Annual Concert 2011

Below is a review of our recent Annual Concert as printed in the Wrexham Leader, written by Les Chamberlain. We would like to extend our thanks to him for his most gracious words.

"From their outstanding performance at their annual concert in the William Aston Hall last Saturday, it is easy to see how Rhos Male Voice Choir won the male voice choir competition at the National Eisteddfod in August and were placed second in the same competition at the Llangollen Music Eisteddfod the previous month. The choir were in scintillating form and it is all down to the extremely hard work of their young conductor Aled Phillips. He has produced a finely balanced, well-disciplined choir who responded as a man to everything he wanted from them. The dynamics could not be faulted and the diction was impeccable. The choir is in good hands for a long time to come.

He has also proved himself a fine arranger with such number as Wandrin' Star and Coach Comin' In from Paint Your Wagon and Unchained Melody. The programme contained a number of old favourites – Take Me Home, Softly As I Leave You and John Tudor Davies’s Gwahoddiad. It was a delight again to hear the late Emyr James’s arrangement of Si Hei Lwli Mabi, beautifully sung. The first half ended in immensely dramatic fashion with Willy Richter’s The Creation. I've heard it many time and this was about the best one. The bottom bases shone with their rocksolid, powerful singing and the magnificent ending made the hairs on the back of my neck stand rigid. It was indeed a great performance by all the choristers.

Choirs these days include action songs in their repertoire and the choir is no different, amusing everyone with Brian Hughes’s arrangement of the old favourite Oes Gafr Eto. This, with the Prisoners’ Chorus from Fidelio and Dana Dana won them the eisteddfod awards. No choir is good without an excellent accompanist and again Kevin Whitley excelled especially with some tricky numbers combining piano and electric keyboard. Percussionist Joe Pearson took part in a number of songs.

The choir organisers veered from operatic singers as the main soloist and chose West End and Briadway star Ruthie Henshall with great success. She delighted the capacity audience with such numbers as the Boy Next Door, Send In The Clowns, I’m The Greatest Star and Nothing. It was not until her penultimate song that she announced that she was suffering from a throat infection which until then did not affect he super performance. But just three bars in of I Get A Kick Out Of You, she stopped and told pianist Jonathan Fisher to go into her last number, I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables. She belted it out and received tumultuous applause at the end. What trouper!

Ruthie Henshall, delighted the capacity audience at Rhos Male Voice Choir’s annual concert.

The other soloist was tenor Elgan Llyr Thomas. Make a note of his name because on this showing he is a big star of the future. Aged only 20, he is in his third year at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, and is an opera star in the making.
He combined operatic arias with the soliloquy from Carousel and classic Welsh folk songs such as the poignant Bugail Aberdyfi. He has a delightfully pleasing personality in the mode of Bryn Terfel and he received rapturous applause at the end of each set with many of the audience giving him a standing ovation.

Jonathan Fisher accompanied both soloists with great aplomb.

The whole evening ran smoothly thanks to the excellent compering of Harold Richards. In all it was a night of truly outstanding music and it was a privilege to be there.

Next Year at the Annual Concert

Next year’s soloists at the Rhos Male Voice Choir's annual concert on October 13 will be Welsh opera singers, tenor Wynne Evans and soprano Gwawr Edwards, Camarthern-born Wynne has sung as a principal with all the major opera houses and orchestras including Royal Opera House Covent Garden, English National Opera and Welsh National Opera where he has worked as a principal for the past 15 years singing more than 50 major roles.But perhaps he is best knownthroughout Britain because since 2009 he has become the face and voice in the multi-million pound advertising campaign for GoCompare playing the flamboyant character with massive long moustache, Gio Compario.

Gwawr was born in Aberystwyth and has won awards at the Urdd, National and International Eisteddfodau. International star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa described her as one of the most exciting up-andcoming stars. She recently had a season with Glyndebourne Festival Opera and 12 months ago released an album which featured collaboration with harpist Catrin Finch and Welsh favourite Bryn Terfel."

