Côr Meibion Onllwyn was formed in September 1969 by the late Taliesin Williams, and the richness and tradition of our singing runs as deep as the coal seams in the valley where we are located. Over the past four decades the Choir has raised thousands of pounds for charities and other good causes, in the local community, the UK and also internationally. We have toured extensively throughout the UK and overseas including Ireland, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Barbados and the United States of America. The Choir has competed (and won) at many Eisteddfodau and has appeared eight times at the Royal Albert Hall in London at the Festival of Male Choirs.
Original choir photograph taken outside Onllwyn Welfare Hall – 1970
In recent years, like many small choirs attracting new members has been a challenge, some have come and gone while others have stayed and have enjoyed the fantastic camaraderie, friendship and, of course, the singing. Although relatively small, our demographic is somewhat encouraging but we are actively trying to recruit new members to enable us to keep the tradition of male voice singing alive in the Dulais Valley. The choir’s musical team consists of Musical Director Julie Sims and Accompanist Huw Smitham.
The ethos of the choir has always been enjoyment, and we are firm believers that is what singing should be all about. Over the past two years we have forged new links with charities and choirs in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Shropshire, as well as maintaining a close and historical relationship with the Irish Trade Union movement (since the 1984 miners’ strike) and other charities and organisations around Europe and further afield.
Our friendly light hearted approach is reflected in our music, mixing the traditional with the modern so as to keep a varied and popular repertoire. For those wanting to be part of this superb group of friends and enjoy the beauty and tradition of male voice singing we practice weekly, at 7:00 pm on Tuesdays in the Welfare Hall in Onllwyn (no audition required!).