which they will hold long in their memories.

The Choir as expected rounded off both evenings with their usual, but thoroughly enjoyed unaccompanied ’Afterglow’ which included many favourite songs from past concert repertoires.

The whole weekend proved that the Caldicot Male Voice Choir is back with a vengeance.

On Saturday 28th January, the Choir was thrilled to perform its first concert of the year at Magor Baptist Chapel to help raise funds for Kidney Research UK. The Choir was pleased to learn that the concert raised over £1600 for the charity.

To a full house, the choir opened with ‘Cwm Rhondda’ and followed with a mixed programme, conducted by Sian Hatton and Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson, ranging from Welsh pieces ‘Rachie’ and ‘Y Tangnefeddwyr’ followed through the evening with favourite ‘Benedictus’, contrasted by ’76 Trombones’, Garfunkel’s ‘Sound of Silence’ and Bob Dylan’s ‘Make you Feel My Love’ with chorister Leon Jones on guitar for both. Included in the early pieces was the popular, well known hymn ‘When I Survey the Wondrous’ Cross’ written by Isaac Watts.

‘Shenandoah’ was followed humorously by Australian folk song ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and perhaps inappropriately in the Baptist Chapel a German drinking song ‘Diridonda’. The spiritual Rock a my Soul had the audience tapping their feet and joining in. The Choir rounded off its final performance with ‘World in Union’, the theme song for the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

The guest artiste for the evening was Glenna Parry accompanied by her husband Gavin, Glenna opened with ‘Lascia chio Planga’ from Rinaldo by Handel and this was followed by a trio consisting of herself, Sian and Shirley Anne to sing ‘Lift Thine Eyes’ from Elijah.

These were contrasted by Glenna including in her evening’s repertoire, ‘The Hills are Alive’ and ‘Edelweiss’ from the Sound of Music and Gershwin brothers’ ‘I Got Rhythm’, followed by Kern and Hammerstein’s ‘Can’t help Lovin’ dat man o’ mine’ from the musical Showboat. Glenna was joined by Sian to sing the amusing ‘The Cat’s Duet’ by Rossini then the ladies rounded off their performances with the trio performing ‘Three Little Maids from School’ from the Mikado.

Fundraiser Jenny Griffiths and the whole audience were thrilled with the Choir’s and Artistes’ wonderful and varied performances and deemed the concert a resounding success.

The Choir then retired to the nearby Wheatsheaf Inn for light refreshments and an amazing ‘Afterglow’ which resulted in a new recruit, Keith Gibbs.

The last time Caldicot Male Voice Choir was privileged to sing at the Senedd was on St David’s Day in 2012 and it was thrilled to be invited back by John Griffiths MS (Newport East) to sing a lunchtime concert of Christmas songs and carols.

The concert was preceded by an introductory tour of the Senedd when guide Huw Clarke gave a marvellous, humorous and informative presentation of the history of the building and the workings of the Senedd chamber.

The choir descended the open staircase to assemble on the stage where John Griffiths MS gave an appreciated presentation of his association with the choir and a short history and description of some of the Choir’s achievements.

The Choir, conducted by Siȃn Hatton and Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson continued with its programme of Christmas favourites including Joy to the World, While Shepherds Watched, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, I Saw a Star and of course a Christmas Medley including Jingle Bells and I’m Dreamin’ of a White Christmas.

The Choir was pleased to receive several compliments and gratitude for coming to sing for the members and staff of the Senedd and included in the audience Senedd Members Carolyn Thomas MS (North Wales), Jeremy Miles MS (Neath), Lee Waters MS (Llanelli), Mike Hedges MS (Swansea) Andrew R T Davies MS (South Wales Central), Natasha Asghar MS (South Wales East), Janet Finch Saunders MS (Aberconwy), Sam Rowlands MS (North Wales ), Vaughan Gething MS (Cardiff South and Penarth).

Other Senedd member were represented by their staff including Jayne Bryant MS, Julie Morgan MS and Sarah Murphy MS. The concert was also watched by many of the Senedd commission who work at the Senedd daily.

Many thanks also to Andrew Bettridge for dealing with the logistics of the visit and arranging the tour and the Choir hopes that there will not be a ten year gap before its next visit.

It has been 3 years since Caldicot Male Voice Choir has been able to play host to a local primary school and invite one to sing at the Choir hall in a Christmas concert, so the choristers were doubly delighted that the children of years 3,4,5 and 6 of local Dewstow Primary and Nursery School shared the stage for a medley of Christmas carols and Christmas fun on December 12th.

The concert of several parts included Caldicot choristers, conducted by Sian Hatton and Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson singing its favourites, among others of Joy to the World, While Shepherds Watch, Silver Bells, Casatschok, Mary’s Boy Child. I saw a Star and God Rest you Merry Gentlemen.

