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The choir
was formed in order to compete at the National Eisteddfod of Wales
held at Llandeilo back in 1996. Under the baton of Nia Clwyd and
the accompaniment of Rhiannon Griffiths, the choir took the second
prize against strong competition from other long established choirs.
Since then, the choir has won twice at the National Eisteddfod (Bridgend
1998 and Anglesey 1999). They have also won at the prestigious Gwyl
Gerdd Dant ( a one day national competitions for traditional Welsh
singing with the harp and unaccompanied folk songs) twice. At the
Llanelli National Eisteddfod in 2000 they came 3rd in the male voice
choir competition for the choirs of less than 40 voices. This was
quite an achievement as there were nine experienced choirs competing. |
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The members of the choir are all
local to Llandeilo, Carmarthen and the Gwendraeth valley. The ‘boys’
range in age from early 20’s up to late middle age (65 years
old). A few are able to read music fluently but the majority are
not formally musically trained. What the choir members do have is
a strong sense of unison and the willingness to work hard in order
to achie their goals.
Last year (2002), the choir launched their first
CD. There are a variety of songs on the CD “Gwynt yr Hwyr”
– ranging from contemporary works, traditional folk songs
and cerdd dant pieces. The title of the CD is taken from a song
specially commissioned by the choir with the words written by the
well-known chaired bard Tudur Dylan Jones (a staunch bottom bass
member of the choir). Robat Arwyn a well-known contemporary composer
from North Wales composed the music. “Gwynt yr Hwyr”
(‘The evening breeze’) is a love song and is indeed
a testing but a very beautiful song. The most experienced recording
company in Wales – Recordiau Sain, recorded the CD. |
| Who are the members of the choir? There
are a number of teachers, farmers, two pharmacists, educational
advisors, actors, television producers, a minister, lorry drivers,
lecturers, civil servants, police officers, early-retired headmasters
and teachers, IT specialists, JP’s, local government employees,
and a number of other jobs… a true cross section of the society
of the area. The choir has forged new acquaintances and friendships.
It is true to say that the wives and partners of the members of
the choir have been very supportive of the choir since its formation,
not only in their presence at concerts and competitions but especially
so at fund raising events and social gatherings. |
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‘Bois y Castell’ have also appeared
and performed on numerous television and radio programmes, predominately
for S4C and BBC but also for Discovery. They held a special performance
in December 2000 to celebrate the millenium, when they performed
along with Shân Cothi, Catherine Ayers, Curiad, Lleisiau Teilo
and Côr Ysgol Gymraeg Teilo Sant old and new carols, including
some newly commissioned pieces to a packed audience of five hundred
people. Special theatre lights were used and the performance was
highly praised.
In 2003 they won a place in the final round of
the male-voice choir section of the CÔR CYMRU (Welsh Choir
of the Year) competition. The competition was shown live on S4C
digital and with highlights on S4C. |
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