Originally formed in 1978
as the Melincryddan Male Voice choir, the name was changed
in 2000 to reflect the wider spread of choristers from the
Neath area. Since the name change and under the baton of Musical
Director Huw Smitham the choir has expanded from 40 members
to the present roll call of 75.
In maintaining the traditions of Welsh male choral activity
the choir has performed in many venues in the UK and abroad
and with many well known artistes whilst remaining true to
the heritage of amateurs singing simply for the love of the
music and to bring to its audiences that shared experience
which only live performances can engender. Tours have been
made to Belgium, Canada, Holland, Germany, Spain, Northern
Ireland and the Republic of Ireland whilst in the UK we have
performed in such varied venues as The Royal Albert Hall,
the Symphony Hall in Birmingham, The De Mountfort Hall, Leicester,
the Ulster Hall, Belfast, Lichfield Cathedral, York Minster,
Chichester Cathedral, St. David's Hall, Cardiff and the Millennium
Stadium, Cardiff.
In addition to the usual concert format the choir has had
some interesting experiences. These include performing in
a feature length film entitled 'Reaching Higher' which was
screened on B.B.C. television; recording a version of a television
advertisement for an iconic Irish Bakery (Pat the Baker) and
being filmed in rehearsal and travelling to Ireland to perform
the item at The Flat Lake Festival in County Monaghan; performing
in a barn in Clun, Mid Wales and entertaining the crowd before
a Max Boyce concert at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
The choir has appeared in concerts and events with such well
known celebrities as Bryn Terfel, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey,
Della Jones, Peter Carrie and Richard Allen. We take greatest
pride, however, in having had the privilege to share a stage
with Neath's own Katherine Jenkins and Gail Pearson who have
both delighted us by agreeing to be Vice-Presidents of the
choir. We have also appeared with Katherine on a BBC television
'Songs of Praise' special. We are extremely proud of these
talented ladies.
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