Interspersed into the choir’s performance the children, led by teacher Kerry McDonnell delightfully and confidently sang all of their pieces unaccompanied including several soloists, before joining the male voice choir on stage to enthusiastically sing ‘Jingle Bells’ at the end of a Christmas medley before finalising with Dymunwn Nadolig Llawen – We wish you a Merry Christmas.

The evening included a surprise appearance by Santa Claus who thrilled and delighted the children with his visit and concluded with a raffle by the school’s PTFA to raise funds to take the children to a theatre.

Mrs McDonnell is quoted as saying that it was a wonderful experience for the children to be able to sing their first concert, especially with a Male Voice Choir and these occasions help to build the children’s confidence to go on to achieving so mush more. Mrs McDonnell would love to bring the children back again in the future and the choristers would also be thrilled to welcome the school back again.

As part of its ongoing Christmas celebrations Caldicot Male Voice Choir was pleased to take part in the Christmas Fayre at Chepstow Hospital on Sunday 4th December. Dressed in festive, colourful jumpers and hats and squeezed in near the entrance between the restaurant and festive stalls the Choir produced an appreciated mix of seasonal songs to delight the passing crowds.

Conducted by Shirley Anne James and accompanied by Musical Director Sian Hatton the choir included Christmas favourites ‘When a Child is Born made famous by Johnny Mathis, Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’, ‘Casatschok’, Shepherds Watch and Wise Men Wonder’, ‘Joy to the World’, Bing Crosby’s ‘Silver Bells’, ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ first recorded by Harry Belafonte, a premiere of ‘I Saw a Star’ sung to the tune of ‘The Last Farewell’, ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ and finalising with a Christmas Medley.

The choristers then retired to the restaurant for a warm tea or chocolate before heading down the road to home.

The Choir will next appear at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay to entertain the visitors, staff and members to a range of Christmas carols and songs at 12-15pm on 15th December.

Male Voice Choirs were formed many years ago from the congregations of churches and chapels and sang to the local communities at festivals and later Eisteddfodau.

Nowadays, male choirs spread their voices to the local communities not only through churches and chapels but also to hospitals, nursing homes, town centres, markets and of course pubs.

Caldicot Male Voice Choir is no exception and it was delighted to be invited to the Iscoed Tafarn in Underwood to provide a ‘taster session’ to the local community. Hoping to encourage men in the community the audience nevertheless consisted mainly of ladies and the choir hopes they will pass on the message to the local menfolk and encourage them to come along to the Choir Hall in Mill Lane Caldicot.

Conducted by Sian Hatton and Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson, the Choir entertained the audience to a range of songs including Welsh favourites, Rachie, Cwm Rhondda and Calon Lan and finalised with an appreciated assortment of its Christmas repertoire including White Christmas, While Shepherds Watch, Casatschok, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

The choristers were grateful to the Iscoed Tafarn hosts for providing the generous and eagerly consumed buffet and refreshments.

After an original idea over 3 years ago from Caldicot chorister Peter Williams to hold a concert with an International theme, it finally came to fruition on 19th November 2022 at the Choir Hall in Caldicot. Delayed several times due to Covid restrictions, Caldicot Male Voice Choir was finally able to put together a repertoire of songs from around the world including a selection from South Africa, America, Australia, Austria, England, Ireland, Japan, Scotland, Spain, France and of course Wales.

The choir was conducted by Musical Director Sian Hatton and Assistant Musical Director, Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson.

The evening was compered expertly by the Choir’s chairman Graham Hughes.

Guest artiste, Glenna Parry accompanied by her husband Gavin sang renditions from Gershwin (America) and represented Austria with songs from the Sound of Music including of course Edelweis.

Spain and France were represented by Musical Director Sian Hatton singing items from Bizet’s (who was French) opera Carmen (set in Spain), Australia was represented by, what else but ‘Waltzing Matilda’. Songs from America included the choir singing Art Garfunkel’s ‘Sound of Silence’ accompanied on guitar by Leon Jones and ‘California Dreamin” accompanied on the flute by chorister Nigel Keen. Leon also accompanied the Choir singing ‘I Wanna Be’ (500 miles) to represent Scotland.

Sian Hatton, Glenna Parry and Shirley Anne James amusingly represented Japan by combining their voices to sing ‘Three Little Maids from School’ from the opera ‘The Mikado’.

Songs for each country were sung to a backdrop on the big screen behind the choir of video scenes from each country as a new venture which was greatly appreciated by the audience,

The Choir’s performances concluded with Calon Lan, Cwm Rhondda and Y Darlun as songs representing Wales.

Chorister Robert Brown was presented with a certificate award as appreciation for 25 years of continuous service to the choir by guest Jessica Morden MP

The evening ended with the choir, guests and audience singing the Welsh National Anthem ‘Hen Wlad fy Nhadau’