News
The Ghent Tour November 2011
More info on this tour soon.
More info on this tour soon.
The chairman reports... May 2010
Onwards and upwards is the motto, we must move to the positives, Lyn Birch has accepted the Vice Chairman ship which will take him into 2012 as dual Chairman of the Welsh Association of Male Voice Choirs and of Pontnewydd Male Choir. I wish Lyn good luck with his Chairman's positions and I'm sure he'll develop a very positive aspect for both committees. Whilst on the subject of committee's, ma read more
Onwards and upwards is the motto, we must move to the positives, Lyn Birch has accepted the Vice Chairman ship which will take him into 2012 as dual Chairman of the Welsh Association of Male Voice Choirs and of Pontnewydd Male Choir. I wish Lyn good luck with his Chairman's positions and I'm sure he'll develop a very positive aspect for both committees. Whilst on the subject of committee's, management has decided to take more time to explore the logistics of the agreed amalgamation which can only result in positive scrutiny. Watch this space!
On the subject of travel I had some very positive feedback from many members about a no fly cruise. My understanding is that Caldicot Choir are soon to be cruising the Med and I'm keenly awaiting the feedback from my Caldicot contacts! Once again, watch this space!
We have much work to do and Walford has started on the Welsh for the Royal Albert Hall in 2012 which we are all looking forward to immensely. This especially for the most recent members a wonderful opportunity to perform to the highest standard at such a prestigious venue that most people in life can only dream of. Fill your boots gents and don't miss this particularly special occasion. I'm sure also that Lyn Birch will be very proud to representing Pontnewydd at the auspicious venue in the light of his dual role.
Great to see Alwyn Nutland back fighting fit, he looks the same as the day he left! Remarkable really when we stop to think that Alwyn's kidneys have actually had more probes than the surface of Mars! Good to see Derek Parry return with the light nights also looking well! Fantastic to see them both return, always excellent chorister's, superb and genuine gentlemen. More news later!
Regards Martin Jones
105th Annual Concert April 2010
The annual concert of any choir is a very special event and choristers and audiences alike eagerly anticipate the performance of choir and artistes. The 2010 Annual Concert was held on Saturday 24th April and the venue was the Upper School Hall of Llantarnam School, Cwmbran. The County Borough of Torfaen boasts a sporting venue that is fit for international stars to compete, yet local cho read more
The annual concert of any choir is a very special event and choristers and audiences alike eagerly anticipate the performance of choir and artistes. The 2010 Annual Concert was held on Saturday 24th April and the venue was the Upper School Hall of Llantarnam School, Cwmbran. The County Borough of Torfaen boasts a sporting venue that is fit for international stars to compete, yet local choirs prefer to sing in school halls - what does this tell us?
Despite the less-than-perfect setting the capacity audience on this occasion thoroughly enjoyed the evening because of the top-of-form performance of the choir and the delightful programme presented by the two gifted young artistes and their accomplished accompanist. Elizabeth Hippard (soprano) and Sally Martin (mezzo-soprano) are both students at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff. Their performance on the evening left no doubt as to why they were recommended by the college. Occasions such as this are often used by guest artistes to demonstrate their vocal skills rather than entertain the public. Not so this time. The audience were treated to a delightful mixture of songs right across the musical spectrum. Rapt attention during an item from Elgar's Sea Pictures and broad smiles during the 'cat' duet (Rossini) were just two examples of the way in which these two young artistes captivated the audience. At the keyboard (the grand piano was declared unfit for use) was the gifted Rhiannon Pritchard, a graduate of the R.W.C.M.D. Rhiannon was always the accompanist and never the dominant partner. These three young ladies were a perfect trio for the evening.
