Côr y Brythoniaid © 2023 Website designed and maintained by H G Web Designs
History
In June 1964 a local Blaenau Ffestiniog man, Meirion Jones formed a male voice choir which was to become one of the
most successful choirs in Wales.
The choir was formed to compete in a small local eisteddfod in Hyfrydfa Chapel in manod and following this it was
suggested that the choir perform in the local Carnival some weeks later. At this stage there were some fifteen
members but due to the encouragement they received, the choir was officially formed and work commenced to attract
new members.
From the outset, competing was an integral part of the Choirs activities and, made it’s first appearance in competition
at the Llan Ffestiniog jubilee Eisteddfod in 1965.
Following success at this Eisteddfod it was decided to
make 1966 the starting point for a sustained period
of competition which indeed continues to the present
day. More members were required however and the
Choirs conductor, Meirion Jones, ably assisted by
another Choir member, Wyn Morris, began travelling
the area visiting possible Choir members and it was
through their efforts that the numbers expanded
rapidly.
With the increase in numbers followed an increase in the Choir’s success. Between 1966 and 1974 for example the
Choirs success could be compared to that of a modern day football team with the following statistics: 26 competitions,
19 first prizes, 3 second prizes. A record to be proud of.
In 1969 the Choir decided to compete in ‘ The big one ’ for the first time and entered the National Eisteddfod in Flint.
The Choir sang ' The 23rd psalm' and secured their first
major success with the words of the adjudicator a
glowing testament to the quality of the performance, as
follows: “ We were amazed by the superb singing and
cannot find words to express our feelings. The whole
programme a circle of pure artistry”.
Further successes followed in 1971 at Bangor which
was a unique year in the history of Blaenau Ffestiniog
with the Moelwyn Male Voice choir also winning their
section at the same Eisteddfod. A unique double for
the town.
In 1972 the Choir won first prize at the Butlins Eisteddfod which was a major competition at the time with choirs from
all over England and Wales competing. This was the fifth time the Choir had won this particular competition, again a
feat which will never be repeated.
But it hasn’t all been competition. In 1975 the Choir made an historic trip behind the ‘ Iron Curtain’ and visited Hungary
where they appeared before a panel of Hungary’s
most eminent musicians and were awarded a Diploma
from the Academy of Culture for their performance.
Since this first historic trip the Choir has toured far
and wide, which have included two tours of America,
two tours of Belgium. Two visits to the Interceltique
Festival in Lorient and several tours to Ireland and
Scotland. Further National Eisteddfod successes
occurred in 1977, 2002 and 2005.
The Choir has innumerable television appearances to
its credit and has appeared on stage with some of the finest performers in the world. These have included Dennis and
Patricia O’Neill, Willard White, Shirley Bassey, Harry Seacombe, Gwyn Hughes Jones, The Black Dyke Mills Band and the
man himself, Bryn Terfel.
The Brythoniaid have many records and C.D’s to their credit and in 1982 were awarded a gold disc by the Sain Record
group for their record sales and in 1992 were adjudged the H.T.V. Choir of the year.
Over the years the Choir have been indebted to many people who have had an influence in many ways on the Choir’s
success, Meirion Jones M.B.E., Katie Pleming, Jennie May Ellis, Gareth Jones the Choirs deputy conductor for many
years, Elfyn Pugh the Choir President, Elisabeth Ellis who became the Choirs accompanist in 1986 and is still providing
invaluable support for the present ‘ boss ’ John Eifion Jones.
To those who have heard the Brythoniaid Male Voice choir singing will agree that it has an unique sound which has
given enjoyment to a huge number of people over the years and long may this continue.