My Choir Journey

This is a story about a life singing in Welsh choirs, including the internationally acclaimed Morriston Orpheus Choir. Following a journey through time and across the world from the South Wales valleys to the Sydney Opera House, the story tells of great music-making and behind the scenes fun and games. The author describes the travel experiences of numerous world-wide tours and the incidents that occurred, many of them hilarious. There are tales about encounters with celebrities that he met and shared the stage with.

The book describes the poignant experience of singing in Carnegie Hall in New York in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attack, whilst on a happier note, The Queen's Golden Jubilee performance outside Buckingham Palace offers a taste of high pageantry.

The final chapters cover the author's most recent experiences singing in a high-quality 'a cappella' choir, with performances at some notable venues including La Madeleine in Paris. From singing at a Major League baseball game in Cleveland, Ohio to performing at the famous rugby stadiums of New Zealand, the story is rich with variety and colour.

It will delight all lovers of choirs and their music and appeal to, and amuse, all world travellers.

As choirs seek to rebuild membership following the pandemic, this book is essential recruitment reading. It tells, with warmth, gratitude and affection, of the joys of comradeship in song. On international tours, bonds are strengthened not only between choir members but also with audiences across the globe. Music is what governments define as soft power, an ambassadorial mission which trancends distance, language and politics. Huw Tregelles Williams, OBE, FRCO. President, Welsh Association of Male Choirs, former Head of Music, BBC Wales.

I found it amazing how many engagements he has performed in and the plethora of venues he has visited. It's a bit like a historic document of what it was like in the good old days. I must say that I really enjoyed it, it gave me an insight into one man's amazing male voice experience.

Paul Reynolds, Chairman, Welsh Association of Male Choirs and Secretary, Burry Port Male Voice Choir

Wow, what a detailed account and a fantastic memory!

The book highlights the experiences of smaller choirs as well as one of our most feted ones and I like both the honesty and humorous touches throughout. As someone converted to the merits of choral singing, the book is easily read and flows well.

The book also demonstrates how being involved in active choirs can make you an excellent travel writer!

Alun Thomas, Executive member, Welsh Association of Male Choirs and Secretary, Aber Valley Male Voice Choir

It is a great pleasure and honor to receive your book "My Choir Journey".

About me: My name is Manfred Bellm and I have been an active singer with MGV Eintracht since 1960 and was host to the Maggs family, with whom I still maintain very close and friendly contact to this day.

From 1990 to 2009 I was chairman of "Eintracht", and I was still involved in the club's activities.

I am very familiar with Chapter 4 - "Wine Country" in your book. With the help of technology, I was able to translate well. It brought back beautiful and exhilarating memories for me. I have made printouts that I will give to the "old singer comrades.

Manfred Bellm, MGV Eintracht, Germany

Thoroughly enjoying such an incredible choral journey! It's a really impressive read

Phil Orrin, Musical Director, Mumbles A Cappella

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