A CONCERT to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Minehead Male Voice Choir (MMVC) was marked by a unique Anglo-Welsh collaboration at the weekend.
Hundreds attended the concert in the Avenue Methodist Church on Saturday for the largest performance in the choir’s burgeoning history.
They were joined by Côr Meibion Cwm Rhonnda, from South Wales, in offering a rare blend of famous songs, and popular audience pleasers, Welsh hymns, anthems, and choral pieces.
+ 2
(View All)
Attending the Minehead Male Voice Choir 25th anniversary concert were Somerset Council chairman Cllr Mike Best (right) and vice-chairman Cllr Lee Baker with their wives Sue Baker and Liz Best.
The combination delighted the packed venue, bringing a standing ovation at the close.
Presentations were made to the visiting male voice choir, MMVC musical director Jackie Butterworth, accompanist Alan Hemsley, eminent Welsh director and arranger Neil Topping, MMVC founder and president Robert Green, and MMVC’s sole original choir member Glenn Baker, who performed a moving duet of ‘Ave Maria’ with guest soloist Mrs Butterworth during the set.
The collaboration, which included performances of Welsh favourites ‘Calon Lân’, ‘Cwm Rhondda’, ‘Afonaf Angel’, and ‘Gwahoddiad’, was introduced by Minehead choir chairman David Barnes, and compèred and hosted by tenor Kerry Steele, who had moved from the Welsh choir to Minehead MVC just a few years ago.
His light-hearted interludes proved very popular with the audience.
Also in attendance were Somerset Council chairman Cllr Mike Best and vice chairman Cllr Lee Baker, and other local dignitaries.
Mrs Butterworth said afterward: “It was a wonderful event. I am so proud of them, and they gave their all.
“We are delighted with the occasion, our guests from Wales, and the amazing support for this anniversary. It has been a huge success.”
The concert also included performances of ‘World in Union’, ‘You Raise Me Up’, ‘Love Is All Around’, ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’, ‘Across the Harbour’, ‘My Heart Will Go On’, from the film Titanic, the theme from Chess, ‘I Believe’, ‘Stars’, ‘Morte Criste’, and ‘Deus Salutis’, which was directed by Robert Green.
The milestone occasion, which brought together 48 male singers in all, was followed by a special ‘afterglow’ for the two choirs at Minehead Social Club, where 150 specially baked pasties were provided by Glenmore Bakery for guests, and a birthday cake for MMVC’s oldest member George Gardner, celebrating his 90th birthday at the event.
The anniversary evening kicks off a full season of special concerts for Minehead Male Voice Choir, beginning on May 3 with a performance at Blenheim Gardens for the VE Day anniversary, followed on May 10 at Williton Pavilion Hall in concert with Ilminster Belles, and raising money for St Margaret’s Hospice at Winsford Village Hall on May 17.
The 43-strong choir, which is currently recruiting, and regularly attends the International Festival of Male Voice Choirs, in Cornwall, meets for rehearsals weekly on Monday evenings in Alcombe Methodist Church.
Mrs Butterworth said: “We are always looking for more to join us whatever age, and if you can sing in the shower then you can sing in a male voice choir.
“This is a very friendly choir and the camaraderie is wonderful.”