Steve Wiltshire
Section - Baritone

How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?

My association with the choir started some time before actually joining at the age of 18 in 1972. My dad, Hubert “Stu” Wiltshire, had been with the choir for a few years, and I would go and watch rehearsals which at that time took place in Risca Town Junior School. Afterwards we would go for a few beers in the Darran Pub with some of the choristers. Long friendships were made from that time on: unfortunately some of these friends are no longer with us.

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

My first recollection of seeing the choir perform was at the Risca Mineworkers’ Flower Show at Crosskeys College and it was not long after that I joined.  As I mentioned, this was in 1972 when I was 18!

My first concert was at the Graig Comprehensive School, Bassaleg.

Being such a young man, the men made me feel special, and I was taken under the wings of certain choristers, particularly in the 2nd tenor and baritone sections. I look on my association with RMC as an apprenticeship for life! This fine band of men have kept me on the straight and narrow most of the time I have been with them!

What music do you particularly enjoy singing and why?

Having been under the baton of five musical directors, I have seen a lot of change, with new challenges and fresh ideas which have always kept my interest. I have been involved in such great times with concerts, competitions, recordings and tours.

During my time with the choir I have enjoyed singing a vast amount of different styles of music, including the old “war horses” Nidaros and Spartan Heroes in the early days. Then there were Spirituals, Welsh Hymns, and Opera choruses in their many different languages. I got a real buzz singing By Babylon’s Wave at the Albert Hall with the 1000 voices in 1979, it still sends a shiver down my spine today. Equally I enjoy the songs from the shows and the contemporary works, the repertoire of the choir has been brilliant and inspiring to learn.

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

There have been so many memorable moments, too many to mention! However, the competitions we entered has been a passion for me, I always felt that the choir was at its finest when preparing towards the best singing and high discipline on stage. Winning ‘Male Choir of the Year Competition’ in 1982 was a great experience, the first time that we had done anything like this. Then, in later years winning the B & I Welsh Choral Challenge Shield (1986) and the National Eisteddfod in Newport (1988).

On a lighter note, the Just a Song at Twilight themed show of 1980 I shall always remember. During the concert, the back row disappeared, collapsing behind a curtain. Order was hastily returned without injury when the compere of the evening, John Coleman - choir comedian, came up with the punchline “We would like to welcome back the Parachute Regiment, minus the moustaches” which brought the house down!

On a more serious note, it was a special pleasure to be involved in two great works by Verdi with Crosskeys College Choral Society (Gwent Chorale). These were Nabucco in 2005 and his famous Requiem, in 2010. Both were performed with orchestra, which made for such a big quality sound.

I have been fortunate to have been on the three American tours to California (1987, 1990, 1996) and so many more with the choir, great times and special memories.

Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir.

I am very much a family man having been married to Julie for 40 years in October 2021. We have two grown up sons, Matthew and Elliot who along with their wives have blessed us with four beautiful granddaughters, so we are kept very busy these days. We have both recently retired and are enjoying spending time in West Wales where Matt has a holiday home.

A final thought, if you have one.

Thank you Risca Male Choir for the friendships I have made, it has been an important part of my life and long may it continue.