HUW SMITHAM, MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Huw Smitham was born in Swansea and educated at Bishop Gore School. Although a Funeral Director by profession, Huw has been involved in music making from the age of 15 years, when he was appointed organist of his local church.

Huw studied piano with the late Mair Jenkins LRAM and organ with Clive Williams LRAM LLCM. He was appointed Accompanist and Deputy Conductor of the Belmont Male Choir, Swansea when he was 18 years old. Huw has since played for many choirs and has been organist of several churches in the Swansea and Neath area.

Huw is the founder Conductor of the Neath Male Choir, having previously been Accompanist and Deputy Conductor of the Melincrythan Male Choir.

Huw is a member of the Executive Committee of the Welsh Association of Male Choirs.

LYN EVANS, DEPUTY CONDUCTOR & ACCOMPANIST

Lyn was born in Gwent and from a very young age showed an interest and aptitude for music, starting to play the piano when only 5 years of age. Lyn decided to turn her interest in music into a career, and trained to become a Music Teacher at Newton Park College, Bath. Lyn has taught music since 1977, and at present is teaching Music and R.E. at Glan Afan Comprehensive School, Port Talbot.

Since 2000, Lyn has taught at Cwrt Sart Wind Centre on Saturday mornings, and is the Musical Director of Port Talbot Youth Amateur Operatic Society.

Lyn joined Neath Male Choir in December 2001 as Assistant Accompanist and became Accompanist in June 2002. Lyn is thoroughly enjoying the experience, which she finds both challenging and rewarding!

MATTHEW LEWIS, ACCOMPANIST

Born and bred in Port Talbot, Matthew has been involved in a whole range of musical activities from an early age. He studied piano with Helen Turberville and organ with Howell Price.

Whilst attending Glan Afan Comprehensive School, he was a member of the orchestra and choir and also accompanied some of the schools musical productions.

He has also worked as an accompanist for a variety of amateur productions especially those involving Port Talbot Amateur Operatic Society Youth Theatre. He regularly called upon to accompany soloists and instrumentalists in a wide range of concerts and musical productions.

In addition to being an accompanist for the Neath Male Choir, he is the Musical Director of the Bois Afan Male Choir and the Deputy Musical Director and Accompanist of the Port Talbot Cymric Male Choir.

He is Organist & Choirmaster of St. Paul's Church, Aberavon and Sub-Organist of St. Mary's Church, Aberavon.

He is currently studying for his organ diploma, combining this with working as a freelance musician.