Choristers up close - Jeff Ganner
Name: Jeff Ganner
Section: First Tenor
Date of joining: June 2023
How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?
Just over two years ago, a colleague and I were invited to sing with RMC by Music Director, Matthew Harrison. I had sung under his leadership some years ago with another choir.
At that time I was on holiday in Spain and was quite surprised and excited as I had heard very good reports of the choir’s repertoire and numbers of choristers. This invite came out of the blue! So, my colleague and I went along and sat in on a practice evening. I was personally overwhelmed by the number of choristers, and that amazing sound! I asked if I could join that evening, and as they say, the rest is history.
We realise that you’ve only been with the choir for a very short time, but what are the elements you have most enjoyed so far?
Regarding enjoyable moments: my first was when we took part in the National Eisteddfod last year (2024) at Pontypridd. It was there we won first prize, a more memorable and enjoyable event for a Welsh chorister I can’t imagine.
Off stage, you could not find a friendlier bunch of guys, helpful and understanding. You realise that you have a lot of brothers.
What music have you particularly enjoyed singing and why?
When I first joined, the choir was rehearsing a piece of music I had not heard before, it was Gwinllan a roddwyd (This land of Mine). The sound captivated me in such a way, that by the end of the piece, I was moved to tears. At that point I wondered if I would be good enough to sing along with such talent! Thankfully, I passed my voice test and have now settled in with the choir.
Other pieces I have had the pleasure of learning are Goin’ up a yonder, a piece that I want sung at my funeral, such is the effect on me. Another is a new piece we are now learning; it’s called Crossing the bar, a piece I didn’t like at first, but now it’s become another item I love singing.
What do you think you might look forward to in the future, perhaps having heard from longer serving choristers of memorable moments in the past?
I know that RMC has been abroad a number of times, including to California, and I have also enjoyed foreign tours in the past. But now, insurance is an issue.
I’ve really enjoyed the competitions we’ve taken part in and I would relish more of those. Previous choirs I belonged to, didn’t pursue the competitive side of things!
To be honest, I’m very happy with what’s happening in Risca. I’m enjoying exploring new repertoire, it’s given me a new outlook on male choir singing. So, in short, more of the same would be fine. .
Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir
Prior to me getting involved in male choirs, I was busy with work as a radiographer in industry, being not allowed to X-ray human beings or animals! I had to satisfy myself with mundane things like nuclear Power Stations and expensive works of art.
When I found time, I took up indoor bowling, and later on in life, I started dancing.
A final thought, if you have one
Now I’ve reached the time of life when I’m contented with my wonderful wife, my children, my grandchildren and my great grandchildren.
