Take Note Of Welsh Music Fests

Sun., March 22, 1998

Paul Freireich New York Times

Q. We are planning a trip to Wales in May or June and would like to attend a concert of Welsh singing in a formal setting. Any suggestions?

A. The rich tradition of choral singing in Wales, primarily by men, dates from the days when coal mines, ironworks and quarries were a central part of life. Today there are more than a hundred male choirs, most of them in the south; they often number 60 to 100.

The repertory of a cor meibion (male choir) is wide-ranging: Welsh music, operatic choruses and spirituals are typical fare, but selections from “Cats” and “Phantom of the Opera” or perhaps a commissioned work may also turn up on a program.

You might want to consider attending a rehearsal. As John H. Lewis, secretary of the Pendyrus Male Choir, which gives 20 to 25 concerts a year, said: “You see the finished product in a concert. It’s always intriguing to see what goes on behind the scenes.” Rehearsals are held once or twice a week and most groups welcome visitors.

A brochure on choirs is available from the British Tourist Authority, (800) 462-2748, and at the Wales Tourist Board, 2 Fitz-alan Road, Cardiff.

Here is a sampling of choirs, with rehearsal schedules, contact numbers (for choir secretaries) and concerts in May and June. If you plan to go to a rehearsal, it’s best to call ahead. Concerts start at 7 or 7:30 p.m. and admission may be about $2.50 to $5, based on 60 pence to $1. While the settings may not be as formal as you had in mind, the choirs are established musical groups.

Cor Meibion Caernarfon, Tuesday, 7:45 p.m., Conservative Club, High Street, Caernarfon. Contact: John Williams, (1286) 675183. Concert: May 16, Community Center, Llanidloes.

Cor Meibion Pontarddulais, Sunday and Wednesday at 7 p.m., Ysgol Gynradd Pontarddulais, Upper James Street, Pontarddulais. Winston Price (44-1792) 865070. Concerts: May 9, Goppa Chapel, Pontardawe; June 13, Arts Center, Pontardawe.

Cor Meibion Rhosllanerchrugog, Monday and Thursday at 7:15 p.m. in Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham. Monday at Hafod Social Club, Broad Street, and Thursday at Grango School, Rhosllanerchrugog. J. Miles (44-1978) 353587. Concerts: May 22, the Cathedral, Chester; May 23, Oswestry, site to be announced.

Morriston Orpheus Choir, Sacred Heart Center, Morriston, Swansea, Sunday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Richard Royston Pugh (44-1639) 772370. Concerts: May 30, St. Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury; June 13, the Abbey, Romsey; June 21, the Cathedral, Ennis, Ireland.

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