Martin Savery
Section - Bass

How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?

I lived in England for 37 years from the age of 18. I always had a keen interest in music and had some experience with some choirs there, as well as taking part in musical theatre productions: my daughters wouldn’t get involved without me!

A very close friend of mine, Paul Baglow, had sung with the choir for many years and I was always slightly jealous of his accounts of concerts, tours and specially commissioned pieces. When I returned to Risca in 2015, it was an obvious course of action to join the choir. This was a great time to join as we were building up to Martin Hodson’s retirement concert and the pieces were challenging and stimulating.

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

7 years now. I have to say that it’s the concerts I enjoy most, but when I talk about the choir, it’s always about laughing and some of the really clever and daft comments which come from different sections of the choir. I won’t specify which sections are daft and which clever! Also this is the closest thing in terms of camaraderie and participation to which I have come since finishing playing rugby in my early forties.

What music do you particularly enjoy singing and why?

My all-time favourite pieces which we sing include The Prisoners’ Chorus from Beethoven’s Fidelio and Morten Lauridsen’s Sure on this shining night. That said, the sight of 50+ men singing I believe in miracles (You sexy thing) is always an inspiration and a message of hope and misplaced optimism! I also really love the spirituals such as Goin’ up a yonder. There are one or two pieces I’m less fussed on but singing is always fun almost regardless.

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

I loved the tour to the Somme and our concerts in Arras and Ghent. These were truly memorable experiences full of laughter and fun, but with the serious undercurrent of performing to the best of our ability – an amateur professionalism which I think singles out RMC from other choirs I have seen. The concert with Woodfalls Brass Band in Andover was superb and their rendition of The Pines of Rome (Respighi) was one of the best things I have ever heard. Another favourite was doing the reading from A Child’s Christmas in Wales (Dylan Thomas) during our Christmas concert a few years ago – not music, I know, but performing anyway.

Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir

I am a teacher and have been so for over 30 years. I absolutely love it and am still as enthusiastic as when I started – though probably considerably slower and I tire more quickly. I have taught economics for years but am now teaching Spanish (my first language) too - it’s great to learn a completely new skill in your 50s.

I have three grown up children Patrick, Molly and Miren and live back in Risca with the lovely Paula.

I suppose my main passions are music (playing the piano) my garden and natural history, although I watch a fair bit of rugby and travel in the UK and abroad whenever I can (teachers get paid in time not money!)

A final thought, if you have one

Being a chorister is a commitment, a distinctly worthwhile one but a commitment still. Working full time, having family in other parts of the country and other life events can make attending practices a challenge. Next year I am reducing my work hours by 50 % and as we emerge into some kind of new reality there will be more events with the choir. I am really looking forward to being fully involved in all of these.

To any aspiring choristers out there, it’s a real laugh, great company, music staves off the aging process (most of our chorister look about 25) and gives a real sense of achievement. Give it a go!