At long last you can now view our centenary documentary for free on YouTube. The short film narrated by Roy Noble tells the history of the last 100 years of the choir. The DVD containing bonus extra footage can be purchased via the shop tab.
In recognition of over 25 years dedicated service to the choir, on the 7th February Mr David Thomas was awarded life membership. We thank him for his commitment, wish David well and hope for many more years together. David is seen here been presented with his certificate by Chairman, Rob Davies
St Elvan’s Church in Aberdare will witness the long awaited return of the Cwmbach Male Choir Concert at Christmas at 7.00PM on Saturday 11th December. Featuring Cat Southall this is a fabulous opportunity for all to enjoy some Festive entertainment during these troubled times. Tickets are just £8 and are available from St. Elvan’s reception. online at www.ticketsource.com/stelvans or via the box office number 0333 666 4466
Yes, Cwmbach Male Choir was formed 10th June 1921, and we are delighted to say that today marks the start of a year of celebration. Although our plans have largely been curtailed by Covid please be assured that we will do our best to involve all our friends and followers. Thanks to Andrew Mason T2 Section Leader for putting this potted history video together - enjoy!
In April 1960 Cwmbach Male Choir had the honour and distinction of appearing in concert with Paul Robeson at London’s Royal Festival Hall (the above photograph famously records the occasion). It was held by the Movement for Colonial Freedom (later to become Amnesty International) for Africa Freedom Day, and was attended by a celebrity audience, including Anthony Wedgewood-Benn, the then Archbishop of Canterbury, and folk singer Pete Seeger, famous as the composer/writer of the protest song “Where have all the Flowers Gone?
The concert was so successful that a second concert was arranged for the following year, April 1961. Paul Robeson, despite his increasing poor health, agreed to attend.
The choir arrived in London on Saturday 15th April in the late morning when the choir was preparing to rehearse, the organisers received a message to say that Paul Robeson had been taken ill in Moscow and would be unable to make the journey to perform in the concert. No professional replacement was available at such short notice so Cwmbach’s legendary Conductor, T.R. James, asked one of the Choir’s Basses, George Lloyd to take Paul Robeson’s place.
George had been a member of the audience who had listened to Robeson at the Mountain Ash Pavilion back in 1938. On being asked George is reported to have said:
"Well if you think I can do it, I'll have a go!”
In a wonderful, but largely amateur singing career, he had sung with the Welsh National Opera, the Welsh Festival Choir and Sadlers Wells. His performance on the day would bring the capacity audience to its feet, giving him a well-deserved thunderous ovation. Dai Francis (the Choir’s President), writing in the National Union of Mineworkers magazine later said:
" This working man from South Wales will never forget the memorable occasion when he was called upon at such short notice to fill the breach caused by the illness of one of the world's most famous singers…..and how wonderfully he acquitted himself…."
George died in 1999 in his 80th year. He was a Life Member of Cwmbach Male Choir, and at that time, the only chorister to have served for 60 years. His funeral eulogy fondly recalled his proudest moment. A lovely treasured memory of achievement!