Denbigh Male Voice Choir

A Welsh Male Voice Choir from Denbigh, North Wales. Hire the choir for a wedding.

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Musical Connections – Past and Present

April 6, 2014 By Richard Thompson 3 Comments

Llanfair Caereinion kept appearing on the first pages created on this website. It was the venue of our ‘next concert.’ It also holds significant musical connections with our choir.

Denbigh born Phyllis Dryhurst-Dodd was Musical Director of the  Llanfair Caereinion male voice choir.

Past Musical Connections

On retirement and returning to live in her native Denbigh she conducted the mixed choir at the North Wales Hospital.

The hospital choir disbanded in 1988. Her services were then sought by the newly formed Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir.

Mrs Phyllis Dryhurst Dodd and John Tudor Davies in Corwen 2000

Mrs Phyllis Dryhurst Dodd and John Tudor Davies in Corwen 2000

She became musical director and was in post for the next 13 years.

A keen student of music from an early age, and an excellent organist.

She had an immediate impact. In just one year the choir sang at the  ‘Thousand Voices’ concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Not a bad start!

In 2000 she received the MBE for services to the community in Denbigh. A year later she passed away.

We’re able to see her, and the choir, singing the evocative Eli Jenkins’ Evening Prayer, from Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood. This was part of the BBC’s Celebrations on the Millenium Eve.

Against the dusky backdrop of St Asaph Cathedral presenter David Dimbleby introduced the choir.

On completion Peter Sissons described the performance as ‘the sound of a nation’s soul.’

It is historical and memorable.

“The Sound of a Nation’s Soul” – Peter Sissons

Present Musical Connections

It is also relevant to note that our existing accompanist, Joyce Davies, is from Adfa. This is a neighbouring village of Llanfair Caereinion. The musical connections continue into the present.

We look forward to our concert at Eglwys y Santes Fair (St Mary’s Church) in Llanfair Caereinion. We will be thinking of Phyllis Dryhurst-Dodd’s significant and lasting contribution to the choir.

 Gwyn Dryhurst-Dodd

Gwyn Dryhurst-Dodd

Moreover, the choir President is none other than her son Gwyn Dryhurst-Dodd.  He is proud to maintain the family musical connections with the choir.

Past and present musical connections are important and endearing.

Some things are just meant to be.

Editorial Comment: Since the writing of this Blog it is pertinent to add that Gwyn Dryhurst-Dodd has sadly passed away. You can read a tribute to Gwyn on this link.

May 2016 : Accompanist Joyce Davies has now retired and has been replaced by Nia Mary Jones.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Dylan Thomas, Eli Jenkins's Evening Prayer, Gwyn Dryhurst-Dodd, Joyce Davies, Millenium Eve, Peter Sissons, Phyllis Dryhurst-Dodd, Royal Albert Hall, Under Milk Wood

About Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson, spent his entire working career in the National Health Service, mainly in a teaching capacity. He now enjoys his retirement and between his family and four grandchildren, gardening, holidays, computing, his choir,and village events his life is very full.

Comments

  1. Jack & Barbara Rilling, USA says

    April 8, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    Isn’t technology great who would have ever thought such a great sound from a prestigious group could be heard in my kitchen? Thank you! Allen did a splendid job putting it together; perhaps someday we will be in Wales to hear your group live.

    Reply
  2. john purtell says

    April 15, 2014 at 4:08 pm

    What a lovely performance! The touching choir performance in front of the bonfire with children’s voices accenting “the sound of the nations soul.” Thank you!

    Reply
    • Paul Harrison says

      April 15, 2014 at 4:54 pm

      Hello John

      Many thanks for your comment, it was a very memorable evening being able to perform live worldwide and Peter Sissons’ comment immediately after, which you refer to, was so heartfelt. By the way, Peter Sissons was originally from Rhuallt, which is not very far from Denbigh.

      Reply

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Thank you to all for singing so beautifully at my Daughter Claire’s wedding to the Lovely John ! As I walked into the church I was filled with such emotion it was stunning !
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Rhian
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Donna
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Sheelagh
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Ourselves and our guests thought you were fantastic and reduced many to tears. The singing was so overwhelming. The feedback we received from our guests was very positive. You bring so much joy and pleasure to people's experiences.
Sara and Owain
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Leanne
What a lovely blog – what can I say – words cannot describe the beautiful singing and the atmosphere of a little church in the Welsh hills – it was magic.
Elizabeth
We would like to thank you all for making Keeley and Huw's wedding so special, everybody commented on your outstanding performance.
Keeley
We had the privilege of being invited to Dan and Lisa’s wedding. The presence of the choir was a pure joy to experience. Music, song and laughter .. Hiraeth ! The rendition of “Myfanwy” was very poignant to us as a family as you identified.. and was much appreciated. Diolch yn fawr iawn . ..Personally Sospan Fach was the song for me!! Ann Williams
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Jess
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