Reg. Charity 513349
The South Wales Male Choir
Côr Meibion De Cymru
Musical Director – Elaine Robins
Since gaining her B.Mus.(Hons) Degree and PGCE Teaching Qualification, Elaine has worked as a Peripatetic Music Teacher in Primary and Secondary Schools throughout Carmarthenshire.
Elaine has been part of the music team of CMDC since 2001 and in recognition of her skill and dedication, was appointed Conductor in 2007 and Musical Director in 2008.
Piano Accompanist – Siân Davies
Siân is a graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, specialising in piano accompaniment.
Over the years Siân has appeared as guest accompanist for singers such as Rebecca Evans, Gail Pearson, Donald Maxwell and has accompanied at Master classes given by Stephen Isserlis and Julian Lloyd Webber.
Assistant Accompanist -
Juliet Rossiter
Juliet is a native of South Pembrokeshire and has accompanied choirs, soloists, instrumentalists and musical groups since she was 16 years old. Before her retirement Juliet was a deputy head teacher at Monkton Priory School in Pembroke and is now working as a freelance musician in the county. Besides being the Musical Director of Whitland Male Voice Choir she is currently the Pembrokeshire group leader of Côr Meibion De Cymru and also the deputy accompanist. She is also an accompanist for the Lansker Singers from Haverfordwest and an organist at Bethesda Baptist Chapel, Narberth.
The Choir’s Musical Team
Organist – Terence Gilmore-James
A native of Abergavenny, Terence studied music at Aberystwyth University and the Royal College of Music, London.
He joined the music staff at Stowe and then was Head of Music at Queen Mary’s College, Basingstoke and Director of Music at Abingdon School, Oxfordshire.
On the death of his father-in-law, the noted Welsh composer and conductor Mansel Thomas, Terence became Editor for the Mansel Thomas Trust Publications.
He has combined this with Associated Board examining, lecturing for Cardiff University and performances as a professional organist.
Terence has been associated with Côr Meibion De Cymru for over 20 years and is a regular accompanist and soloist at concerts. His music career has taken him to many parts of the world, including the Far East, Middle east, Africa, USA and Europe
Terence has been associated with Côr Meibion De Cymru for nearly 20 years and is a regular accompanist and soloist at concerts. For details of the Mansel Thomas Trust click here.
Assistant Conductor - Jo Herco
Jo is the conductor of the Cardiff group and a graduate from RWCMD and is a Soprano, Composer, Musical Director, Conductor and Teacher. Jo's extensive experience as a singer has taken her through opera, musical theatre, choral works, jazz and swing. Many of her compositions and arrangements continue to be performed.
Three members of the choir were made life members on Sunday 30th May 2010 and were presented with certificates by the senior vice president present on the day, Philip Howells. Cliff Smith was the treasurer of the choir for many years. John Elfed Phillips, is a founder member and past soloist of the choir. Ken Williams, another founder member, who started the Narberth practice group and was its former chairman.
Choir singing ‘Let a New Day Dawn’ from their CD ‘Inspirations’
On Sunday 13th June 2010 the three life members of the choir already elected were presented with their certificates by Phil Howells. They were Alun Davies, David Charles Davies and Ken Crowle.
Some of our distinguished choir members
On Friday 6th January 2012, Gethin Thomas was presented with life membership of CMDC.
Gethin, along with his sister Trixie Smith, set up the Towy Valley music learning group of CMDC, in 2001. Gethin was chairman of the group for many years, during which time the membership of the group increased from 17 to nearly 30!
Gethin is being presented with his award by Elaine Robins, MD and choir Chairman Bryn Price. Towy Valley chairman Philip Merrett and choir members Steve Stephenson and Goronwy Morgan were also present.
On Sunday 15th September 2012, Ken Oats was presented with life membership of CMDC, by senior vice president Phil Howells.
Ken served on the choir committee for 12 years, before standing down earlier this year.