Haydn Thomas
Section - Tenor 2

How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?

I have always had an interest in performing arts and in junior and senior school I always took part in Eisteddfodau, school plays etc., even though I was not successful. I joined the Little Theatre in Newport when I was 16 and only left when other commitments, such as getting married, meant that I could not give it enough time.

I loved to go to local Risca Male Choir concerts as I grew older and recognised that singing with the choir were some of my work mates from Alcan, John Allen and Trevor Baker to name but two! When I expressed an interest to these two guys, they finally persuaded me to come along to a rehearsal. I spent the first half of the session listening and then after a voice test determining that I was either a 1st or 2nd tenor, I was placed next to second tenor, Dennis Steer. This was in the front row, and Dennis was particularly adept at singing in my ear to keep me on the right path. This was in 1985.

In 1987 was my first and only trip with the choir to the USA, which to a fairly young but newish chorister was absolutely awesome, as they say over there! California was the part of the USA being visited and we travelled from Los Angeles to Redding in Northern California. For that time I was sharing accommodation with Newport born composer, Richard Roderick Jones, who had written a set of pieces for the choir to sing on tour. Many choristers will know that Richard was an absolute hoot; I hardly stopped laughing for the whole time we were there.

How long have you been with our choir, and what are the things which have helped you stay?

I have been with the choir since that first memorable day in August 1985. I took to it like a duck to water, loving the musical taste of our Music Director, Martin Hodson. The variety and the different aspects of choral singing kept me thoroughly engaged and totally committed. This might sound like the Martin Hodson fan club moment, but his methods of teaching music, his wit and repartee made me look forward to every practice session, and eventually, after three months’ probationary period, my first concert took place. This was at the St David’s Hall in Cardiff with the Band of the Welsh Guards; talk about being thrown in at the deep end! I was absolutely terrified at the thought of all those people looking at me and no one else, at least, that’s what it felt like!

After the first song, I calmed down, especially after the hairs on my neck were bristling with pride at the sound of rapturous applause. I think it’s the actual performing on stage that I love, the buzz that you get when you know you’ve sung well and deserved that applause.

I was a member of the committee for over twenty years, helping, as I thought, to give back something for the pleasure I was getting from being a member.

What music do you particularly enjoy singing and why?

My musical taste is varied. I love singing in foreign languages, and not to brag, but I don’t seem to have much of a problem with them. My philosophy is that if we sing everything where possible in its native language, there is lots of scope to practise those languages. If pushed, I would say that oratorio and opera are my particular favourites because they give me more of a buzz. I find particularly at the end of long works like the Cherubini Requiem or Owain ab Urien I feel a great sense of accomplishment sweeping over me making me feel most satisfied.

Have you had any memorable musical moments that gave you pride and satisfaction?

Many, including Carbon 12 (for Welsh National Opera), Beethoven’s Choral Symphony (for Welsh Sinfonia), Owain ab Urien (for 100th anniversary of Welsh composer, David Wynne), Beowulf & Grendel (written for RMC and Tredegar Town Band by Welsh composer, Mervyn Burtch) and the Cherubini Requiem are particularly brought to mind as amongst my proudest moments. Then not forgetting winning the National Eisteddfod when it was held in Newport, the Welsh Choral Challenge Shield, and the recording (We’ll keep a welcome!) with Bryn Terfel and the orchestra of Welsh National Opera. These are fondly remembered.

On my 40th birthday, we had a concert in Kidderminster, my wife and both daughters came in the car, and unknown to me had prepared a surprise. After the concert and during the afterglow, they presented me with a beautiful birthday cake and the whole choir sang “Happy Birthday”: a truly memorable occasion.   

I always enjoyed our annual trip to Minehead to which we usually took along a young soloist to perform with us. Many of these were students from the Performing Arts section at Crosskeys College where Martin was Director of Music. I will always remember a young Risca singer, Laura Parfitt on her debut with us. She was a singing student of Martin’s and we settled back to listen to her perform some lovely songs and arias: she had such a beautiful voice for someone so young and went on to have a career as a professional singer.

Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir.

I have been happily married to Jo for the last 48 years and have two wonderful daughters who have produce five lovely grandchildren for us. Unfortunately, they live in West Sussex, and we don’t see them as often as we would like. We live in a gorgeous period (circa 1720) cottage, formerly a smithy, in Rogerstone which takes up most of our time. We don’t go abroad for holidays, preferring instead to spend them in this country. We’ve travelled as far as Inverness in Scotland, down to Penzance at the tip of Cornwall, always enjoying the scenery en route.

A final thought, if you have one

I have made a lot of friends over the years which I would not have made if I had not been a part of this choir.

Being one of the older members, now I look back on good times with no regrets. Even when I had a year’s sabbatical I continued as an Associate Member. I hope I may have health and good fortune to continue my journey with this wonderful organisation.