Onwards and upwards to next year now. You’ll find details of Annual Concert 2012 on our homepage. Please keep checking back for updates! Thank you for your support.

Success of the Ysgol Dinas Brân Male Ensemble

Below is a write-up of the success of the Ysgol Dinas Brân Male Ensemble whose conductor is our Musical Director, and whose members include three of our choristers.

The following story of a group of young men from Ysgol Dinas Brân is incredible; remarkable; amazing – the stuff that dreams are made of.

When our new Head of Music, Mr. A. Phillips, arrived September 2010 , no male voice choir existed in school. Fast-forward ten months and he was taking the Ysgol Dinas Brân Male Ensemble to the Royal Albert Hall in London to perform in the Music For Youth School Prom.

As the 2010/2011 academic year got underway, Mr. Phillips regularly noticed that a small number of Sixth Form students were congregating in the music room. Never one to miss an opportunity, our inspirational leader of music began to play a few songs on the piano – and asked the lads to sing along. This proved to be the beginning of something very special indeed!

One by one, other friends began to join the lads for a sing-song and, in no time at all, Mr. Phillips had a talented group of lads who were about to begin a journey of a lifetime together. Following the eye (and ear)-catching performance at the school’s Awards Evening, the boys went on to perform at the Llangollen Food Festival, the Nightingale House Christmas Concert (where they also recorded a CD) and at a number of concerts in the Llangollen area. Feedback from all of these events was extremely positive and, at the start of 2011, Mr. Phillips decided to enter the Music for Youth regional competition in Wrexham.

So, on March 19th, the Male Ensemble travelled the short journey to Wrexham.

This is what the judges had to say:

“You sound great! You have great quality to your voices. A contemporary sound with a convincing feel ... fantastic potential ... You sing with raw gusto and talent.”

“A stylish and able choir with an engaging repertoire and an individual sound.”

Within a matter of weeks, Mr. Phillips had an email confirming that the boys had made it to the National Finals and, on July 5th, the following students made their way to Birmingham: Tom Luke, Lewis Bate, Tom Wilson, Joel Hughes, Dan Griffiths, Jamie Evans, Adam Bell, James Anthonisz, Jamie Thomas, Adam Drakeley, Dan Richardson, Nathan Lloyd , Ben Hughes and Iestyn Hughes. They had done so well to achieve so much in such a short space of time – and they were determined to give it their all. The boys had rehearsed for one final time, in front of a small audience of family and friends, in the school hall the evening before; but they were about to take to what was, by far, a much bigger stage – and perform to a much bigger audience. It is fair to say that they definitely rose to the occasion!

As the Dinas Brân Male Ensemble progressed through their twelve-minute set of Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida’, ‘Chasing Cars’ by Snow Patrol, ‘Patience’ by Take That and, finally, Bruno Mars’ ‘Just the Way You Are’, the audience responded with great enthusiasm and appreciation. The boys had done themselves, and the school, proud – and they certainly sounded good to us! But, what did the judges think? After a wait of four hours following their performance, the lads listened intently to what turned out to be phenomenal feedback:

“A beautifully free and open sound”

“A performance to which you are fully committed … confident and mature in tone. Terrific!”

“You make an easy and very attractive sound, in unison and in harmony, with stunning blend and phrasing. A wonderful blend of individuality and ensemble. Beautifully expressive”

“Excellent programme of contemporary repertoire. Outstanding Ensemble … Evidence of considerable training and inspirational direction.”

“Take this outstanding male voice group to sing to as many different audiences as you can – people will love it!”

So, it’s official – our Male Ensemble are one of the most talented in the land!

The most impressive choirs from the final in Birmingham have been invited to a concert of celebration at THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL, in London, on the 9th of November and the Dinas Bran Male Ensemble are one of them, where they will be performing to a sold out audience of over 4 thousand people.

