On a recent trip to Scotland I visited the Old Course at St Andrews, the undisputed home of golf. It made me think – which is the oldest male voice choir in Wales?
Golf was first played at the Old Course at St Andrews over 600 years ago. Comparatively, male voice choirs do not have such a long history.
In fact, it’s not that easy to be precise about which choir is the oldest Male Voice Choir in Wales.
Vast numbers of men worked in the coal, slate and steel mining districts. Moreover, it is no surprise that such a collection of men produced large male voice choirs by the dozen.
Oldest Male Voice Choir in Wales
Treorchy – Oldest Male Voice Choir in Wales
The internet suggests that the oldest male voice choir in Wales is Treorchy Male Voice Choir.
Formed in 1883, this veritable juggernaut is now synonymous with male voice choirs.
Prestigious approval granted with a Royal command performance for Queen Victoria and the Royal Family at Windsor Castle on November 29th 1895. Apparently, she was amused. Complimenting the choristers on their fine voices.
Oldest Male Voice Choir in Wales
Also, world wide fame has resulted in many invitations, including four tours to Australia.
For 133 years the Treorchy Male Choir is one of the greatest choral ensembles of all time.
North Wales Oldest Choir
Rhos Male Voice Choir
Comparatively, in north Wales the oldest male voice choir is Rhos Male Voice Choir.
The village of Rhos, with a population around 9,000, has a unique reputation for its musical culture.
Furthermore, this continues with the existence of two large male choirs, two mixed choirs, a musical theatre society and a female choir.
Rhos Male Voice Choir
Rhos male voice choir started in 1891. In 1957 the successful partnership of conductor Colin Jones and accompanist John Tudor Davies lasted 30 years.
Furthermore, this period brought considerable success especially at the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
All things considered, it’s heartening that the oldest male voice choir in Wales (and north Wales) is still going strong and maintaining a proud cultural tradition.
Hello Denbigh Male Choir,
Just read your recent Blog re: oldest Male Choir in Wales.
Having been researching the Male Choirs of Wales for some time I thought I would share this information with you.
Beaufort Male Choir, Monmouthshire, South Wales – http://www.beaufortmvc.com/ were allegedly established in 1867 some 16yrs before Treorchy.
The oldest Male Choir in North Wales being Côr Meibion y Moelwyn – http://www.moelwynmalevoicechoir.co.uk/history.html who again were allegedly established in 1881, 2yrs before Treorchy.
Sorry to rain on Treorchy’s parade!! LOL
Richard A Howells
Vice-Chairman ~ Welsh Association of Male Choirs
Richard
Thank you for your valuable information – I did several Google searches and I failed to unearth the details that you describe.
It’s good to know that Blogs are read. To receive comments is a further bonus.
It’s also good to know that we have a heritage to be proud of. Long may it continue.
Côr Meibion Llanymddyfri competed in an Eisteddfod on 25 May 1872,which was held in Llanymddyfri. Seven male choirs took part, Morristown, Tenby, Llandeilo, Llangadog, Llanymddyfri, Trecastell, and Llanidloes. Now, allegory, we have been in being ,150 years, some sceptics doubt and challenge this claim. I do hope you can throw some light on this claim?? Diolch yn fawr. Hoping fora positive reply.
Thank you for your interesting news about Côr Meibion Llanymddyfri. It is extremely difficult to verify historical data about choirs and I regret that I am unable to comment further with any accuracy. I wish you every success in your effort to gather more information about your choir.Pob llwyddiant yn y dyfodol.
Dear Richard……the continuing query on the oldest choir ion Wales . I was compering a concert with Llandovery Male Choir last night. They were celebrating 125 years of existence. They reckoned they may be the second oldest Male Voice Choir in Wales, behind Treorci.’ I’ve read the inputs to your ‘thesis’ here on the history of choirs and I wondered if you are in a position to have a chat , on air, on BBC Radio Wales..,…on my Sunday programme, where we have a slot featuring choirs. I realise that there is confusion with regards to the ‘oldest’ choir, in Wales, in the South and North etc. but it would be interesting and perhaps……definitive.
Dear Roy….. I am most pleased to hear that you have found time in your busy schedule to read my blog on the oldest choir in Wales.
It is always my endeavour to write articles that will generate enthusiasm about male choral singing. The proud days of large male choirs are long gone with the demise of the coal and mining industries in the heartland. Will there ever be such a resurgence? I somehow doubt it, as there are so many ‘other’ interests for men to take up and enjoy. A huge ‘thank you’ for your own contribution to the ‘entertainment and broadcasting history’.
Regards….. Cofion cynnes
Richard