What of the choir? Has there ever been a perfect performance? One doubts it. Choristers and conductor are always aware that there are areas that lack the expertise and polish that is desirable. But a performance in front of the public is a one-off and nerves are something that can particularly affect a group of amateur singers. However, on this occasion the choir certainly mastered their nerves even in the five pieces that were new to their repertoire. "Another day" and "Coedmor" were very well received but one item in particular proved to be the talking point during the interval. "One voice" had been adapted for the choir by Musical Director Walford Hutchings and it proved to be a highlight of the evening. The youngest chorister, Ben Powell, demonstrated his remarkable range (it just seems like umpteen octaves) and top quality voice in the opening bars of the popular song and a remarkable stereo effect was produced when the sweet sounds of tenor Robert Crowley blended with him, then to be joined by the full choir. "Everyone will sing" (as one voice) rang out triumphantly around the hall. The final item in the programme was "Morte Criste" when retired choristers and some from other choirs responded to the invitation of the conductor and joined in a heart-warming rendition of this popular piece.
Public performances reflect the hours of hard work done week by week in the practice room and the Pontnewydd Male Choir are fortunate to have a musical team that are both gifted and popular. Walford J. Hutchings leads a group that can justifiably claim to be a team. He is assisted by Deputy Conductor Keith Jones (who always conducts one group of songs in concert) and accompanists Pauline Carey and Annette Williams (who change places frequently during a performance). The applause of the large audience was evidence that they are a talented and effective musical team.
New Picture April 2010
The choir had new pictures taken which are now released. Please see below...
The choir had new pictures taken which are now released. Please see below...
Bournemouth 2009 July 2009
On the morning of 11th July two luxurious coaches arrived at Cwmbran railway station car park. This caused some confusion for at least one member of Pontnewydd Male Choir. He records:
A Choristers Journey
The start was in the inspiring Station car park at Cwmbran, with the following conversation:-
Des: Waggee - what bus?
Martin: The green bus.read more
On the morning of 11th July two luxurious coaches arrived at Cwmbran railway station car park. This caused some confusion for at least one member of Pontnewydd Male Choir. He records:
A Choristers Journey
The start was in the inspiring Station car park at Cwmbran, with the following conversation:-
Des: Waggee - what bus?
Martin: The green bus.
-Pause as first one one and then another Golden coloured bus arrives.-
Des: Waggee which is the green bus?
Martin: Des - it's number 2 - you short ***** West Walian,
Martin then proceeds to explain in simple English the relevance of Green and Red Buses to Des. So, happily sat on the "Green" bus we proceed to leave Gwalia and travel to the exotic shores of Bournemouth - remembering, after the motorway stop, to get back on the "Green" golden bus.
(The scene is now Bournemouth and the Bay View Court Hotel,)
Des: Waggee, where do I go?
Martin: Des, the carers allowance now, thankfully, passes to Robert.
The remainder is a wonderful concert to a packed audience at St. Stephen's Church, where both choirs excelled.
A reasonable summary would be
Good Golden Buses (but to the insiders green and red), good food, good harmony and wonderful friendship.
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The miserable weather on Saturday failed to dampen the spirits of either singers or audience as they made their way into the impressive setting of St. Stephen's Church.
This concert was the second part of an exchange with the Bournemouth choir who had visited Cwmbran in September 2006. Their conductor, Mark Burstow, had been appointed in June 2004 and it was obvious that the choir were positively responding to his leadership. All items were thoroughly enjoyed but their renderings of "E'en as a lovely flower", "The Rose", "The Old Woman" and "Five foot two, eyes of blue" were items that were particularly commented upon by the visitors.
The Pontnewydd Male Choir, under the leadership of their vastly experienced Musical Director Walford Hutchings, was also very well appreciated by the audience and compliments abounded at the end of the concert. Welsh exiles particularly enjoyed settings of Calon Lan, Rachie and Tydi A Roddaist but also enjoyed, amongst other more modern items, "Sailing", "An American Trilogy" and "Hallelujah".
The soloist for the concert was Francesca Saracino who delighted the audience with a well balanced selection of modern and classical pieces.
Both choirs combined for "Morte Criste", conducted by Walford. It brought the audience to their feet for a repeat of the final verse and the lovely church echoed to a tremendous finale.
Some members of the Bournemouth choir and their conductor, then joined the Pontnewydd choir for an after concert 'get together' at the Bay View Court Hotel.