The choir are currently rehearsing hard for this amazing opportunity. They have had the honour of been asked to perform with one of the other artist – Wardle High School Brass band who are currently the National School Brass Band Champions.

The judges did highlight the considerable training and inspirational direction from their teacher Mr Phillips who is well renowned throughout Wales for his choral conducting.

Head of Music, Mr Phillips

“It is a truly outstanding achievement. There are only a small number of choirs been invited to perform and even less artists from Wales”

Aled who has conducted many choirs over the years and had plenty of success in the International and National Eisteddfod says:

“To achieve this standard of choral singing in such a short time is a credit to the lad’s hard work and natural talent. The evening will be an experience of a life time for all involved”

After the event the lads have a number of concerts with even more fellow pupils looking to join.

Competitions

What a busy time we have had of late. We have competed in two very prestigious choral competitions of international renown. On 9th July we competed at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, and gained second place in a strong competition. We were extremely pleased with our performance and this gave us great impetus going into our second competition, Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Wrecsam 2011 (National Eisteddfod, Wrexham 2011).

On 6th August we competed at the 150th Eisteddfod, being held locally for the first time since 1977, and we are very pleased to announce that we won!

The choir worked extremely hard over many weeks preparing for both competitions and it is always gratifying to see the fruit of our labours being appreciated and recognised. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Musical Director, Aled Phillips, for all his tireless efforts and endless patience in preparing us so thoroughly, and also to our Accompanist, Kevin Whitley, for being such a reliable pair of hands at the piano, as always.

Videos of our performances at both competitions are available to watch in the ‘Our Music’ section of the website.

Sponsored Cycle Ride from Rhos to Seaford

UPDATE: The total amount of money raised has now increased to £3400. with more money having been received since the presentation of the cheque. They are extremely grateful to everyone who has donated and overwhelmed by the support they have received.

Wednesday 8th June – Saturday 11th June 2011 - they did it and raised in excess of £2500!

Following their successful cycle ride to Seaford, East Sussex in aid of the Perinatal Department, Wrexham Maelor Hospital (Special Care Baby Unit) Hywel, Paul and Gareth are pleased to have raised in excess of £2500. The intrepid trio, who are all members of the choir would like to thank the many friends, family, fellow choristers and indeed total strangers for their generous donations towards this worthy cause. The funds will be presented to Debbie Edwards (Manager of the SCBU) at the end of the month, and anyone still wishing to donate to the cause has until 30th June to do so. We know that the money will go to good use, and hope that it makes a difference to all the people who need to access the service over the coming years.

Hywel, Paul and Gareth would also like to thank David Scott, who provided support along the way (a bit like the boat that sails alongside cross channel swimmers!!) meeting them at 12 mile intervals to feed and re-energise them in preparation for the next leg. Indeed David’s moral support and sense of humour was equally appreciated, and despite a multitude of questions about his Satnav/Bluetooth system, the lads arrived at their destination on time.

The trip was greatly enjoyed on the whole, despite getting soaked at the end of day one and having to wear the same wet clothes on day 2, various aching body parts (say no more!) and a number of close encounters with Britain’s worst drivers!! Indeed the trio have vowed to continue the good work and may be seen attempting a new challenge next year, who knows!

The video of the ride

And there's more.....

As a footnote to that story Jim Taylor, the organiser of the trip to Seaford, and a former member of the choir, was made a Vice-President of the choir at the concert. The choir would like to thank him for all his fine work on our behalf.

St Leonard's Church in Seaford where the concert was held	Jim Taylor is pictured right beside our Chairman, Norman Davies.

Background to the cycle ride

Hywel, Paul & Gareth cycled from Rhos to Seaford, East Sussex to raise funds for the Perinatal Department of Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Wrexham Maelor Hospital is the third largest hospital in Wales serving a population of 228,000.

There are over 2,500 deliveries a year, however 177 babies are stillborn every year, that is 1 in every 200 babies born in Wales. Furthermore, 115 babies die shortly after birth every year in Wales.

