Nothing beats the buzz of singing live in one’s own back yard.  And after a Covid-enforced absence of over two long years, you can imagine just how delighted the men of Risca Male Choir were to finally be able to do just that during the recent Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Risca Park.

37 of RMC’s finest braved increasingly inclement weather to entertain a small but most appreciative audience who are to be commended on their staying power at the end of a cold wet day.

Singing in a draughty marquee, competing with lashing rain on canvas, is far from easy.  But under the expert direction of MD Tomos Gwyn and accomplished accompanist Alison Thomas, RMC immediately set the tone of proceedings with a powerful yet controlled performance of Men of Harlech.

The increasing darkness at the back of the marquee had some choristers calling for miners lamps and candles, but their resolve never faltered as the choir moved swiftly through a set of traditional Welsh songs which included Ar hyd y nos, Calon Lân, Myfanwy and the ever popular We’ll keep a welcome.

Next came a real change of pace as Gonna rise up singing, a catchy choir favourite, rang out across the park.  A gentle nudge from MD Tomos was all the audience needed to enthusiastically clap along right to the end of the song.   

Risca Male Choir prides itself on the range and diversity of its repertoire which cuts across many musical genres and eras with ease.  This was illustrated once again with the inclusion of Moon River and Lion King favourite, Can you feel the love tonight? - both of which drew warm applause from audience members.

A rousing rendition of O Gymru!  brought proceedings to a close, apart from of course, the Welsh and English national anthems - for which the audience were upstanding and proudly sang along with the choir.

It was a triumphant and highly enjoyable ‘return to duty’ for the men of RMC. 

With our calendar of concert and other events filling up rather rapidly, now is the time for all you budding choristers out there to come along and join the ranks of our famous choir.

All are welcome to attend practices at our Risca HQ which are held weekly every Thursday from 7-9pm and Sunday from 6-8pm, where you can be assured of a warm welcome.

Remember - YOUR CHOIR NEEDS YOU!!

Dave Tutton – 2nd Tenor