On the following morning the weather had completely changed and the lovely sunshine was enjoyed by the visitors as they sampled the various delights of Bournemouth. After lunch both coaches then departed for home with everyone agreeing that it had been a first class weekend - and when we do have another?
It was the altitude!!!!! July 2009
...or so it was claimed by a certain bingo caller! "Three and one - number thirteen" she carolled into the mountain air. 'Eyes down' quickly became 'eyes up', heads were scratched, corrections were made and remade, "Come off it Kim" rang out and the caller sweetly explained that it couldn't have been the drink because she'd only had two! "It's always the same..." she explained further "...when I'm read more
...or so it was claimed by a certain bingo caller! "Three and one - number thirteen" she carolled into the mountain air. 'Eyes down' quickly became 'eyes up', heads were scratched, corrections were made and remade, "Come off it Kim" rang out and the caller sweetly explained that it couldn't have been the drink because she'd only had two! "It's always the same..." she explained further "...when I'm up here. It must be the altitude!"
The altitude referred to certainly has an effect - but mainly on the air temperature as the evening progresses. The assembled throng were enjoying themselves at a barbecue held (4th July 2009) at "The Mountain Air" Inn, on the hillside above Upper Cwmbran.
Those with foresight had early established themselves in the warm interior of a luxurious marquee (a bargain on ebay!). Those sitting outside were able to enjoy the view and occasional gusts of warmth and smoke from the barbecue fire - lovingly attended by immaculately turned out chefs. Picnic chairs had been brought and even the occasional sweater or anorak.
The two innkeepers worked constantly at the inside bar, supplying (at reasonable cost) a variety of bottled ales and soft drinks. In the cooling mountain air, hard working lady servers filled rolls and baps with sausages and onions, generous slices of deliciously tender beef, pork or ham - supplied by a certain first tenor who is to be regularly found at a well-known butcher's stall in Pontypool market. Generous helpings of a host of salad concoctions (jncluding home-grown beetroot!) were piled on plates and hunger was soon satisfied as everyone settled down to feed their faces. Drinks had been carefully placed on flat surfaces only to be upset when a dramatic earth movements (several points on the Richter scale, or so it was claimed) launched beer glasses and contents into the laps of unprepared ladies. Thermal underwear had not been worn and frostbite began to set in. Some were able to retreat to secure houses and make a change of clothing but some sat quietly turning blue while k.......s refused to dry out. But - did anyone complain? Never! The evening was proving to be a huge success.
While mouths munched quietly at hot dogs, coleslaw and meat rolls, brains and pens were busily employed finding the answers to two sets of fiendishly difficult questions on obscure tunes and advertising slogans. Dingbats and cleverly disguised photographs of unknown celebrities caused further dismay amongst the intellectuals of the company. Brilliant youngsters scornfully explained to muttering pensioners that of course it was "Reservoir Dogs" - whatever they were!
Finally an erudite lady on a microphone put some out of their misery by clearly announcing the answers. A record score of several hundred was claimed by the winner - or was it winners? Prizes were claimed and a standing ovation given. More excitement was still to come but only after raffle tickets were hurriedly folded, Bert in the meanwhile reasonably explained that he had only been asked to sell them!! Hundreds of prizes (generously donated) were claimed by delighted recipients.
The evening then drew to a close with a spectacular display of miniature Montgolfier paper balloons. Fuses were lit, balloons held while the air inside quietly heated. Then release (some more successful than others) and up and away they went. What a spectacular sight as a squadron of balloons soared into the night sky and headed towards Pontypool. Perhaps, at the top end of the valley, bemused gazers into the night sky wondered after all whether UFOs did exist.
Organised at short notice by a band of dedicated choristers, partners and helpers, this proved to be a night to remember in the history of Pontnewydd Male Choir. Huge thanks to those involved in all the hard work. You deserve to be on the web!!!