Many of these babies are born perfectly formed, with no clear reason why they died. We need to understand what is causing these deaths and take action to prevent avoidable losses. In addition, the majority of unexplained stillbirths are in pregnancies that were previously considered low risk.

EVERY OTHER DAY IN WALES A BABY IS STILLBORN, A FURTHER 2 BABIES DIE SHORTLY AFTER BIRTH EVERY WEEK, ALMOST 300 BABIES ARE DYING EVERY YEAR IN WALES.

By raising money for the perinatal department of Wrexham Maelor Hospital we hope to provide funds that will allow the staff to:

• Provide sensitive care when a baby dies

• Create a collection of memories, known as Joshua’s Boxes

• Promote prevention of, and research into, stillbirths and neonatal deaths

Hywel and Kirsten feel a great affinity with this cause as they were left devastated by the death of their baby daughter Nansi, born on 24th January 2011.

On 8th October 2000 Paul and Zoe had a still born child called James. The same dedicated staff in the same department cared for them at that tragic time.

By making people more aware of stillbirth and neonatal death we can help to educate and empower. Together we can start to break the silence surrounding this unique type of bereavement and could even save a life.

In 2010 Gareth cycled to Seaford in East Sussex when the Rhos Male Voice where invited to sing in the town. This year the journey is to be repeated with the addition of Paul, his brother and Hywel, his fellow chorister. The slightly longer route, will take in a photo-shoot at the Houses of Parliament with their local MP Susan Elan Jones, and will coincide with the arrival of the choir.

Hywel, Paul and Gareth will be following this route:

Day 1: Shrewsbury                         30
Much Wenlock                                 40
Kidderminster                                   60
Stratford                                          95   = 95 miles

Day 2: Oxford                               135
M25 West at Gerrards Cross               175   = 80 miles

Day 3:  Houses of Parliament           197
M25 South at Godstone                     218   = 43 miles

Day 4: Seaford via A22                     266  = 48 miles

Total mileage: 266

How can you help?

Anyone wishing to donate to our cause can do so in the following ways:

• By contacting us on: rmvcweb@gmail.com

• Or through any chorister of the Rhos Male Voice Choir

Côr Cymru – an update

As many of you will be aware from following our Twitter and Facebook feeds we were recently competing in S4C’s prestigious choral competition, ‘Côr Cymru’. Although we reached the semi-final stage of the competition we were unable to progress further. However, the comments we received from the television commentators were very complimentary indeed:

 

 

Caryl Parry Jones –

‘You won’t get a better traditional male voice sound than Côr Meibion Rhos.’

‘Electrifying.’

‘Rich voices.’

Eric Roberts –

‘Like a thick slab of your grandmother’s fruit cake’, referring to the rich sound.

‘An amazing sound.’

‘Arglwydd, mae’n nhw’n dda’, roughly translated as ‘Goodness me, they’re good.’

As a choir we were extremely pleased with our performance and with the comments made by the commentators. We are working hard to build on this success. Watch this space!

A Hero among us

One of our members has flown to New Zealand to help with the rescue effort following the recent earthquake in Christchurch.

Gareth Scott (2nd Bass section) is a member of the UK International Search and Rescue (ISAR) team, and is usually based at Chester Fire Station where he is a Crew Manager.

When they arrive in New Zealand they will team up with medical staff and travel to stricken areas of Christchurch to utilize their specialist training in search and rescue. This is both a demanding and rewarding task and everyone at the choir wishes the team well.

Those wanting to follow their progress can visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk.

Côr Cymru

We have been selected as a semi-finalist in the prestigious Côr Cymru competition. The competition, which will be televised on S4C, attracts choirs from all over Wales and beyond to compete against each other for the right to call themselves Côr Cymru (Wales' Choir).

Our semi-final will take place on Saturday 5th March in Aberystwyth, with the live final on Sunday 10th April. This is an excellent opportunity to show a mass audience the wealth of experience and the abundance of quality that the choir possesses. Remember to follow our progress via our Facebook and Twitter, as well as the website.

