Choir Highlights – Clwyd Wynne

Clwyd Wynne has so many choir highlights to recall. This is his story.

I have been a choir member since the beginning. Having been nagged by Gareth Roberts to join him in setting it up.

Inaugural Choir Member

A small group of us met for the first time in Capel Mawr with the formidable Phyllis Dryhurst Dodd as our conductor.

I was treasurer for the first years.  Then secretary for another few years until I suggested the officers only serve for three years.

Served as secretary a few times since.  Have been on the committee continuously from the beginning.

Musical Tastes

Born and bred in Denbigh.  Piano lessons started when I was 9 and finished when I was 16. Reached Grade 6 and passed my O level in music.

I used to carry my music case under my coat or jumper as I didn’t want to be teased by the other boys.

Most of all, I have always enjoyed singing the rousing Welsh hymns such as Llanfair, Arwelfa and Bryn Myrddin.  I also enjoy pieces such as The Rose and African Prayer.

My musical tastes are varied and include classical, folk – especially Maddy Prior, brass bands and rock, in particular Queen. I also still like reliving my long lost youth through the Shadows, Joe Brown, Alan Price and the Kinks.

Clwyd Wynne Choir Highlights

I enjoyed the concerts at the Albert Hall. The atmosphere and the excitement of singing pieces that were not possible as a small choir.  Nidaros, The Creation and Y Delyn Aur, gave a great sense of satisfaction and achievement when we finally cracked them.

Another choir highlight, and one of the most spectacular concerts we took part in, was the ‘Glory of Wales.’ A concert held in Howell’s School, Denbigh. There were three brass bands and a fantastic firework display for the finale.

I also enjoy the smaller and more intimate evenings such as Arthritis Care concerts when we can be more relaxed.

Yet another choir highlight is when we sang Dylan Thomas’s ‘Eli Jenkins Prayer’ on live television on the Millennium Eve. It was described by commentator Peter Sissons as the “sound of the soul of a nation.”

Clwyd Wynne Choir Compère

I have been compère now for many years and it is something that I really enjoy. There is nothing better than hearing the laughter when a story goes well.

One incident that stands out is when forgot I was wearing glasses. Taking my spare pair out of my pocket and putting them on top of the ones I was already wearing. I managed to get out of it by saying it helped me to see twice as well.

Now I’m learning to play the guitar and have tortured a couple of audiences with my attempts. My belief is that you should never set limits on what you can do and never be afraid of taking risks.

Fun and Enjoyment

There are many in the choir that I would probably never have met and got to know. That would have been very sad as they are a great bunch of lads. It has always been a friendly group and has been the source of fun and enjoyment.

Our visits to Germany and Ireland and our weekends away in the UK, such as Lincoln this year are other obvious choir highlights. The banter and camaraderie are often at their best.

Being a member has given me many choir highlights. It has been a great pleasure. It has enabled me to meet so many lovely people in our audiences, both locally and from all over the world.

Editor’s Footnote: More photos of Clwyd Wynne can be seen in The Gallery