104th AGM May 2009
Pontnewydd Male Choir held their AGM on Tuesday 5th May with the attendance of President B G Davies, M/D W Hutchings, Treasurer M Young, Hon Secretary R Dixon, Outgoing chairman B C Davies and Music team deputy con K Jones and Accompanists Mrs A Williams and Mrs P Carey. Also in attendance were nine first tenors, ten second tenors, ten first bass and twelve-second bass with five apologies for abse read more
Pontnewydd Male Choir held their AGM on Tuesday 5th May with the attendance of President B G Davies, M/D W Hutchings, Treasurer M Young, Hon Secretary R Dixon, Outgoing chairman B C Davies and Music team deputy con K Jones and Accompanists Mrs A Williams and Mrs P Carey. Also in attendance were nine first tenors, ten second tenors, ten first bass and twelve-second bass with five apologies for absence.
The president greeted the choir by addressing the activities that were undertaken over the past year and paid tribute to lost choristers B Dyer and life member A Higgs, these will be missed but he praised the incoming of new members to fill the ranks. The highlight of the year for him was our foreign tour to Prague where we sang at the Cathedral in Pilzner and the Hlahol music hall in Prague, he then paid tribute to all who made this trip so enjoyable and possible.
Our musical director Walford Hutchings then expressed his thanks to all officers in their efforts over the last year and encouraged all members to work hard at the new music and concerts that lay ahead and make them as enjoyable as his favourite moments of last year being our trip to Prague and the annual concert where we staged fifty seven choristers.
The outgoing chairman Brian Davies at this point expressed his thanks to all for supporting him in the last two years of office and called upon new chairman Martin Jones to accept the chain of office to start his duties for the coming period wishing him the very best.
At this moment in proceedings the president called upon Carl Robins to receive a certificate of life membership after serving twenty-five years as a chorister, his reply was, doesn't time fly when you are enjoying yourself.
Our new chairman thus taking up the theme of enjoyment in belonging to our choir explained his hopes and ideas to progress in this by closing the meeting and encouraging any gentleman willing to join us to come along to Mount Pleasant Hall on Tuesdays and Fridays our practice nights at 7.0pm and we will have a warm welcome for them.
Pontnewydd Male Choir ends Centenary Year with Gala Concert July 2005
The final event in the centenary celebrations of Pontnewydd Male Choir brought a capacity audience to the Sports Hall of Cwmbran Stadium. Lovers of the sound of male choirs were attracted by the opportunity of hearing a choir of well over two hundred men and the evening proved to be one that will live in the memory for a very long time. Six choirs of the Borough of Torfaen generously accepted the read more
The final event in the centenary celebrations of Pontnewydd Male Choir brought a capacity audience to the Sports Hall of Cwmbran Stadium. Lovers of the sound of male choirs were attracted by the opportunity of hearing a choir of well over two hundred men and the evening proved to be one that will live in the memory for a very long time. Six choirs of the Borough of Torfaen generously accepted the invitation of the Pontnewydd choir to join them for this unique occasion and the resulting sound reflected well on the work done week after week by seven completely different music teams. Old, friendly, rivalries were forgotten on this special evening and the sheer enjoyment of singing together was very evident on the faces of the choristers.
Pontnewydd Male Choir got the evening off to a tremendous start with their opening group of three songs, setting the tone for an evening when the audience simply sat back and enjoyed the sound of old favourites. This was not an occasion when musical directors set out to please the music critics with interpretations of some of the more obscure compositions of Bartok or Britten. Seven choirs combined (after only two rehearsals) to sing fifteen different pieces under the direction of eight different conductors and eight accompanists - Gethin Banfield with John Jolley (Garndiffaith Gleemen), Pauline Carey with M Snook (The Mellotones), Paul Cooke with Heather Wyatt (Cwmbran M.C.), Richard Price with David Lewis (Pontypool M.C.), Gareth Whitcombe with Jackie Charles (Blaenavon M.C.), Roger Appleby with Nicola Coker (Gwent Police M.C.), Walford Hutchings and Keith Jones with Annette Williams and Pauline Carey (Pontnewydd Male Choir). They each brought their own special touch to operatic choruses, spirituals, traditional songs and, of course, Welsh hymns, folk songs and marches. The overall result thrilled the appreciative audience and again proved that Welsh male choral singing can move the listener in a way not always understood by the purist.