A New Year

A new year is upon us and with it comes new challenges for the Choir. We start off on the 29th January with a joint concert at the Stiwt Theatre in Rhos. We will be appearing with the other 3 choirs from our village in a concert to raise money towards the National Eisteddfod of Wales to be held in Wrexham in late July/early August this year. More details are on our ‘Dates’ page.

Speaking of eisteddfodau, we will be competing at the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol (National Eisteddfod) this year. We are already working hard in preparation for this event and are looking forward to showcasing the choir’s talents on a national scale.

The Christmas and New Year period also saw the passing of two stalwarts of the choir. Shortly before Christmas one of our Vice-Presidents, Cecil Edwards, passed away. He was a loyal supporter with a keen interest in the choir over many years and a good friend to many within the choir. We also lost one of our Life Members, W. Kynaston Davies, early in the New Year. He was a long serving member of the choir, having been chairman and participating in the choir’s 1947 tour of Spain. Our sincerest condolences go out to the families of both men.

Annual Concert

What a concert! A superb evening! How do the choir turn in consistently good performances? This concert was even better than last years! These were just some of the favourable comments heard following Rhos Male Voice Choir's Annual Concert in the William Aston Hall last Saturday.

This was a programme that had everything - a choir that was most definitely on song, a top Broadway and West End star, a local-born actor who is seen frequently on television and an accomplished pianist. It all added up to a tremendous evening's entertainment which was obviously to the liking of a near-capacity audience.

John Owen-Jones showed why he is such a star world-wide with his renditions of popular songs from the shows, including such favourites as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "The Music of the Night". His rapport with the audience was warm and they certainly enjoyed his varied selection of well-known and not-so-well-known songs, they instantly took him to their hearts. Many had journeyed to places such as Manchester and London to hear him in "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Miserables" and to hear him sing in Wrexham was a bonus.

Rhos-born actor Mark Lewis Jones gave two flawless readings. The first, "Fernhill" from Dylan Thomas's "Under Milk Wood", was given to a background of the choir humming Eli Jenkins' Prayer; the second the St. Crispin's Day Speech from Shakespeare's "Henry V” with the choir singing parts of the "Soldiers Chorus" giving the audience a vision of the Battle of Agincourt. His diction ensured that everyone could understand his words and its easy to see why he is in demand on television and on the big screen.

From left: John Owen-Jones, Mark Lewis-Jones, Aled Phillips (Musical Director) and Jocelyn Freeman.

Pianist Jocelyn Freeman gave an outstanding performance and not a copy in sight. Her mastery of the keyboard was evident, playing softly and sensitively when the need arose and with vigour when the music called for something more lively. She is someone who is destined to go far.

What of the choir? Director of Music, Aled Phillips, has trained a choir that has a sound to be proud of and many of the audience on leaving the William Aston Hall after the concert were heard to say "That was some sound, not many choirs can reach that standard, tremendous." Aled has an undisputed musical talent and he has certainly passed on his expertise to the choir members who sang a range of pieces ranging from opera to songs from the shows.

He also trained a group of young choir members "The Creche Choir" and a group of a dozen members who sang an item on their own complete with actions. They and the choir received tremendous applause after each item.

The accompanist on piano and keyboard was Kevin Whitley and a percussion trio provided additional sound for some items - very effective it was too.

Harold Richards, a choir member, was the compere for the evening.

New CD

The choir's new CD "1891" was launched at the concert and will give hours of pleasure to those who purchase it. The pieces cover a wide range of music all conducted by Director of Music, Aled Phillips, with Kevin Whitley and Harvey Davies on organ and piano. Again there is also music provided by a percussion group. This is a CD well worth purchasing - from the choir or from local shops.

Getting into the groove

After our summer break the choir performed two concerts in September. The first was before an invited audience of scientists and representatives from all over the world who were present in the William Aston Hall, Wrexham, at a conference organised by Dr Glyn O. Phillips, who was, many years ago, a member of Rhos Male Voice Choir.

