Choirs
Below can be found a list of the choirs that Craig has had the pleasure of collaborating and working with over the years.
Further information on each can be found by clicking on the links to their own sites, where available, while further information on various projects involving these artists can also be found in the projects section of this site
Further information on each can be found by clicking on the links to their own sites, where available, while further information on various projects involving these artists can also be found in the projects section of this site
Cor Meibion Morlais
Côr Meibion Morlais traces its history back to February 1928 when Mr Alfred Morgan staged an evening of entertainment at Ebenezer Chapel, Tylorstown, with a group of a dozen singers calling themselves the Mustard Club.
Such was the success of the Mustard Club concert that “Alfie” Morgan decided to constitute his singers as a permanent Choir, choosing the name “Morlais Glee Singers”, which remained in use until 1970 when we adopted the title Côr Meibion Morlais.
Under the direction of Morgan, the Morlais established twin traditions of innovation and success, traditions which have continued to this day. By 1931 the new Choir was winning prizes at Eisteddfodau and was in great demand throughout Wales and southern England. In 1932, the Choir then began a series of Annual Concerts in Ferndale with principal solo artists of international repute - Dame Gwyneth Jones, Heddle Nash and Stuart Burrows to name just three.
Alfie Morgan moved away from the Rhondda in 1939 and the conductor’s baton was taken up first of all by Trevor Lewis (1939-56), then by Trefor Jeffery (1957-80), Neil Johnson (1981-5) and John Asquith (1986- ). The Choir managed to keep going throughout World War II, and in the post war period was able to undertake engagements as diverse as the 1951 Pageant of Wales and a concert for the inmates of Cardiff gaol later the same year!
In 1962, the Morlais visited Stuttgart on the first of a long succession of overseas tours. At the end of the final concert in Stuttgart’s Liederhalle, the South German Association of Choirs presented the Morlais with the Wilhelm Nagel Medal, an award for outstanding levels of performance: it hangs in the Morlais Hall still.
Beginning in 1978, Côr Meibion Morlais organised annual Gala Days in Ferndale’s spectacular Darren Park. Not only did the Morlais Galas help raise funds for the Choir, they also provided immensely enjoyable days out for the people of Ferndale. Sadly the spiralling cost of staging events of this kind meant that the Galas were discontinued after 1991, but in the meantime the Choir had purchased the disused North Road English Congregational Chapel in Ferndale and turned it into rehearsal premises which are also a much valued meeting room for community organisations in the area. The chapel is now called the Morlais Hall and is also used for small concerts and to entertain visiting musical organisations, most recently the Russian State Cossack Song and Dance Ensemble.
Côr Meibion Morlais has been fortunate to recruit enthusiastic and loyal choristers who have ensured the choir’s survival through tumultuous decades of unemployment, war and social change. Fashions in music come and go, but the thread of enjoyment and fulfilment has never broken, and is as strong as ever as we face the challenges of the future: this is one history which is far from over.
Craig has worked with the Morlais on numerous occasions, not least their 2006 visit to the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo; visits to the UK of the Russian Cossack State Dance Company, Don Cossack State Dance Company and the Yurlov Russian State Academic Choir; the 2008 Welsh Brass Arts Festival event 'A Night at the Opera', and a series of charitable concerts in conjunction with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Further information on Cor Meibion Morlais can be found at their own website www.cor-meibion-morlais.org.uk
Such was the success of the Mustard Club concert that “Alfie” Morgan decided to constitute his singers as a permanent Choir, choosing the name “Morlais Glee Singers”, which remained in use until 1970 when we adopted the title Côr Meibion Morlais.
Under the direction of Morgan, the Morlais established twin traditions of innovation and success, traditions which have continued to this day. By 1931 the new Choir was winning prizes at Eisteddfodau and was in great demand throughout Wales and southern England. In 1932, the Choir then began a series of Annual Concerts in Ferndale with principal solo artists of international repute - Dame Gwyneth Jones, Heddle Nash and Stuart Burrows to name just three.
Alfie Morgan moved away from the Rhondda in 1939 and the conductor’s baton was taken up first of all by Trevor Lewis (1939-56), then by Trefor Jeffery (1957-80), Neil Johnson (1981-5) and John Asquith (1986- ). The Choir managed to keep going throughout World War II, and in the post war period was able to undertake engagements as diverse as the 1951 Pageant of Wales and a concert for the inmates of Cardiff gaol later the same year!
In 1962, the Morlais visited Stuttgart on the first of a long succession of overseas tours. At the end of the final concert in Stuttgart’s Liederhalle, the South German Association of Choirs presented the Morlais with the Wilhelm Nagel Medal, an award for outstanding levels of performance: it hangs in the Morlais Hall still.
Beginning in 1978, Côr Meibion Morlais organised annual Gala Days in Ferndale’s spectacular Darren Park. Not only did the Morlais Galas help raise funds for the Choir, they also provided immensely enjoyable days out for the people of Ferndale. Sadly the spiralling cost of staging events of this kind meant that the Galas were discontinued after 1991, but in the meantime the Choir had purchased the disused North Road English Congregational Chapel in Ferndale and turned it into rehearsal premises which are also a much valued meeting room for community organisations in the area. The chapel is now called the Morlais Hall and is also used for small concerts and to entertain visiting musical organisations, most recently the Russian State Cossack Song and Dance Ensemble.
Côr Meibion Morlais has been fortunate to recruit enthusiastic and loyal choristers who have ensured the choir’s survival through tumultuous decades of unemployment, war and social change. Fashions in music come and go, but the thread of enjoyment and fulfilment has never broken, and is as strong as ever as we face the challenges of the future: this is one history which is far from over.
Craig has worked with the Morlais on numerous occasions, not least their 2006 visit to the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo; visits to the UK of the Russian Cossack State Dance Company, Don Cossack State Dance Company and the Yurlov Russian State Academic Choir; the 2008 Welsh Brass Arts Festival event 'A Night at the Opera', and a series of charitable concerts in conjunction with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Further information on Cor Meibion Morlais can be found at their own website www.cor-meibion-morlais.org.uk
Liverpool Welsh Choral Union
The Liverpool Welsh Choral Union (Patron: Karl Jenkins) is one of Britain's leading Choral Societies with a singing membership of 160. It was founded in 1900, following an Eisteddfod held in Liverpool, from a choir of over 400 voices.
The choir has been associated with the finest talent of British conductors throughout its 100+ years, including Sir Adrian Boult, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Owain Arwel Hughes and many others. Sir Edward Elgar was also a vice president of the Society, together with Edward German and Granville Bantock.
It has won critical acclaim for its performances of the great classics, especially the works of Elgar, but is now equally at home with opera and popular music, and has broadcast many times with the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Craig worked with LWCU, and then conductor Graham Jordan-Ellis, for a number of years on its annual Christmas concert at the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, together with Northop Silver Band.
Further information on LWCU can be found at its own website www.lwcu.co.uk
The choir has been associated with the finest talent of British conductors throughout its 100+ years, including Sir Adrian Boult, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Owain Arwel Hughes and many others. Sir Edward Elgar was also a vice president of the Society, together with Edward German and Granville Bantock.
It has won critical acclaim for its performances of the great classics, especially the works of Elgar, but is now equally at home with opera and popular music, and has broadcast many times with the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Craig worked with LWCU, and then conductor Graham Jordan-Ellis, for a number of years on its annual Christmas concert at the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, together with Northop Silver Band.
Further information on LWCU can be found at its own website www.lwcu.co.uk
Only Men Aloud
Formed in January 2000, Only Men Aloud! set out to inject some new blood into the Welsh male choir tradition by encouraging young men to sing in Wales’ most famous musical tradition. Highlights of performance have included regular slots on BBC’s Radio 4 and Radio 2, plus BBC’s Songs of Praise. In 2003 OMA! won the male choir category in the inaugural year of S4C’s Cor Cymru. In 2004 the choir were chosen to perform on three separate occasions during the opening of the Wales Millennium Centre. They performed in the Opening Ceremony, Royal gala, and also sang in the pre opening banquet, honouring various eminent Welsh figures including, amongst others, Bryn Terfel, Sian Phillips and Shirley Bassey.
Craig worked with the choir on the 2006 project Electric Brass, directing them, harpist Catrin Finch and the Parc & Dare Band in the premiere performance of Andrew Powell’s Tair Cerdd Sanctaidd. Craig then worked again with Choir Director Tim Rhys Evans with Serendipity on the 2007 project The Planets, and the 2008 project Carbon 12 with WNO.
Further information on these projects can be found in the projects section of this site, while further information on Only Men Aloud can be found at their website www.onlymenaloud.com
Craig worked with the choir on the 2006 project Electric Brass, directing them, harpist Catrin Finch and the Parc & Dare Band in the premiere performance of Andrew Powell’s Tair Cerdd Sanctaidd. Craig then worked again with Choir Director Tim Rhys Evans with Serendipity on the 2007 project The Planets, and the 2008 project Carbon 12 with WNO.
Further information on these projects can be found in the projects section of this site, while further information on Only Men Aloud can be found at their website www.onlymenaloud.com
Pendyrus Male Choir
Pendyrus has been one of the foremost Welsh male choirs for over 85 years. The Choir performs throughout the British Isles and overseas. It undertakes fee-paying and charity engagements, and is available for concerts, after-dinner and corporate entertainment, and national and promotional events.
The Choir was formed in the the early 1920’s by two young out-of-work miners, Ben Jones and Emlyn Drew, who lived in Tylorstown, a village in the Rhondda Fach (the smaller of the two world-famous Rhondda valleys). They contacted friends and former work-mates, and, within weeks, enough men had shown interest to make the idea a reality. They approached a local baker, who was an amateur musician with conducting experience, and he accepted their invitation to conduct a new “male voice” choir, which was formally inaugurated on 24th May 1924 in the local Miners’ Federation hut.
Auditions were held in the vestry of Ebenezer Chapel, Tylorstown, each man being required to take a “voice test”. The story has it than many escaped through the windows rather than face this ordeal, but many more stayed, and passed the test. Within a short space of time the choir numbered 150 choristers, and outgrew the facilities of the chapel. It then moved to Tylorstown Junior School, which was to be its home for the next 75 years.
The original collier-choristers were joined by school-teachers, shopkeepers, and others from the local community, and walked to twice-weekly rehearsals, and to concerts. Although depleted during the Second World War (many members having been called to the armed forces), the choir did not cease to function. It regained its former strength during the late 1940s/early 1950s, and has since had a constant membership of about 100 men, drawn from all walks of life in South Wales.
Pendyrus has the distinction of being the only Welsh choir to have been invited to Aldeburgh, Britain’s most prestigious festival (in 1979), and has performed at the Abergavenny, Burnley, Cardiff, Coleraine, Corby, Glasgow, Glastonbury, Leek, Llandaff and Oundle Festivals, and at Llangollen International Eisteddfod. It has given recitals in Ely, Hereford, Llandaff, Wells, St David’s, St Woolos (Newport), and Worcester Cathedrals, and at Dorchester, Margam and Tewkesbury Abbeys.
The choir has toured twice in Northern Ireland and five times in Scotland, and has appeared in the Isle of Man. Other British concert venues include the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and St John’s Smith Square in London, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, and Cardiff International Arena. Pendyrus appeared in the Opening Concert of the Wales Millennium Centre in November 2004, and has made a record 58 appearances in 22 years at St David’s Hall, Cardiff.
The choir has frequently performed with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, with internationally recognised soloists, and under the direction of distinguished conductors. It has appeared before the Queen and other members of the Royal Family, and has featured in radio and television programmes throughout Europe, America and the former Soviet Union.
Pendyrus has made 13 overseas tours – the first in 1965 - and its itinerary reads like an international gazetteer. It is the only Welsh choir to have performed in the White House and the Kremlin, and at the British Embassies in Washington and Moscow, and, for good measure, has given impromptu “mini-concerts” in Baffin Island, Greenland, Iceland, Bahrain and Singapore during the course of its travels.
Craig has worked with Pendyrus in concert on a number of occasions, most notably at the 2004 Welsh Brass Arts Festival. He was also the host / compere of the Rhondda Fach Gala Concert, which annually features Pendyrus, in 2008, 2009 & 2010. Further information on the Gala Concert, and the school choir initiative that runs alongside it, can be found in the projects section of this site, while further information on Pendyrus Choir can be found at their own website www.pendyrus.org
The Choir was formed in the the early 1920’s by two young out-of-work miners, Ben Jones and Emlyn Drew, who lived in Tylorstown, a village in the Rhondda Fach (the smaller of the two world-famous Rhondda valleys). They contacted friends and former work-mates, and, within weeks, enough men had shown interest to make the idea a reality. They approached a local baker, who was an amateur musician with conducting experience, and he accepted their invitation to conduct a new “male voice” choir, which was formally inaugurated on 24th May 1924 in the local Miners’ Federation hut.
Auditions were held in the vestry of Ebenezer Chapel, Tylorstown, each man being required to take a “voice test”. The story has it than many escaped through the windows rather than face this ordeal, but many more stayed, and passed the test. Within a short space of time the choir numbered 150 choristers, and outgrew the facilities of the chapel. It then moved to Tylorstown Junior School, which was to be its home for the next 75 years.
The original collier-choristers were joined by school-teachers, shopkeepers, and others from the local community, and walked to twice-weekly rehearsals, and to concerts. Although depleted during the Second World War (many members having been called to the armed forces), the choir did not cease to function. It regained its former strength during the late 1940s/early 1950s, and has since had a constant membership of about 100 men, drawn from all walks of life in South Wales.
Pendyrus has the distinction of being the only Welsh choir to have been invited to Aldeburgh, Britain’s most prestigious festival (in 1979), and has performed at the Abergavenny, Burnley, Cardiff, Coleraine, Corby, Glasgow, Glastonbury, Leek, Llandaff and Oundle Festivals, and at Llangollen International Eisteddfod. It has given recitals in Ely, Hereford, Llandaff, Wells, St David’s, St Woolos (Newport), and Worcester Cathedrals, and at Dorchester, Margam and Tewkesbury Abbeys.
The choir has toured twice in Northern Ireland and five times in Scotland, and has appeared in the Isle of Man. Other British concert venues include the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and St John’s Smith Square in London, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, and Cardiff International Arena. Pendyrus appeared in the Opening Concert of the Wales Millennium Centre in November 2004, and has made a record 58 appearances in 22 years at St David’s Hall, Cardiff.
The choir has frequently performed with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, with internationally recognised soloists, and under the direction of distinguished conductors. It has appeared before the Queen and other members of the Royal Family, and has featured in radio and television programmes throughout Europe, America and the former Soviet Union.
Pendyrus has made 13 overseas tours – the first in 1965 - and its itinerary reads like an international gazetteer. It is the only Welsh choir to have performed in the White House and the Kremlin, and at the British Embassies in Washington and Moscow, and, for good measure, has given impromptu “mini-concerts” in Baffin Island, Greenland, Iceland, Bahrain and Singapore during the course of its travels.
Craig has worked with Pendyrus in concert on a number of occasions, most notably at the 2004 Welsh Brass Arts Festival. He was also the host / compere of the Rhondda Fach Gala Concert, which annually features Pendyrus, in 2008, 2009 & 2010. Further information on the Gala Concert, and the school choir initiative that runs alongside it, can be found in the projects section of this site, while further information on Pendyrus Choir can be found at their own website www.pendyrus.org
The Richard Williams Singers and Gentlemen Songsters
The Richard Williams Singers and Gentlemen Songsters are female and male choirs, respectively, formed and tutored by the late, great Richard Williams. Richard was a born entertainer. His talents were recognised in the 1938 National Eisteddfod, and at the age of 15, he began touring with a troupe of singers around the music halls of the United Kingdom, before returning home to join the then fledgling Welsh National Opera Company.
His musical career ended abruptly when his baby son contracted meningitis, making him profoundly deaf, and Richard, appalled by the facilities to help children with this condition, decided to educate his son himself. With a part-time job selling insurance helping to keep his family going, he devoted the rest of his time to music, forming the Gentleman Songsters in 1951, the Richard Williams Singers in 1965 and the Richard Williams Junior Singers in 1966.
Each achieved remarkable success, with frequent broadcasts, recording sessions and tours of Europe and North America. In total they performed 24 overseas concert tours, to Moscow, Vienna, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Prague, Paris, Toronto and Vancouver. The choirs also performed on numerous occasions before royalty.
Richard Williams continued to train young singers at his Tonyrefail Music Centre in the Rhondda Valleys, and commonly saw three generations of singers pass from the nursery choir through to the adults. At the age of 54 Richard qualified as a teacher, and in 1977 was awarded the MBE for his services to music in the community. In 1993 the Open University in Wales honoured him with a Degree of Master of the University.
Richard sadly passed away in December 2007 but prior to that Craig and Richard worked together on many happy occasions: in concert with Peter Karrie, a number of Last Night of the Proms events and several years of incredibly successful Glory of Christmas performances.
Richard will be sadly missed. Craig continues to collaborate with his choirs and talented daughters Margaret and Helen May.
Further information on the choirs can be found at their website www.richardwilliamssingers.com
His musical career ended abruptly when his baby son contracted meningitis, making him profoundly deaf, and Richard, appalled by the facilities to help children with this condition, decided to educate his son himself. With a part-time job selling insurance helping to keep his family going, he devoted the rest of his time to music, forming the Gentleman Songsters in 1951, the Richard Williams Singers in 1965 and the Richard Williams Junior Singers in 1966.
Each achieved remarkable success, with frequent broadcasts, recording sessions and tours of Europe and North America. In total they performed 24 overseas concert tours, to Moscow, Vienna, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Prague, Paris, Toronto and Vancouver. The choirs also performed on numerous occasions before royalty.
Richard Williams continued to train young singers at his Tonyrefail Music Centre in the Rhondda Valleys, and commonly saw three generations of singers pass from the nursery choir through to the adults. At the age of 54 Richard qualified as a teacher, and in 1977 was awarded the MBE for his services to music in the community. In 1993 the Open University in Wales honoured him with a Degree of Master of the University.
Richard sadly passed away in December 2007 but prior to that Craig and Richard worked together on many happy occasions: in concert with Peter Karrie, a number of Last Night of the Proms events and several years of incredibly successful Glory of Christmas performances.
Richard will be sadly missed. Craig continues to collaborate with his choirs and talented daughters Margaret and Helen May.
Further information on the choirs can be found at their website www.richardwilliamssingers.com
Serendipity
Serendipity was formed in 2001 by its Musical Director, Timothy Rhys-Evans and, as the name suggests, was really just ‘a happy accident’. Only Men Aloud! had been formed a year before and by adding an equal number of female voices to the existing male group for a one off concert, the mixed chamber choir was born. The repertoire and ethos of the group is eclectic and exciting and all its’ members are either invited to join or admitted following a succesful audition.
Although still a very young choir, Serendipity have already been recognized as one of Wales’ most innovative and diverse choirs, enjoying success in competition and on the concert platform. Successes to date include winning the Welsh round of ‘Sainsbury’s Choir of the Year 2002’, Karl Jenkins’ 60th birthday concert with the LPO at the Royal Festival Hall, BBC Proms in the Park with the BBC NOW broadcast on BBC1 and 4, recording Karl Jenkins’ ‘Requiem’ for EMI and the opening gala performance of the Wales Millennium Centre, together with numerous and regular appearances on BBC Radio 2’s ‘Sunday Half Hour’ and BBC Radio 4’s ‘Daily Service’
In 2005, Serendipity were chosen as ‘Cor Cymru 2005’, following an S4C televised and hotly contested competition. This, together with their existing reputation has led to numerous future opportunities such as the opening night of the 2005 Faenol festival, Karl Jenkins’ Requiem at Guildford Cathedral and Bryn Terfel’s Christmas concerts in both the Wales Millennium Centre and the Royal Albert Hall.
Craig worked with Serendipity on the 2008 project The Planets. Further information on the project can be found in the projects section of this site, while further information on Serendipity can be found at their website www.serendipitychoir.co.uk
Although still a very young choir, Serendipity have already been recognized as one of Wales’ most innovative and diverse choirs, enjoying success in competition and on the concert platform. Successes to date include winning the Welsh round of ‘Sainsbury’s Choir of the Year 2002’, Karl Jenkins’ 60th birthday concert with the LPO at the Royal Festival Hall, BBC Proms in the Park with the BBC NOW broadcast on BBC1 and 4, recording Karl Jenkins’ ‘Requiem’ for EMI and the opening gala performance of the Wales Millennium Centre, together with numerous and regular appearances on BBC Radio 2’s ‘Sunday Half Hour’ and BBC Radio 4’s ‘Daily Service’
In 2005, Serendipity were chosen as ‘Cor Cymru 2005’, following an S4C televised and hotly contested competition. This, together with their existing reputation has led to numerous future opportunities such as the opening night of the 2005 Faenol festival, Karl Jenkins’ Requiem at Guildford Cathedral and Bryn Terfel’s Christmas concerts in both the Wales Millennium Centre and the Royal Albert Hall.
Craig worked with Serendipity on the 2008 project The Planets. Further information on the project can be found in the projects section of this site, while further information on Serendipity can be found at their website www.serendipitychoir.co.uk
Treorchy Male Choir
Treorchy Male Choir is widely regarded as one of the greatest success stories in the cultural history of Wales. Since its reformation in a valley schoolroom on October 16th, 1946, Treorchy has developed into one of the best known male voice combinations in the world.
The choir achieved an unbeaten record of Eisteddfod wins, produced an unequalled amount of commercial records, undertaken hugely successful tours of Australia, Canada and the USA while performing hundreds of concerts closer to home. Over the years this amateur group of singers has become an admirable ambassador for Wales.
Craig worked with the choir for over ten years through their annual Good Friday concert, in his then capacity as Musical Director of the Parc & Dare Band. Craig has also produced a number of winners of the choir's Young Musician of the Year competition, and also adjudicated at the event in its inaugural year.
Further information on the choir and its activities can be found at its own website www.treorchymalechoir.org
The choir achieved an unbeaten record of Eisteddfod wins, produced an unequalled amount of commercial records, undertaken hugely successful tours of Australia, Canada and the USA while performing hundreds of concerts closer to home. Over the years this amateur group of singers has become an admirable ambassador for Wales.
Craig worked with the choir for over ten years through their annual Good Friday concert, in his then capacity as Musical Director of the Parc & Dare Band. Craig has also produced a number of winners of the choir's Young Musician of the Year competition, and also adjudicated at the event in its inaugural year.
Further information on the choir and its activities can be found at its own website www.treorchymalechoir.org
The Vivace Singers
With members who have sung alongside Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins, Aled Jones and Catrin Finch, Vivace Singers are an experienced ensemble. The singers have performed and recorded extensively as freelancers for BBC, S4C, EMI, Chandos, Priory and Sain.
Formed in 1998 whilst students at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama their aim is to present a wide range of a cappella and accompanied music for female voices. They perform in styles ranging from madrigals through to pop.
They have appeared at venues including the Wales Millennium Centre, St David's Hall, Lower Machen Festival, Halifax Chamber Music Festival and were privileged to represent Great Britain at America Cantat IV held in Mexico City during April 2004. Many of the leading male voice choirs have also invited them to perform with them. These include Gwalia Singers, Morriston Orpheus Choir, Dunvant Male Choir, Whitland Male Voice Choir and Haverfordwest Male Voice choir.
Craig worked with Vivace in 2008 where they were guest artists of the 2008 Welsh Brass Arts Festival event 'A Night at the Opera'. Further information on Vivace can be found at their own website www.vivacesingers.co.uk
Formed in 1998 whilst students at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama their aim is to present a wide range of a cappella and accompanied music for female voices. They perform in styles ranging from madrigals through to pop.
They have appeared at venues including the Wales Millennium Centre, St David's Hall, Lower Machen Festival, Halifax Chamber Music Festival and were privileged to represent Great Britain at America Cantat IV held in Mexico City during April 2004. Many of the leading male voice choirs have also invited them to perform with them. These include Gwalia Singers, Morriston Orpheus Choir, Dunvant Male Choir, Whitland Male Voice Choir and Haverfordwest Male Voice choir.
Craig worked with Vivace in 2008 where they were guest artists of the 2008 Welsh Brass Arts Festival event 'A Night at the Opera'. Further information on Vivace can be found at their own website www.vivacesingers.co.uk
Yurlov Russian State Academic Choir
Founded in 1900, the Yurlov Russian State Academic Choir is one of the oldest and most famous Russian musical collectives, accommodating both traditional Russian Orthodox music and today’s contemporary themes. A major factor in the choir’s development is through its collaborations with Shostakovich and Sviridov choosing the choir to showcase many new pieces of work. Yurlov State Academic Choir is the combination of increased technical skills and broadened repertoire, working with varying compositions from Rakhmaninov, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky and Shnitke that have lead to the choir being known as Russia’s ‘best’.
The 1958 appointment of Yurlov as Conductor and Director was the making of the choir. This extremely talented young man changed the image of the choir through sheer patience and devotion, aspiring to perfection through the joy of creation, reaching the point of excellence. Yurlov was responsible for the reintroduction of many priceless musical masterpieces and previously forgotten 16-18th century traditional Russian Orthodox music. He and the choir toured extensively throughout Europe, sharing a wealth of cultural musical art with a new and eager audience in countries such as England, Italy, France, Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic).It was only after his death in 1973 that the decision to include his name in the choirs’ title was made. Since his death, subsequent conductors of the choir (Yuhov, Gusev) have maintained the standard set by Yurlov, thus keeping his values alive.
It was in 2004 that Yurlov’s student, Gennady Dmitryak was entrusted with the task of resurrecting the values and traditional routes established by Yurlov back in the early part of the last century. Dmitryak’s introduction of programmes to include large cantatas and oratorios by famous composers such as Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Vivaldi increased the choir’s popularity. He invited outstanding Dutch bass/baritone, Robert Hall to a Moscow audience to perform Russian Orthodox music for bass solo and Mussorgsky’s “Songs and Dances of Death”. The choir is performing with such orchestras as Berliner Radio Orchestra, State Svetlanov Academic Orchestra, ”Novaya Rossia” orchestra, Moscow State Academic Simphonic Orchestra and such conductors as Gorenshtein, Bashmet, Kogan, Kurentsis, Schtrobel.
The choir continues to grow in strength and quality. With the bright, intellectual interpretation of music, a vast range of musical collectives from Bach to Britten and orthodox music 16-17th to Shostakovich and the directorial guidance of this master. Gennady Dmitryak will continue to attract large audiences eager to listen to music at its best.
Craig first met the Yurlov when he was instrumental, together with John Asquith, Cor Meibion Morlais and Militfest, in securing their visit to the UK in December 2010. Craig looks forward to renewing his association with the Yurlov when they will work together at the forthcoming International Mediterranean Festival of Arts in September / October 2011.
Further information on the Yurlov Choir can be found their own website www.choir-capella.ru while soundbytes of the Yurlov in performance can be found direct here
The 1958 appointment of Yurlov as Conductor and Director was the making of the choir. This extremely talented young man changed the image of the choir through sheer patience and devotion, aspiring to perfection through the joy of creation, reaching the point of excellence. Yurlov was responsible for the reintroduction of many priceless musical masterpieces and previously forgotten 16-18th century traditional Russian Orthodox music. He and the choir toured extensively throughout Europe, sharing a wealth of cultural musical art with a new and eager audience in countries such as England, Italy, France, Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic).It was only after his death in 1973 that the decision to include his name in the choirs’ title was made. Since his death, subsequent conductors of the choir (Yuhov, Gusev) have maintained the standard set by Yurlov, thus keeping his values alive.
It was in 2004 that Yurlov’s student, Gennady Dmitryak was entrusted with the task of resurrecting the values and traditional routes established by Yurlov back in the early part of the last century. Dmitryak’s introduction of programmes to include large cantatas and oratorios by famous composers such as Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Vivaldi increased the choir’s popularity. He invited outstanding Dutch bass/baritone, Robert Hall to a Moscow audience to perform Russian Orthodox music for bass solo and Mussorgsky’s “Songs and Dances of Death”. The choir is performing with such orchestras as Berliner Radio Orchestra, State Svetlanov Academic Orchestra, ”Novaya Rossia” orchestra, Moscow State Academic Simphonic Orchestra and such conductors as Gorenshtein, Bashmet, Kogan, Kurentsis, Schtrobel.
The choir continues to grow in strength and quality. With the bright, intellectual interpretation of music, a vast range of musical collectives from Bach to Britten and orthodox music 16-17th to Shostakovich and the directorial guidance of this master. Gennady Dmitryak will continue to attract large audiences eager to listen to music at its best.
Craig first met the Yurlov when he was instrumental, together with John Asquith, Cor Meibion Morlais and Militfest, in securing their visit to the UK in December 2010. Craig looks forward to renewing his association with the Yurlov when they will work together at the forthcoming International Mediterranean Festival of Arts in September / October 2011.
Further information on the Yurlov Choir can be found their own website www.choir-capella.ru while soundbytes of the Yurlov in performance can be found direct here