Choir member Iorwerth Davies grew up in Pentre Celyn. On the outskirts of Ruthin, and not far from Llysfasi Agricultural College. The phrase ‘you’re going to reap just what you sow’ comes to mind.
The lyrics from Lou Reed’s classical hit ‘Perfect Day’ are apposite. Iorwerth recalls that, in his formative years, he attended piano lessons every Saturday morning.
Iorwerth Davies
“This meant a round trip of one and a half hours on my push bike. From my home to Llanfair D.C.
I will always be grateful to my parents for paying for the piano lessons.”
Those ‘musical seeds’ have long germinated and Iorwerth is now reaping the reward.
“I’m finding those piano lessons have come in handy when I try to sight read the sheet music in the choir.”
Iorwerth Davies Helping Hand
An energetic, helpful and loyal choir member of the bass section since joining the choir in 1990. Iorwerth likes the socialising aspects of the choral community.
He also enjoys visiting new venues. Being a choir member also increases self confidence and keeps the mind active.
Schoolboy Iorwerth
Favourite Singers
Iorwerth regards Elvis Presley as a musical influence. But his main musical interests remain within the Welsh tradition.
His favourite singers are Meirion Wyn Jones and Gwawr Edwards.
Meirion, or Mei Plas, is a farmer who lives in Llangynhafal. He is a regular, successful competitor in eisteddfodau throughout Wales.
At the Cardiff National Eisteddfod in 2008, Meirion won the Bass Solo competition. He went on to win the prestigious Blue Riband prize for the best soloist of the Eisteddfod.
[easyazon_link asin=”B004E52MKS” locale=”UK” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”denanddismalv-21″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Gwawr Edwards[/easyazon_link], at the age of 26, is the rising Welsh soprano star. She has won at the Urdd, Llangollen International and National Eisteddfodau.
She is the daughter of well known tenor Dafydd Edwards. Gwawr has travelled to many countries to entertain her audiences.
Iorwerth Davies Choral Interests
Iorwerth in his Guitar Days
Côr Godre’r Aran from Llanuwchllyn is one of Iorwerth’s favourite male voice choirs.
Iorwerth also sang with the Rhos Orpheus Choir. He was part of the National Eisteddfod Choir in Mold.
He was a member of ‘Lleisiau’r Dyffryn’ at the 2013 National Eisteddfod at Denbigh.
His favourite venue is Bodfari Church because of the “fantastic acoustics.” His favourite choir song is ‘Sirioldeb.’ It has been re-introduced into the choir repertoire.
Family Life
Iorwerth and Ann on Lincoln Choir Trip
Iorwerth is married to Anne and celebrated their Golden Wedding in June 2017.
They have two daughters and a son.
They are also are the proud grandparents to three girls and three boys.
Iorwerth Davies Choir Highlights
Iorwerth has sang for a quarter of a century with the Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir. He has plenty of musical memories.
He has no hesitation in picking out three concerts at the Royal Albert Hall as memorable. The 25th Anniversary Gala Concert at St Asaph Cathedral in 2013 will also remain a highlight.
Never has a Saturday morning bike ride returned such a reward. It has enabled a lifetime of involvement and enjoyment in a musical pastime.
Good Evening
I would really like to contact Iorweth Davies again. We used to play guitar together in the 60’s. We were part of a band that made the finals of the National Urdd Youth competition. I see this profile is dated 2013 so I hope he is still active. I live in Cape Town am coming over to UK at the end of this month.
David – Thank you for your interesting comments. I’ll p.m. you with details of how you can make contact with Iorwerth who was pleased to receive your message.