The choir was conducted by the Director of Music, Aled Phillips, with Kevin Whitley the accompanist. The soloist was Ian Pritchard Jones and the compere Harold Richards.

Following this the choir gave a concert in Bersham Church near Wrexham, organised by choir member Harry Pritchard. Here again the conductor was Aled Phillips and pianist Kevin Whitley. The soloists were Hannah Williams and Ian Pritchard-Jones and the items were introduced by Harold Richards.

New choir CD

Looking for Christmas present? Then look no further. Our new CD will be launched at our Annual Concert on Saturday, October 9 and is certain to give hours of pleasure. Director of Music, Aled Phillips, chose a varied programme for the recording ranging from opera pieces to songs from the shows and ballads - something to suit all tastes.

Dei's pigeon loft on television

Second tenor David (Dei) Lloyd was featured on S4C recently in the Welsh programme "Bro". A keen pigeon fancier from an early age, Dei showed presenters Siân Cothi and Iolo Williams around his pigeon loft pointing out birds that had won prizes and others who show promise.

In the same programme another second tenor, Rhys Hitchmough, was interviewed in The Stiwt - the local theatre - and he gave an insight into the everyday life of the building and the many societies etc. that use it.

Top star at our Annual Concert

Don't miss out on an appearance by a star of Broadway and the West End who will be our principal guest at this year's Annual Concert. John Owen Jones is a legend in musical theatre having spent four years playing The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera - a total of almost 1,500 performances in the West End.

He has also played a leading role in Les Miserables and in Showboat.  

Also in a star-studded line-up are one of Wales' foremost young pianists, Jocelyn Freeman, and Rhos-born actor Mark Lewis Jones, who has appeared in Holby City and other televised productions.

Tickets  for the event, at the near 800 seat William Aston Hall, are now available. Make sure to purchase yours at the earliest opportunity. Ticket prices in Liverpool, Manchester etc. for a similar production would be at least double the price. 

Yes Broadway and the West End are coming to Wrexham. Be there!!!

Ticket prices can be found on our Dates page or by clicking here. Comprehensive biographies of the artistes are available on our Guests page or by clicking here.

We did The Do's

Our recordings for the Do Lectures have been completed and the people in charge expressed themselves well pleased with the result. It is hoped that the choir will be seen on the Internet more than a million times when the lectures are shown at a later date.

A buzz at Bayston Hill

Our concert at  Christ Church, Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury, on Saturday, May 8, was a rousing success. A large and appreciative audience enjoyed our singing and they were not slow to show their appreciation. Furthermore our Director of Music, Aled Phillips, was also pleased with the choir's performance.

The accompanist was Kevin Whitley and the guest soloist was Kevin Sudlow. Two choir members, Jim Davies and David Scott, also gave solo items. The compere was Harold Richards.

We have performed at this venue on quite a few occasions in the past and many of the audience expressed a wish that we make a return visit soon.

We'll take the hits

Since its inception in July, 2008, the choir's web site has had nearly  21,000 "hits". Marketing experts maintain that this is 'pretty good' considering that the site began from the basement as it were. 

Top man in the north

Choir secretary and first tenor Austin Thomas, has been promoted by the Welsh Rugby Union. Our "Mr Rugby" has been appointed Divisional Manager (North) - a very important post. He will know the A5, A55, A470 and A483 as well as he knows the roads around Rhos. Congratulations Austin.

In the can

Saturday, May 22, saw the final recording for our new CD which will be released later in the year. Director of Music, Aled

Click on the photo to zoom

Phillips, has worked extremely hard over the past few months ensuring not only that  the choir has been in good voice but organising the venue and a thousand and one other things pertaining to the recording. He also arranged for a trio of percussionists to be present on May 22.

The hope is that it will reflect his and the choristers' hard work and that it will give much pleasure to those who purchase a copy.

