It was with great anticipation, enthusiasm and detailed preparation that we looked forward to sharing a stage with Morriston Orpheus and it proved to be a momentous, memorable, magnificent evening of entertainment and male choral singing.
Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir led by Musical Director Ian Grice with Concert Manager Lynden Lowe and accompanist Maureen Lockwood were, on 28th March, delighted to present our Mansfield choir in a Gala Spring Concert with their special guests the illustrious, premier Welsh male voice choir Morriston Orpheus. It was the first occasion that the two choirs have appeared together as Morriston Orpheus rarely appear outside of Wales although with an esteemed international reputation, the choir regularly undertakes concert tours overseas. The Mansfield choir were honoured to have them join us at a concert in the East Midlands, as part of Morriston’s 90th Anniversary celebrations.
Morriston Orpheus, based in Swansea, Wales, are a flagship choir who enjoy an international reputation as a leading exponent of male choral singing. Since their formation on 23rd April 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 over 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 the “National” on six further occasions. Variety is now the hallmark of the Choir’s performances which include arrangements by Alwyn Humphreys M.B.E., musical director from 1979 to January 2005 and now the Choir’s Conductor Emeritus. The Choir features regularly on Radio and TV and has produced over fifty recordings and feature in more than 100 compilation albums. The current Musical Director is Nathan Jones, and the accompanist is Dora Seaton.
Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir was inaugurated in 1944 and won over 50 first places in national competitions. The choir were granted permission to wear the Mansfield Coat of Arms on their uniforms in recognition of their work as ambassadors for Mansfield. In 2019 they were kindly granted the Freedom of Mansfield by former Mayor Kate Allsop to mark their 75th Anniversary. Sell out concerts are the norm including their 80th anniversary concert in Southwell Minster.
The concert on 28th March 2026 was carefully prepared and presented soaring male voice choir music to include some stunning male voice choir classics as well as modern songs. We, and many of our local audience members anticipated and witnessed a great event and the informal table layout at Mansfield Rugby Club, Eakring Road, Mansfield made for a relaxed evening of uplifting song and fun. The concert comprised 22 songs and those by Mansfield included “Anthem” from the stage play Chess, written by Benny and Bjorn from Abba and Tim Rice, “Soldiers’’ Chorus” “Ar Hyd y Nos” (All Through the Night), “The Fields of Athenry” a great crowd pleaser “Shine” from Take That, “Rachie” (in Welsh). Guardian Angel, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” medley (great fun). “We Rise Again” and “World in Union”.
Morriston Orpheus sets portrayed “Let All Men Sing” followed by Ed Sheeren song “Perfect” sung in Welsh followed by “Fix You” and another Welsh Hymn “Deus Salutis” to close the first half. In the second half they gave us “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) and then “I dreamed a Dream” and “Calon Lan”.
The rousing finale featured both choirs performing “Christus Salvator”, “Y Tangnefeddwyr” (The Peacemakers), “Gwahoddiad” (Invitation) and to close the Welsh National Anthem “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”
You will notice that several songs were delivered in Welsh in honour of our guests and we were very pleased to hear that they understood our Welsh and indeed congratulated us on our diction.
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.
The Chair of Trustees Reverend Mark Herd 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. The group offers a wide range of support through and details of their schemes and services can be found at www.crossroadstrust.co.uk. Craig, a beneficiary, gave a warm testimony about his personal improvement journey and his work in helping others in their paths to fulfilment.
The concert was an undoubted success with an audience of over 300 enthusiastic in their applause and standing ovations. The “afterglow” of drinks, buffet and informal singing topped off a fantastic evening. Thanks go to so many people in the choir and the Rugby Club for their work in getting it all together, particularly to Alun Roberts (Baritone) and Rugby Club Member who had a baptism of fire as the choir’s new Choir Marshall (great job Al); we are grateful and will return to this venue in the future.
Oops – my mate Mario has pointed out that I didn’t mention Paul Bennett, our newly appointed Chairman and incomparable compere, the buffet quality and the hard working bar staff; he’s right, they were all brilliant. (Sorry folks)
Steve Cree (Baritone) summed it up perfectly. Such an honour singing with Mansfield & District Male Voice Choir at Mansfield Rugby Club, to be joined by the famous Morriston Orpheus Welsh Male Voice Choir from Swansea as they performed their 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.
Magnificent!
Exceeded all my expectations, a fantastic concert held at a great venue. All involved in organisation and preparation in bringing it all to fruition deserve congratulations. Both choirs were on form and created a concert to be remembered. Thank you to my fellow choristers in making it a special night. Proud to be a member of MDMVC.
Great report as usual Geoff.
For some years now the M&DMVC have been considered honorary Welsh boyos. Just polite comment you might expect, but the Morriston Orpheus choir men said many times in the course of the concert and afterglow that we would fit in with any Welsh choir.
And what an afterglow! We could have sold tickets to that as well. It was a surprise to me just how many Welsh songs I knew. There were a few things that were not mentioned – the buffet was excellent, the rugby club members and bar staff worked very hard, and Paul Bennett our incomparable compère moved things along smoothly. I would have sung Unchained Melody, Paul! (If you know, you know).
An absolute brilliant night of music and sounds..The venue looked amazing to welcome our visitors from Wales. Which sum’s up the fact if you put hard works into something the rewards are there..and it was.. many thanks to Mansfield Rugby Club..and Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir..to many names to mention but everyone did their bit..I for one as everyone else feel proud of that night..