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Ebbw Vale Male Choir: A Brief History

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Whilst the actual date of the formation of the choir is not known, history advises that the inspiration for choral singing began in the many non-conformist Chapel's, and was further developed into music and song competition at local Eisteddfod's. One such Eisteddfod was in 1849, where a young iron worker named Thomas Williams won a prize for an anthem. The Adjudicator, Rosser Beynon, commented that Williams had not adopted a Bardic name and thereupon gave him the title of Asaph Glyn Ebwy. In 1852, the same Thomas Williams conducted Ebbw Vale Choir to win the chief choral section at an Eisteddfod held in Abergavenny. The Abergavenny Eisteddfod was, at the time, a very prestigious event held in support of Lady Llanover's ambition to make Abergavenny the cultural capital of Wales.

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Thomas Williams, who had composed many anthems and Hymn tunes, later left Wales to become Pastor of a Welsh Baptist Church in Stockton. In 1892 (and totally deaf) he sadly lost his wife, and despite his deafness composed in her memory a Hymn tune entitled 'Glyn Ebwy, the first line of which was engraved on her tomb stone;

'Mae Gwlad o wynfyd pur heb haint' ('There is a land of pure delight').

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About: Ebbw Vale Male Choir

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These last few years have been one of the busiest in the last few decades, having performed an extensive Christmas program in the local and wider community, a St David's day celebration concert, and in the space of 12 months this is our fifth major concert at the Beaufort Theatre. The choir continues to be busy, performing at weddings, wedding anniversaries and other special occasions. In addition, the choir also carries out much charity work, performing on a regular basis to help raise money for the Hospice of the Valleys. In order to continue this long tradition of musical entertainments the choir is in need of new members. We offer a warm welcome to anyone who would like to join us: we meet every Tuesday and Friday evening at 7.00pm in the former Bethesda Presbyterian Chapel, next door to Christ Church.

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Key Members - Officers & Committee: 2022 - 2023

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Mr. M Hunt   -  Music Director

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Officers

Committee

Mr. M Witcombe - Chairman

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Mr. R Edwards

Mr. A Evans - Secretary & Acting Treasurer

Mr. B Whines

Mr. S Bartlett - Minute Secretary

Mr. I Langford - Wardrobe Master

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