The recording was in the capable hands of Cedric Jones of  the Andante Recording Company, one who is well-known in Wales for his expertise in  that field.

Super Seaford Welcome

And a good time was had by all. That was the consensus of opinion after our visit to the East Sussex town of Seaford for a concert on Saturday, April 17.

Most of the members travelled south by luxury coach on the Saturday morning with some making the journey by car. Home stays had been arranged and others chose to stay in hotels. Everyone was treated very well.

Members joined up at St. Leonard's Church Hall for a pre-concert meal, prepared by the ladies of the church. This was very much appreciated after a long journey. Walking to the adjacent church of St. Leonard's, where the concert was held it was pleasing to see the "House Full" signs on the church door. Apparently tickets had been sold out since about a fortnight.

The choir were introduced by Jim Taylor, a former member, and the packed audience were very generous in their applause for the choir's efforts. The guest artistes were a family trio comprising of Amanda Lockyer (oboe and organ), John Lockyer (piano) and their young son Simon, who played the violin. The talented trio were very well received by the audience.

The choir's programme comprised a varied selection of items and many commented afterwards on the variety of the fare on offer, conducted by the choir's Director of Music, Aled Phillips. The accompanist was Owen Roberts, who stood in for Kevin Whitley, who was unavailable. Our thanks to Owen.

A get-together had been arranged following the concert at a local hostelry and an impromptu concert was much enjoyed by those present.

Choir members journeyed home on the Sunday morning and a meal break was taken at Stratford-on-Avon.

Thanks are due to Jim Taylor for his organisational efforts in Seaford which ensured that the visit was so successful; the people who gave choir members overnight accommodation; proprietors of the hotels used for their kindness and to the ladies of the church for the pre-concert meal. We are also indebted to John Raymond Jones and Barbara Aubrey for their work when the trip was first mooted; to the present secretary, Austin Thomas, for putting the finishing touches to the arrangements and to anyone who helped make the visit a success.

The compere for the evening was choir member Harold Richards.

What they said

A wonderful concert from the first note to the last. The conductor has obviously worked hard to get such a rich sound. - A group of people on the street outside the church afterwards.

That was a treat choral we don't often get in these parts. A retired couple who were looking forward to hearing more of the choir on the CD they had purchased.

To everyone connected with Rhos Male Voice Choir - you were amazing. It was a privilege to be there to hear you sing. - Notices and photographs in the foyer, on the stairs and in the dining room of the Avondale Hotel, where some choristers stayed.

Gareth took the hard road

Second bass Gareth Scott took the saying "on yer bike" literally when he cycled from Rhos to Seaford - a distance of nearly 260 miles which entailed more than 16 hours in the saddle.

Gareth planned his route by taking a ruler over a road atlas and plotted his ride in as straight a line as possible between the two places, avoiding motorways of course.

He began his journey at 1.30pm on Thursday, April 15, with a 93 mile ride to Stratford-on-Avon where he had an overnight stop. The next day was a 112 mile journey to Horsham and another overnight stop and then on the morning of the concert, April 17, he pedalled the 50 miles to Seaford, arriving at 1pm.

Refreshed, Gareth took his place on stage with the choir in the evening and the following morning he put his feet up and enjoyed a ride home on the coach with his bicycle safely tucked away in the boot. Well done Gareth.

Congratulations to Aled

Our Director of Music, Aled Phillips, has been appointed Head of Music at Dinas Bran High School, Llangollen. He is at present a teacher of music at Alun School, Mold. Our best wishes are extended to him for a successful tenure in Llangollen.

New CD

	The choir gathered on Saturday 24th April to continue recording our new CD. This was our second of three sessions ahead of the expected release in August 2010. The session went very well and members are eager to hear the finished product. Please call back for more details and some preview tracks soon!
Our Conductor, Aled Phillips, in good spirits during the recording.	Click on either of the photos to zoom	The choir gathers ready to start recording.