This website was constructed by Robert Lloyd -
Formed in the village of Bynea under the baton of the late Denver Phillips BA. in 1964, the choir, under the direction of the present Music Director, Eifion Thomas, has grown in stature and strength to become one of the leading male choirs in Britain.
They have been successful at all the major choral competitions that Wales has to
offer -
Seven firsts at the Miners Eisteddfod at Porthcawl, six first at Cardigan and three Pontrhydfendigaid "Eisteddfodau". The choir was also successful in winning the Corwen Choral Competition at its first attempt in 1987 with a first prize of £1000.
The Llanelli Male Choir has graced many leading auditoriums and concert halls of
the land -
Coventry, Bury St Edmonds, Wells, Brecon, Gloucester, St David's and Llandaff Cathedrals as well as Pershore and Westminster Abbey and other venues which the choir have given notable performances
They visited Ireland for the first time in 1999 rendering concerts at The National
Concert Hall, Dublin and St Mary's Cathedral in Kilkenny to commendable acclaim.
In their short 40 year history the choir has travelled extensively throughout the
world. To Germany in 1975, 1979, 1985, 1992, 1995 and 2004. In 1980 they crossed
the Atlantic for the first time visiting Alberta and British Columbia on the west
coast of Canada. In 1987 their first tour of the U.S. was undertaken when they visited
San Fransisco, Vancouver and Seattle. They returned to make a second tour in 1990.
In 1989 they took part in the Nantes music festival in France and followed this with
their first visit to Australia in 1993. In October and November of 1997 they undertook
a 4 week tour of Australia and New Zealand singing to sell out audiences of some
22,500. Venues included Perth Concert Hall, Adelaide & Sydney Town Hall, Christchurch
and Wellington Town Halls and Auckland Cathedral. The choir returned from another
very successful tour of the United States in 2001 visiting San Jose, Salt Lake City,
Denver, Kansas, Lincoln & Min/St Pauls.
In 1994 they appeared at the Brit Awards at Alexandra Palace backing the 'Pet Shop
Boys'. They have also appeared with Michael Ball, The New Seekers, Sir Harry Secombe and many other famous names of stage and screen.
Regular T.V. appearances on S4C are common place whilst appearances on 'Pebble Mill at One', 'Songs of Praise' and other national programmes have given the choir the exposure it truly deserves.
The choir's popularity is still very high with engagements confirmed to the end of 2009 and beyond. Their varied and unique repertoire has enthralled audiences in 'four corners of the world' which is the title of their recently released first video tape.
Having raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities such as Cancer & Leukemia
Research, The Red Cross, Heart Foundation and Tenovous as well as P.T.A's across
the land, their services are a sought after commodity.
In October 2008 the choir
visited Canada performing to sell out audiences in Toronto and Vancouver B.C.
The choirs future is secure and their motto of "Ymlaen Llanelli" will surely hold them in good stead for another 40 years and more.
The choir rehearses twice weekly on Monday and Thursday evenings at Furnace Community Hall.