Celebrating 15 Years of Singing: Royalty, Celebrities, Awards and Fun

The Llanelli Choral Society is celebrating 15 years of singing since being founded by conductor John Hywel Williams and continues to hit the high notes! In addition to 15 candles, the choir’s birthday cake already glitters with impressive achievements – celebrity engagements, great venue performances, awards, singing to royalty… to name but a few.

 

 

 

GREAT PERFORMANCES, ROYALTY & CELEBRITIES

Since its founding by John Hywel Williams MBE and over 40 great performances under its belt, the Society has given performances to local audiences and away in Wales and England at exciting venues such as the Millennium Centre Cardiff, Brangwyn Hall Swansea and Winchester Cathedral.

 

With a reputation for performing the world’s big choral works, the choir has performed for HM The Queen and HRH Duke of Edinburgh and singing with celebrity stars from Stuart Burrows to Alfie Boe. The Society has also enjoyed being invited by the Hywel Girls’ Choir & Hywel Boy Singers to sing at every ever-popular Llanelli Proms since its inception 14 years ago.

 

NATIONAL AWARD

A high note for the choir was winning national acclaim and status when it was awarded the prestigious W S Gwynne Williams Award presented by the Welsh Amateur Music Federation for its leading development and contribution to music in Wales.

 

“This was a great honour for the choir and a great reflection on the hard work of our conductor John Hywel, pianist Jean Hywel, hard working committee and our passionate choristers”, explains Society Chairman Monro Walters.

 

FOUNDER’S VISION FOR THE COMMUNITY

The founder of the choir, John Hywel Williams, looks back with pride over the last 15 years. “My vision for the Llanelli Choral Society was to build a musical community from the community for the community”, explains John Hywel Williams. “With the great support of friends and colleagues, we have achieved that vision.”

 

Community is a key word which features highly in the philosophy and the activities of the Llanelli Choral Society. In a town which lacked a mixed choral society when it was founded, the Llanelli Choral Society remains true and loyal today to the founding vision of its founder and prides itself that the opportunity to participate is open to all without prejudice or audition.

 

FUTURE PLANS

The choir next performance will be “The Magic of Christmas” on Saturday 8th December at Llanelli’s grand Tabernacle Chapel when the Llanelli Choral Society will be part of 200 voices and musicians to give Christmas a big musical welcome in Llanelli.

 

The choir are now preparing for their 2013 concert programme with performances in England planned, singing at the Llanelli proms and a big orchestral performance at the new Llanelli theatre, Y Ffwrnes titled “From Bach to Broadway and Beyond” which will take choristers and audiences on an exciting journey with music from the classics, opera, cinema, musical theatre and beyond.

 

LOVE TO SING?

The choir is currently recruiting new members. “There are no auditions to join the choir simply the love of singing”, explains John Hywel Williams. For your information pack, please contact info@llanellichoralsociety.com or 01554 774822.

 

LOCAL VOICES: FOUR LOCAL CHORISTERS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS

 

Name: Louise Jones (Alto)

Occupation: Bank cashier and proud mum

 

Why did you join?

“I joined from the very start, 15 years ago when I was 19 years old. I had finished being a chorister in the Hywel Girls’ Choir and knew that any choir with Mr Williams would be a great choir and experience. I always enjoyed the singing and socialising.”

 

What’s it like being a chorister?

“It’s something I look forward to every Sunday. It’s a great way of meeting new people, the experience of concerts and the music we learn and perform.”

 

How does the choir fit into your life?

“Meeting once a week on Sunday evening fits in well with my schedule. A lovely break from work and life. It’s a great opportunity to learn for a career or simply a hobby. It’s a lovely way to finish off the weekend. I’ve made great friends from the very first day.”

 

Your favourite music you sing?

“I love the mixture! From classical to cinema, from oratorios to musical theatre, I like it all.”

 

 

Name: Louise Bayliss (Alto)

Occupation: Busy mum and carer

 

Why did you join?

“I am a proud founding member. When I moved to Llanelli, I didn’t know anyone and felt the choir would be a good place to meet people and be part of a community. 15 years later, I’ve never looked back!”

 

What’s it like being a chorister?

“I love the rehearsals and the camaraderie. The biggest thrills are the performances. The communal pride of ninety singers working as a team together and the ability to astound the audience. I play the clarinet but it’s not as inspiring as the choir!”

 

How does the choir fit into your life?

“It fulfils on so many levels. Meeting people. A contrast from looking after the children. Talking about music. Preparing for concerts. It’s a good escape at the end of a week. It is also a great mental stimulation which has reignited my passion in music.”

 

“My daughter Rosie is in the Hywel Choir. It’s wonderful to be able to perform together at the Llanelli Proms and Christmas performances. It’s fun and chaotic preparing for concerts together and there is definite choral competition between daughter and mum!”

 

Your favourite music you sing?

“O Fortuna – the the sheer amazement on the faces of the audience! The Armed Man – inspiring, moving, scary, stomach wrenching – all in one work!”

 

Name: Laurence Collier (Bass)

Occupation: 19-year old Music Student, Cardiff University

 

Why did you join?

“I had sung in St. Michael’s School choir for years and my Mum was in the Society. I felt it good to join this Society where I could learn and perform the great works.”

 

What’s it like being a chorister?

“It’s a fun thing to do. It feels good to support a local organisation and to get involved in music.”

 

How does the choir fit into your life?

“Being a music student, it fits in really well. I am really learning from it and from John. “

 

Your favourite music you sing?

“I enjoy the drama of Elijah.”

 

 

Name: Dr Andrew Richards

Occupation: Consultant Radiologist, Prince Phillip Hospital

 

Why did you join?

I wanted to join a classical choir with an exciting repertoire and focus. After hearing the choir perform ‘The Creation’, I was inspired!

 

What’s it like being a chorister?

The mixed voices and broad choice of music is exciting. I enjoy rehearsals, the camaraderie, the challenge of big works and performing in venues such as Winchester Cathedral.

 

Your favourite music you sing?

The repertoire is varied to suit all tastes but I like the grand oratorios.

 

Advice to friends?

If you enjoy singing, the choir is the right place to be. Good experience, musical training and camaraderie.