Welsh Male Voice Choir puts on its Six Nations programme
THINGS are not going well for Wales on the pitch, but the Guernsey Welsh Male Voice Choir will be hoping to give a better Six Nations performance at the end of the month.
On Saturday, just before Wales kicked off in what turned out to be a heavy defeat by Scotland, the group of 40 performed 45 minutes of songs, followed by the 15-minute repertoire they will be singing when Cardiff hosts England in the Six Nations in two weeks’ time.
A good crowd squeezed into St Saviour’s Church for the concert, with extra stools and pews needed 15 minutes before the show started, and even more stood at the back.
John Jones, a founding member of the choir, said that it was the camaraderie of the group that kept him involved over 20 years.
‘I’m more nervous for today then for going to Wales,’ he said.
‘I’m really excited to go to Wales and not even for the rugby, I’m truly excited to perform.’
The choir ran through their songs without sheet music in a true dress rehearsal.
‘We’re lucky to have such a great conductor, Fiona [Le Tissier] is amazing and she has really made this choir,’ said Mr Jones.
Former secretary of the choir for 15 years, Terry March, initiated the link to get Guernsey on the Six Nations stage.
When a Welsh choir from Maesteg, came to the island to perform, Mr March became friends with its secretary and asked how to get onto the pitch.
The secretary introduced the Guernsey choir with Welsh Rugby Union musical director Haydn James, who invited them to audition.
Two years ago, the singers had their performance cancelled at the last minute due to Covid, which has made the run-up to their performance even more exciting.
Choir secretary Barry Stinton has been involved in the choir for about five years, and was hoping for a great performance ahead of the game.
‘I always enjoy singing with the choir, and I don’t really get nervous as we’re singing with a group of people,’ he said.
‘There’s loads of people here today so I’m hoping we put on a good show for everyone.’
The choir practices once a week, and it was emotional for some members when they realised there were just two rehearsals left.
‘The extra anticipation of the last two years has made it even more exciting and even more special,’ said Mr Stinton.
‘It doesn’t get bigger than this and nothing may ever top it.’
The choir will be performing on Saturday 25 February at the Principality Stadium, and islanders will be able to tune in on BBC One to watch.
