The Mynyddislwyn male choir
"THE SOUND OF WALES"

Penmain Chapel

About The Choir

The Mynyddislwyn Male Choir was formed in 1969 when the local Wyllie Glee Party ceased to exist. The Choir takes it's name from the local borough with the design of its badge based upon a drawing of the Church at Mynyddislwyn pictured below.

The first couple of practices were held in the old Plaza Dancehall in Pontllanfraith but the choir were soon asked to find another venue, so it then moved to the Pontllanfraith Junior School. The choir was happy here until the winter of 1972 when the miners staged a  national strike and coal for the school heating system became scarce so the choir then moved to Libanus Junior School  Blackwood, organized by our then Registrar Idris Thomas who was the school caretaker. In 1992 the choir purchased the second oldest Independent Church in Wales, Penmain Chapel (pictured above), for use as their practice rooms, which with a lot of hard work and fund raising can now be used for practice and concerts. The building is also available for use by associations within the community.

During the time the Libanus School was being used, it was decided to change the choir badge, so the pupils were invited to take part in a competition to design a new one, which is the one currently being used.

The choir has travelled widely over the years performing for charitable causes with concerts at the Grand Hall Eton College and being the main participant in a concert at the mighty Albert Hall. It has also travelled abroad to Germany, Holland, Guernsey, Normandy, Ireland and Malta with the highlight being a tour to the then Czechoslovakia in 1991, the first Welsh choir to do so, setting up the link between Councils of Islwyn and Pisek and between Risca Rotary and Pisek Rotary, the town where the choir stayed.

Following this the  choir re-entered the competitive arena with such successes as fourth at the Welsh National Eisteddfod at Llandeilo in 1996, third at the same event at Bala in 1997, no mean feat when you consider we were the only non Welsh speaking choir competing, followed by a win at Cardigan also in 1997. In the year 2000 the choir competed again, coming second at the Pontrhydfendigaid Eisteddfod.

In 1999 the choir became a Registered Charity.

The choir meets for practice every Monday and Thursday evenings, 7.00-9.00. The concert list for any year is always pretty full, a list which includes singing at weddings, an activity which is becoming more popular as people realize we are now available.

The end of our year is always very busy due to our many visits to local hospitals and nursing homes during the pre-Xmas period bringing cheer to the residents. 

The choir sings at weddings. For more information contact the Engagement Secretary Paul Rogers on  01495 248259 or Email pigs32@yahoo.co.uk

The choir Practice Rooms are available for use by the public and may be hired. Contact Treasurer Ken Semark on Tel. 01495 240709 for charges.

Mynyddislwyn Church