Arms Park choir’s call

Jan 31 2008 by Jessica Flynn, South Wales Echo

A MALE choir formed more than 40 years ago to improve the singing at Cardiff rugby matches is looking for new members.

Members of Cardiff Arms Park Male Choir travel from all over South Wales to be part of the choir, whose ages range from 20 up to the oldest, original member, Ray Rees, 86.

The choir, which has four other members in their 80s, is holding an open evening at Cardiff Rugby Club on Monday, February 18, at 7.30pm, when anyone interested can get a taste of what is involved.

“We are very sociable and friendly. No experience is necessary, you don’t need to be able to read music and there is no formal audition,” said the chairman, Steve Gunning.

“We sing all sorts of music at a wide range of events from weddings and charity functions to singing for our sponsors at the Holiday Inn before international matches. We have a foreign tour every two years.”

In recent years the choir has toured France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic.

Ray was among a small group who decided to form a choir because they were concerned about the singing at the Arms Park.

“I’ve had a wonderful 41 years with the choir and made many friends because we enjoy ourselves as well as sing at prestigious events with famous artists,” he said.

The choir has performed at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, where they are singing again in October, the Millennium Stadium and, of course, Cardiff Arms Park.

They have also performed with Charlotte Church, Max Boyce and recently backed rock band Foreigner at St David’s Hall, as well as singing on Strictly Come Dancing.

Rehearsals are on Monday and Thursday evenings at Cardiff Rugby Club between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

For more information, contact David James, on 029 2046 4620, e-mail djtmjames@btinternet.com or visit www.cardiffarmsparkmalechoir.co.uk

jessica.flynn@mediawales.co.uk