Welsh guests help make Mansfield choir's spring concert a huge hit

MDMVC were led by new chairman Paul Turner and musical director Ian Grice, together with concert manager Lynden Lowe and accompanist Maureen Lockwood.

It was the first occasion that the two choirs have appeared together as Morriston Orpheus rarely appear outside of Wales although it enjoys an esteemed international reputation, as it regularly undertakes concert tours overseas.

As such, the Mansfield choir was honoured to have the Welsh choir join them as part of the latter’s 90th anniversary celebrations.

Morriston Orpheus, based in Swansea, are a flagship choir who enjoy an international reputation as a leading exponent of male choral singing.

Since its formation back in 1935, the choir has steadfastly embodied the ethos of ‘making music joyously’.

With a storied history and the unwavering dedication of its members and staff, (two of whom have more than 60 years of service), it proudly upholds its position as the Ambassadors of Song.

During its early days the choir concentrated primarily on competitions and local concerts.

In 1937, the choir achieved its first success at the Royal National Eisteddfod in Machynlleth, going on to win at ‘National’ on six further occasions.

Variety is now the hallmark of their performances which include arrangements by Alwyn Humphreys MBE, musical director from 1979 to 2005 and now conductor emeritus.

The choir features regularly on radio and TV and has produced more than 50 recordings and features in more than 100 compilation albums

It’s current musical director is Nathan Jones and its accompanist is Dora Seaton.

MDMVC was inaugurated in 1944 and has won more than 50 first places in national competitions over the years.

The choir was granted permission to wear the Mansfield Coat of Arms on its uniforms in recognition of its work as ambassadors for Mansfield.

In 2019, it was granted the Freedom of Mansfield to mark its 75th Anniversary.

Sell-out concerts are the norm for the enemble, including, its 80th anniversary concert at Southwell Minster.

The spring gala concert took place at in front of an audience of 300 at Mansfield Rugby Club and was carefully prepared and presented to include some stunning male voice choir classics as well as modern songs.

After begining with National Anthem, songs included Anthem from the musical Chess, Soldier’s Chorus, Ar Hyd y Nos (All Through the Night), The Fields of Athenry, Take That’s Shine, Let All Men Sing, Perfect by Ed Sheeran – sung in Welsh – Coldplay’s Fix You, Deus Salutis, Rachie sung by in Welsh by the Mansfield Choir, Guardian Angel, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, We Rise Again, World in Union, Let the River Run, Another Day, a Welsh pop medley (including It’s Not Unusual, Have A Nice Day, Those Were the Days and Diamonds are Forever), I dreamed a Dream” and Calon Lan.

Both choirs ended by joining forces to sing Christus Salvator, Y Tangnefeddwyr, Gwahoddiad and the Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau

During the evening a presentation and £2,000 donation was made to the Crossroads Trust who are a registered Christian charity seeking to transform lives through the provision of temporary accommodation and services for those who are homeless and at risk of homelessness.

Rev Mark Herd, chair of the charity’s trustees, described how the charity offers support for women and men in separate housing, each with an individually tailored package to help each people move towards overcoming barriers towards independent living.

Craig, a beneficiary of the charity, gave a warm testimony about his personal improvement journey and his work in helping others in their paths to fulfilment.

Steve Cree summed up the evening up, saying: “Such an honour singing with MDMVC and to be joined by the famous Morriston Orpheus choir on the final concert of their 90th birthday celebrations.

"Such a wonderful melodious, mellifluous sound from both choirs individually which culminated with both choirs joining together for a harmonious dulcet finish.”