The Story of Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir

Then & Now

On a cold winters evening back in 1957 in the back room of a local public house in Rhayader four gentlemen, a bank manager, a farmer and two quarry drivers formed what was later to become the Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir; humble beginnings.

​

This is a choir that includes everyone especially those who don’t believe they can sing. Everyone has a voice and here is the place to bring it out. 

​

The choir try to do at least one concert or mini tour away from Rhayader each year. This has always been one of the highlights of the choir and has been extremely successful.

The Royal Albert Hall in London is another favourite destination for the choir who regularly join in the Welsh Festival of Male Voice Choirs. 

​

The choir has been privileged to perform for His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and in 1995 the choir took centre stage together with Sir Cliff Richard, Dame Vera Lynn, Max Bygraves and other stars in the presence of Her Royal Highness, the Queen and Prince Phillip at the VE Celebrations in Hyde Park, London. A memorable occasion indeed.

​

In 1993 the choir was the invited to join the Choir of the World with 10,000 voices at Cardiff Arms Park together with Sir Tom Jones. This event was repeated the following year with Dame Shirley Bassey. They have also performed in many countries including the USA, Ireland, Belgium, France and Germany.

​

In 2014 the choir received a prestigious award from PAVO (Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations) in recognition of its services to community life throughout Powys over many years.

​

In 2017 the choir celebrated their 60th Anniversary with a celebration dinner and visited Ypres in Belgium and the Menin Gate - a far cry from those early days in 1957.

​

Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir would like to take this opportunity to thank their many friends and audiences that have supported them. Long may it continue.