Who’s Who?

Musical Director and Conductor – Rhonwen Jones-Broom

Rhonwen is a delightful and determined leader of the choir. Her confident sensitivity, musical competence, and undoubted wit constantly remind us that we are truly fortunate to be under her direction.  This is reflected in our growing repertoire and in our competition and concert singing.

Rhonwen is no stranger to the big stages. Not only is she an experienced chorister, singing with Penllys and Bro Gwerfyl mixed choirs but she has also made a name for herself singing as a soloist and duettist. She frequently sings solo or is Mrs Olwen Jones’s partner in duets at our concerts. It is a happy thing that she features on our list of soloists.

We were delighted to be able to appoint Rhonwen as Conductor for our choir to take the place of Tegwyn, who retired after seventeen years at the helm, when Rhonwen Jones, a native of Llandderfel Nr. Bala, took up the leadership at Easter 2012. We were looking forward very much to having the benefit of her ability and lifelong engagement with the world of music. We have not been disappointed.

At the moment, Rhonwen is getting us ready for recording another CD.

Accompanist –

Margaret Davies our accompanist.

Deputy Conductor – Christopher Belk

Christopher has been a member of the choir for many years, having made the decision very shortly after coming to live in the Tanat Valley.  While he did not see himself in the role of a conductor, we know that his insights into those awkward part of a piece are always important and  perceptive.  Chris has committed himself to learning Welsh and deepening his understanding of the culture of Wales.  He has been a lifelong chorister and so adds all the wealth of that experience to this new venture we are making together.

We always have with us in concerts our soloists:-

Maisie Davies

Maisie is from Llanfyllin and has been singing since her school days when she competed in solos, Cerdd Dant, recitations and group competitions.  Success over the years competing led to singing lessons and classical training with Gloria Ellis.  She has also been involved in Musical Theatre such as the Welsh Schools Edition of Les Miserables, Cats, and West Side Story in the role of Maria.  More recently, in 2023 she sang in Titanic the Musical at the Theatre Severn.

She has also partnered with Richard Lewis as ‘Welsh Tenor and Soprano Duo’ and they enjoyed success in the Gwyl Dant in Llanfyllin in 2022.  They also sang with the choir on previous occasions such as our Grand Concert in 2023.

And within the the choir,

Mr Garry Evans

is from the second tenor section and sings some of the solo parts of particular Choir items such as  “The Silver Trumpet”.  He also sings a beautiful duet, ‘Ti a Fi’, with Rhonwen.

Mr Eifion Williams

is our Stage Manager and makes sure that we arrive on stage in good order.

Mr Huw Morris

makes sure that everyone and everything is in order when Eifion is unable to lead us.

Mr Trevor Foster

is the teasing Irishman in our midst and our concert Compere whose fund of impeccable funny stories sets the scene for what is always an enjoyable occasion.

Alwyn Williams

Our Press Correspondents and, when we have a Welsh engagement, Alwyn draws on a lifetime in the world of education when he takes over the role of Compere.

MEMBERS AND DAY TO DAY RUNNING OF THE CHOIR

The Choir as a whole makes decisions regarding concerts, trips, joint events and such like during the interval at each rehearsal and we are in that way completely democratic.

Our history and geography indicate that we are largely a choir of farmers and rural craftsmen but that does not preclude other occupations.  It is a matter of some amusement, when we are introduced, that we could call on the services of a Headmaster, Doctor,  Dentist,  Banker, Lawyer,  and Undertaker.  And yes, we do admit Englishmen!

BECOMING A CHORISTER

We are always open to receiving new recruits who are welcomed into the most suitable section for their voice.  Why not just come along and site and listen?  There is an initial uncommitted period which gives both the Musical Director, and the hopeful, an informal opportunity to assess whether it is wise to continue.  It is a great deal of fun – why not give it a try?

We rehearse on a Wednesday at the Village Hall, 8pm.