Choristers up close - Wyn Cable

Wyn Cable
Section - Tenor 2

How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?

I moved to Crosskeys when I married, and after buying a car, I rented garage space off a chorister, Ron Donoghue. He kept nagging me to come along until eventually I gave in and came along. I was made very welcome, and loved it from day one.

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

I joined Risca Male Choir in August 1983. My first concert was the final of the Male Choir of the Year competition in the St David’s Hall, Cardiff.  I remember being terrified until we started singing; but thankfully, at least, I hope I didn’t let the choir down.

I stayed then for about 8 years and had to stop due to work commitments, working away from home and a young family left little spare time. I returned 20 years later after seeing a video clip on YouTube of the choir singing at Auschwitz. I had been contemplating returning for some time, but this made me realise what I’d been missing. I returned, I think, in 2013, just before the choir won the Battle of the Choirs competition in Torquay, and have been with the choir since.

What keeps me with the choir is the love of singing in a group, the varied repertoire which is always testing but achievable, and the other members making the choir like a 2nd family. There is always something to look forward to with concerts, tours and social events.

What music do you particularly enjoy singing and why?

I can’t say I’ve disliked any of the music we sing, it’s the variety that keeps me interested. I still remember some of the music from when I started such as Evviva! Beviam! (Ernani, Verdi).  I loved singing the Cherubini Requiem with orchestra. It’s also great singing songs from the movies such as Into the West from Lord of the Rings and from shows such as Bui Doi from Miss Saigon.  I really like the spirituals in our repertoire, and Cantique de Jean Racine by Fauré and Gonna rise up singing, just for the joy of it.

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

I have had loads of great times, including the first US tour in 1987. Then singing the Cherubini Requiem with an orchestra, singing at the Menin gate, winning the competition at the National Eisteddfod in 1988, and also singing at Llangollen’s International Eisteddfod that same year.

The tours are always great times! I think back to the trip to Paris (1985), where we sang at the British Embassy. Then there was a tour to Cornwall where I remember we sang with a local male choir in St Austell. I enjoy being involved with other choirs, as we did again when we went to the Lake District in 2018.

And who can remember Catherine Zeta-Jones visiting our practice rooms in January 1989 to rehearse with us for a BBC2 broadcast concert, The Magic of the Musicals, from the St David’s Hall, Cardiff?

 Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir.

I am married with 2 grown-up children, and I worked as a civil servant up until I retired. My hobbies include watching sport; I love rugby and have been a supporter of Tottenham Hotspur since I was about 10. Part of my retirement gift from work was a ticket to watch Spurs play Cardiff at Wembley. My aim now is to visit their new stadium for a match when lockdown ends. I love walking with my dog Teg, a staffy-whippet cross we rescued from All Creatures Great and Small. I also enjoy travel when possible. I read a lot and listen to music, some classical, but mostly blues and folk music.

A final thought, if you have one.

Since retiring, the choir has become more important as it is great for mental and physical wellbeing. I may be feeling down when I come to practice but after a couple of hours, I usually come out with a totally different mood, it takes away all your worries. Singing is also good for your physical wellbeing with the sheer effort of singing.