The Gwalia Singers

The famous Jameos de Aqua caves complex formed a spectacular venue for a concert by Swansea's Gwalia Singers during a week-long tour of Lanzarote.

More than 1,000 people filled the natural auditorium for the choir's inaugural performance in a four-concert tour arranged in response to an invitation from the Lanzarotian Choir.

The British Consul and the Cabildo, the representative of the Spanish Government on the island, were among the audience.

The choir also performed with their hosts at the castle in Arricefe. the capital of Lanzarote, at a nightclub in Puerto del Carmen and at a centre run by the Norwegian Red Cross for the handicapped and disabled.

Their soprano soloist for the tour was Hazell Howells from Gorseinon.

Swansea's Gwalia Singers presented their 1996 Annual Concert at St Mary's Church on Friday, October 11, in celebration of their 30th anniversary.

This was their first annual concert under the baton of their new musical director, Simon Oram, who had selected a programme of mixed light and serious items in the Gwalia tradition.

The evening was compered by Huw Rees, deputy conductor of the Morriston Orpheus choir who also conducted one of the items and the communal singing at the end of the concert. The choir's accompanist and organist was Martin Bell, assisted by Mary Bessenich. Invaluable assistance in presenting the concert was provided by the members of the Gwalias' Ladies Section and by a band of former Gwalia Singers.

The supporting artistes brought added enjoyment to the very large audience with the fine quality of their contributions. The Gorseinon College Chamber Choir, under the direction of Les and Penelope Ryan and with harpist Nia Sian Jones, delighted everyone with their smooth, professional performance; Jason Bellis' fine, lyrical tenor voice thrilled the audience; and Dudley Owen, ex-Gwalia Singer and now London West End performer, with his accompanist Julie Sims, brought an added touch of excellence with his excerpts from 'Fiddler on the Roof' and 'The Boy with a Cart' (Christopher Fry).

The audience, including guests from Mannheim Teutonic Choir, thoroughly enjoyed an evening of 'quality' entertainment.

Another visit to Mannheim, Germany, this time hosted by the Teutonia Choir. The choir left Swansea on Saturday 24th May and returned on Tuesday 27th May.