Duo have been on song for choir for 140 years
TWO much-loved choristers have given a staggering 140 years of service to a celebrated valleys choir – and they rarely miss a rehearsal, let alone a concert.
Islwyn Morgan, 89, and Norman Martin, 93, joined Treorchy Male Choir months after it was reformed in 1947 following World War Two, and, as the choir begins celebrating 70 unbroken years of its history in 2017, the two veteran choristers can say they’ve been there every step of the way.
The Ton Pentre men are both vicepresidents of the choir.
Islwyn served as the choir’s secretary for 20 years and Norman was the choir’s registrar and archivist for four decades.
Together the old friends have appeared in more than 2,000 concerts, sang on more than 90 commercial recordings, contributed to 500 television and radio programmes, attended over 6,500 rehearsals, and performed to packed audiences across the globe.
First tenor Islwyn, who was a longserving employee of Rhondda District Council and served in the Royal Navy, said: “The Treorchy Male Choir has played such a massive part in my life that I cannot imagine being without it.
“I’ve made lifelong friends, met some wonderful people, and travelled the world – things I would never have done had I not been part of the choir.”
Second tenor Norman, a former collier of 25 years and then a lecturer at Rhondda College, added: “To think that one moment you’re being introduced to the Queen and the next you’re singing in the Sydney Opera House or visiting the White House – it is absolutely unbelievable.”
The two men have also performed alongside Ella Fitzgerald, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Tom Jones, Katherine Jenkins and Julie Andrews, and have also made guest appearances on the Royal Variety Show and sang for the Prince of Monaco.