1997 – 2000

In 1997 the present choir celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Grand Concert held in the Pritchard Jones Hall at the University of North Wales, Bangor. The choir sang under the baton of Guest Conductor Gareth Hughes-Jones in what was later noted as one of the choir’s finest performances. A recording of the concert was made by I. A. George which is available to buy directly from the choir.

In July of that year the choir had the pleasure of featuring in a picnic with the Two Fat Ladies on the Great Orme in Llandudno, which was televised on the BBC on the first occasion in 1997. Since then the programme has been televised many times across the world. Also in 1997 Myfanwy Roberts, a well known and respected soprano soloist and conductor from the Conwy Valley, joined the choir as our first lady Musical Director.

In October 1998 the choir accepted the invitation to sing in the middle of the Sale Rugby ground, Manchester before the Sale v Cardiff rugby match. Our singing brought particular praise from the British national press in the form of the Sunday Times and Sunday Telegraph “…exquisite singing of the Colwyn Male Voice Choir” as well as providing entertainment to the thousands of spectators at the match.

In the summer of 1999 Myfanwy Roberts had to retire due to ill health but the choir retained its feminine directorship with the appointment of Beverley Parry-Jones.

In November 1999 the choir gained First Prize in the North Wales Stenaline Choral Competition. In its history from 1972 until today the choir has had two excellent lady accompanists, the late Mercia Howard and our then accompanist Mary Darling, with Richard Hibbs as our deputy accompanist.