the Cwmbach Choir was formed in 1921, and has survived to the present day even though it was severely tested by periods of hardship, depression and the Second World War. During it's 90 years it has flourished and built up an enviable record of success...  more the Cwmbach Choir was formed in 1921, and has survived to the present day even though it was severely tested by periods of hardship, depression and the Second World War. During it's 90 years it has flourished and built up an enviable record of success in competitions and concert performances. Its success in competition,particularly eisteddfodau, was established in its early days. the first taste of success was second prize at Treorchy in 1928, followed by Cardiff in 1938 and Ebbw Vale in 1958. the first prize was ultimately achieved at Port Talbot in 1966 and repeated in 1968 at Barry. During the 1950's when the Although in recent times the Choir has not been nearly as active in the competitive arena, it was successful in taking First prize in the Male Choir competition at the Limerick Festival of 1996 in Ireland. In 1997, the Choir took part in the International Eisteddfod at Roodeporte, Johannesburg, South Africa where they competed in the Folk Music Competition. they not only came fourth out of se...    less

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog from the Front of the Choir]   We’ve all seen it: a timid, slouched, nervous person approaches the microphone. We expect disaster. they open their mouth and the most amazing, beauti...

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog from the Front of the Choir]   I was running a one-day workshop a while back and it seemed to me that the whole thing wasn’t gelling. People seemed uninspired, energy was low, and i...

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog from the Front of the Choir]   A few years ago I spent two weeks travelling through the Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. I was really looking forward to hearing plenty of tr...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog from the Front of the Choir] I get regular emails from people asking questions about songs and copyright. I’m certainly no expert, but I have written a few articles that you migh...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog from the Front of the Choir] I teach a song by ear in less than an hour at a workshop. Everyone picks it up really quickly and then they sing it brilliantly. We’ve been working ...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog from the Front of the Choir]the world can be a scary and upsetting place. When I wrote this back in 2016, here in the UK we were witnessing political infighting, uncertain futures, auster...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog from the Front of the Choir]Just because a song is in a foreign language, you still need to respect its origins. Sami family by Morten Oddvik there is a huge amount of misinformation ...

the Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge is one of the finest collegiate choirs in the world, known and loved by millions from its broadcasts, concert tours and recordings. This is the Choir’s 99th album to be released. Founded in the 1670s, the Choir i...  morethe Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge is one of the finest collegiate choirs in the world, known and loved by millions from its broadcasts, concert tours and recordings. This is the Choir’s 99th album to be released. Founded in the 1670s, the Choir is known for its distinctive rich, warm sound, its expressive interpretations and its breadth of repertoire. Alongside these musical characteristics, the Choir is particularly proud of its happy, relaxed and mutually supportive atmosphere. the Choir is directed by Andrew Nethsingha following a long line of eminent Directors of Music, recently Dr George Guest, Dr Christopher Robinson and Dr David Hill. the Choir is made up of around 20 Choristers and Probationers from St John’s College School and 15 Choral Scholars who are members of St John’s College, its primary purpose being to enhance the liturgy and worship at daily services in the College Chapel. the Choir has a diverse repertoire spanning over 500 years of music. It is also renowned for championing con...    less

the Cottontown Chorus of Bolton has established itself as a leading barbershop group within the UK. With a great sense of fun and a unique style of entertainment, the chorus has gripped audiences during its history of 34 years. Our close knit membership o...  morethe Cottontown Chorus of Bolton has established itself as a leading barbershop group within the UK. With a great sense of fun and a unique style of entertainment, the chorus has gripped audiences during its history of 34 years. Our close knit membership of nearly sixty guys has a strong commitment to vocal and performance excellence. Cottontown particularly enjoy competing in both national and international barbershop competitions. Well respected stages around the UK including the London Palladium have given us the opportunity to wow audiences with stirring harmonies, emotional lyrics, exciting choreography and visual effects. In competition, the Bolton based group has succeeded in winning the much sought after Gold Medal at the British Association of Barbershop Singers (BABS) convention four times in the last six years and represented the UK twice at the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International Convention held in the USA. It was in 2008 when Cottontown Chorus probably attained most of its public attentio...    less