The latest 'On Song' column from the Llanelli Star . . .

The latest 'On Song' column about the choral scene in and around Llanelli from the Llanelli Star . . . 

Côr Meibion Llanelli choristers have some very special guests for their annual Christmas concert this weekend.
The choir’s ‘Sing Christmas’ evening is being held at Greenfield Chapel at 7pm on Saturday, December 14.
The evening will also feature Côr Baroc and Parti Llwchwr.
Côr Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas said: “It promises to be a wonderful celebration of the Christmas spirit. The audience will get to listen to some wonderful voices and there will be the chance for some audience participation.”
Côr Meibion Llanelli’s musical history is well known throughout Wales and beyond. The choir will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.
Côr Baroc is a 65-strong mixed choir formed by Mr Thomas in Llanelli in 2006.
Mr Thomas said: “As a choir, we set the bar high in tackling challenging choral works. For example, one of our recent performances included Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater.”
Parti Llwchwr ladies choir was formed in 1955 by the late Meira Rees.
The ladies have competed in Eisteddfodau and the annual Côr Cymru competition
Côr Meibion Llanelli’s accompanist for the evening will be Rhiannon Williams-Hale.
The organist will be Andrew Pike.
Aled Maddocks will be assisting with Côr Baroc and Janet Jones will be in charge of the baton for Parti Llwchwr.
Eifion Thomas has been associated with Côr Meibion Llanelli as accompanist, deputy conductor and music director since February, 1965.
He has seen the choir grow in popularity and in musical excellence during this time and retains a burning passion and commitment to keep the choir in the forefront of music-making in Wales.
Eifion is also a renowned soloist with a rich tenor voice, who has sung with his choir throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Under Eifion’s direction, the Llanelli Male Choir has gained most of the honours available in competitive choral singing, including several prizes at the Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales.
He has also been responsible for preparing and conducting the choir on its many record releases as well as recording several solo albums of his favourite hymns on the Sain recording label.
The Llanelli Male Choir has made countless appearances on television and radio in the UK and has sung with artists as diverse as Wynne Evans, Bryn Terfel and the Pet Shop Boys.
Eifion trained in music and education at Trinity College Carmarthen and the Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.
In 1996 he was received into the prestigious Gorsedd of Bards at the National Eisteddfod in recognition of his contribution to Welsh culture.
Eifion is one of the choirmasters of the Carmarthenshire National Eisteddfod choir and is busy preparing the choristers for the 2014 Eisteddfod to be held in Llanelli.
This is the second time Eifion has undertaken the task of choirmaster for the Eisteddfod choir following the success of the choir when the Eisteddfod last visited Llanelli in 2000.
Eifion was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Rotary Fellowship award by Llanelli Rotary Club for his contribution to culture and charity in the community.
Other events –
Côr Meibion Llanelli’s remaining events for 2013: December 18, concert at Thomas Arms. December 16, Radio service for Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli.
Burry Port Male Voice: December 11, A Night with Burry Port Male Choir, Ashburnham Hotel, Pembrey. December 13, Community Christmas Carol Concert, 6.30pm, Memorial Hall, Parc y Minos Street, Burry Port, hosted by Burry Port Male choir with performances by Osian Owen, the Jenkins Sisters, Jordan Williams, Pembrey Junior, Pembrey Primary and Glan-y-Mor Comprehensive schools, Cor Ieuenctid Capel Carmel. Compere Eric Davies. December 14, Royal Signal Association Concert West Wales Branch, Dafen Church 7pm. December 17, Memorial Concert 7.30pm, St Mary's Church, Burry Port, a memorial to remember the deceased of the year.

Robert Lloyd works as a media consultant – www.rlloydpr.co.uk
If you have any news about the choral scene in Llanelli, the please contact him on 07777 683637 or email rlloydpr@btinternet.com

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