EXCELSIOR - Treorchy Male Choir

EXCELSIOR 25
A CHOIR OF EXCELLENCE
by WYN CALVIN, MBE, OSTJ
The international impact of the Treorchy Male Choir
has enhanced the reputation of choral music and
also of Wales as The Land of Song. It has also made
many aware of the town called Treorchy and its
place in the annals of Rhondda history.
So it was a personal pleasure to be present on the
evening of the unveiling of a Blue Plaque and to
enjoy the good company of the lyrical lads of
Treorchy at the Red Cow Hotel. One of the memorable features of being with
the Choir is the sense of enjoyment that the choristers reveal – and this is
relayed to audiences which enhances the impact of the singing.
Ever since the beginning of human time “man” has been aware of the rhythm
and the sound of music – to be able, in the twenty first century to increase
the joy of harmony and song by being part of a Choir of excellence of “our
lads” is more than a pleasure. It is a privilege.
Congratulations to everyone involved – and warmest good wishes for the
next years of international impact.
A SOPRANO’S RETURN
Soprano Elvira Henry had the distinct honour of appearing many times as the
soloist for the Treorchy Male Choir almost fifty years ago. Originally from
Treherbert, she was recognised for her beautiful voice by founder conductor
John Haydn Davies who invited her to appear with the Choir at a concert in
Caerphilly on May 1962.
During the next six years Elvira appeared in a total of fifteen concerts
throughout Wales and beyond its borders and was a firm favourite with both
choristers and audiences alike.
When the Choir launched its new website, www.treorchymalechoir.com, the
Archivist re-discovered Miss Henry at her new home in the Swansea Valley.
The Choir was delighted when she visited Treorchy in July 2010 to attend the
unveiling of a Blue Plaque at the Red Cow public house.
Having also made a financial donation to the Choir funds, Miss Henry wrote
the following words for inclusion in this edition of Excelsior: