BBC National Chorus of Wales - 30th anniversary (Betina Skovbro)
The BBC Welsh Chorus, as it was then known, first performed Brahms’s Requiem in December 1983, in their first public concert at St David’s Hall, Cardiff. Now called the BBC National Chorus of Wales, the 120-strong amateur Chorus revisits Brahms’ masterpiece on Friday 13 June, live on BBC Radio 3.
In this blog, Founder member Jeff Davies writes of some of the highlights of 30 years of music-making.
BBC National Chorus of Wales at St David's Hall, 2012 (Betina Skovbro)
When I first joined the choir in 1983, I was Head of PE at Radyr Comprehensive School in Cardiff. Perhaps it was an unusual hobby for a PE teacher – and it wasn’t easy looking after the voice when teaching gymnastics or out on the games field.
I’ve now retired, and keep busy with plenty of hobbies, but I always fit them around the Chorus. I’ve always tried to give the choir 100% commitment. When I retired I was a deputy head, but the governors knew not to call a meeting on a Tuesday night - that was choir night!
Recording O Come All Ye Faithful - Shepherds' Field, Bethlehem - 1984
What’s wonderful about the Chorus is working with top class professionals – every concert is a special occasion. I’m particularly looking forward to performing alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus for the First Night of the Proms this year in July. Broadcasting live on BBC Two at the Proms isn’t a bad gig for an amateur singer, but it is what you get with BBC National Chorus of Wales!
BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, conducted by Thomas Søndergård, perform Brahms’s Requiem on Friday, 7.30pm at St David’s Hall, Cardiff. It will be broadcast on Live in Concert on BBC Radio 3, and will be available for seven days after broadcast via BBC iPlayer Radio.
