CHOIR BOYS
Cor Meibion Caernarfon celebrating 50 years of song
ONE of Wales’s finest male voice choirs is celebrating its 50th anniversary in style.
Côr Meibion Caernarfon will launch a new CD at a golden jubilee concert at Galeri this Friday ( July 14).
An anniversary brochure will be published and an exhibition showcasing the choir’s rich history will be staged in November.
The choir has performed in the best concert halls in Britain, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, Birmingham Symphony Hall and St David’s Hall in Cardiff.
It has won first prize at the National Eisteddfod of Wales a total of nine times and its patron is opera superstar Sir Bryn Terfel.
Choir chairman, Bryn Griffith from Llanllyfni, said: “We first met in the canteen of the Ferodo Brake Lining Factory on November 5, 1967. The factory has long since closed but the choir sings on!
“We have performed at leading UK venues and have toured extensively in Europe and North America.
“We have won many competitions, including nine victories at the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
“Over the years we have had nine musical directors and six accompanists. Three of the original members still sing in the choir.”
Former local government officer Basil Thomas, 76, of Bontnewydd, went to the choir’s first rehearsal 50 years ago.
He recalled: “I attended the first practice and got married three weeks later. I never told my wife I’d joined the choir or that she wouldn’t be seeing me on Tuesday evenings for the next 50 years or so!
“I have always loved being in the choir. I’d like to see younger men joining the choir, we have had some recently join but we would like to see more.”
Bryn Griffiths added: “As we look back over 50 years, Côr Meibion Caernarfon is also looking forward to a successful future.
“We continue to welcome talented new members and our doors are always open to those who enjoy good singing and good company.”
At the concert, Cwmni Aran will release a new CD by the choir called “Hanner Can Mlynedd ar y Brig” and the audience will receive a colourful booklet highlighting the main suc- cesses of the past 50 years. Joining in the celebrations will be Meinir Wyn Roberts (soprano), Piantel, John Eifion (tenor) and Trio. More information online at galericaernarfon.com or 01286 685222.