The guest artiste for the evening was soprano Evelyn Nicholson who was in fine voice for her two groups of operatic arias and songs from musical shows.
This was an evening that celebrated 100 years of male choral singing - a tradition that, in Wales surely, springs from the heart as well as the head. It has been said that when two Welshmen get together they form a choir - and on this occasion the members of Pontnewydd Male Choir were delighted to be joined by so many fellow lovers of singing.
Freundschaft October 2004
The Congress Theatre, Cwmbran, was filled to capacity on the evening of Friday September 10th for the audience to enjoy a musical feast that surely was worth double the cost of admission. Sixteen years of partnership between Pontnewydd Male Choir and MGV Harmonie Buchenau have resulted in a bond not only of close and abiding friendship but also of close harmony. The warm atmosphere that prevailed read more
The Congress Theatre, Cwmbran, was filled to capacity on the evening of Friday September 10th for the audience to enjoy a musical feast that surely was worth double the cost of admission. Sixteen years of partnership between Pontnewydd Male Choir and MGV Harmonie Buchenau have resulted in a bond not only of close and abiding friendship but also of close harmony. The warm atmosphere that prevailed throughout the concert was certainly due in no small measure to this friendship - but a decent air conditioning system would have been appreciated by both audience and choirs. The German choir is based in the village of Buchenau, which forms part of Bruchsal, the twin town of Cwmbran. Their third visit to the area came after many months of planning by members of both choirs. The Musical Directors, Stefan Kistner and Walford Hutchings, have kept in touch ever since the choirs first met in 1988. As a result both choirs now have repertoires that have been enriched and enlarged by their close contact. Combined items in Welsh, German, English and Latin were sung as if there was only one choir on the stage, each conductor demonstrating their ability to use the talents of both choirs. The sensible format of the concert gave each choir an opportunity to demonstrate their separate skills as well as combining for seven items. The last combined item was a trilogy of three pieces in German that made the audience enthusiastically call for an encore.
Pontnewydd Male Choir's chairman, Lionel Boughay, had opened the concert by warmly welcoming the visitors in German and English. Clive Parton, with panache and humour kept things moving smoothly during the programme. He had the privilege of introducing two very talented young men, David Williams and Matthias Bohringer, who thrilled both audience and choirs with their musical skills. David Williams is a baritone currently studying at the University of California, Los Angeles, and, in addition to many appearances in Opera productions, is currently the baritone soloist for the Welsh Choir of Southern California's Concert Series. Jon Styler accompanied him with sympathy and skill. Matthias Bohringer was the accompanist of MGV Harmonie Buchenau for this concert. He has three times won the national award for German pianists. His solo item in the first half of the programme was a demonstration of amazing dexterity that left the audience wanting more.
The German choir again proved that Welsh male choirs have no monopoly on fine male choir singing and were especially effective in their frequent unaccompanied singing. Rudi Katz and Leonhard Geissler were delightful soloists in a number of their pieces. At the start of the final group of songs the audience were treated to an example of singing 'in the round' when they were completely surrounded by both choirs. Members of the audience who were seated centrally, probably, best appreciated the stereophonic effect, but this was yet another demonstration of the close understanding that exists between these two choirs.
Town partnerships are often criticised on the grounds of simply providing 'jollies' for small groups. The friendship that exists between these two male choirs from Buchenau and Pontnewydd are a practical demonstration of the real worth of such partnerships.
Pontnewydd Male Choir's Centenary Celebrations April 2004
This August we begin celebrating the Centenary year of Pontnewydd Male Choir. We have arranged many special concerts and events and look forward to seeing you at one of them.
This August we begin celebrating the Centenary year of Pontnewydd Male Choir. We have arranged many special concerts and events and look forward to seeing you at one of them.
