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.
However, the hospital choir disbanded in 1988. Her services were then secured by the newly formed Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir.
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. Then, a year later she passed away.
In conclusion, 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
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May 2016 : Accompanist Joyce Davies has now retired and has been replaced by Nia Mary Jones.
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.
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!
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.