An award-winning Dutch male voice choir will make a nostalgic return to North Wales after 25 years, to sing in their “special place”.
Weerter Mannenkoor sang at Llangollen International Music Festival in 1986 and the town has remained in their hearts ever since.
In fact some members of the choir from Weert city in Limburg stayed in touch with their host families in Corwen and Llangollen and remain friends to this day.
“I was with the choir when we came to the Llangollen eisteddfod in 1986. I remember it as a very beautiful town and it was very special for us to see all these choirs and participate.
“We stayed with families in Corwen and Llangollen and that was special because we met a lot of people and still have friendships with the people of Corwen and have many good memories,” said the choir’s president, Peter Stals.
One of Peter’s friends is the talented mezzo soprano, Ann Atkinson, the artistic director of the North Wales International Music Festival and also music director of Cor Meibion Bro Glyndwr..
Ann Atkinson recalled: “They were lovely people and we had a great time. We hosted the chairman of the choir and the conductor at our house.
“They realised I was a singer and we did some singing together as part of the socializing we did – and as result I received an invitation to sing in their Christmas concert. It was absolutely wonderful.
“I have been over to sing with them a few times so it’s been a lovely association. A lot of the original members of the choir will be making an emotional return.”
Peter visited Wales last September to meet up with Ann, choir member Mike Connolly and choir officials to arrange the choir’s four day visit in June which will see them perform in Llangollen and at St Asaph Cathedral.
“There will be about 120 of us coming over, about 60 in the choir and the rest will be partners and friends of the choir who always travel with us.
“We are really looking forward to being in Wales again,” said Peter.
In fact the choir’s visit will be no small boost to the local economy.
Although Corwen has no hotel big enough the choir and their friends will be staying at the Hand and Royal Hotels in Llangollen and by the time they have paid for their accommodation, bar bills, and local shopping and trips, it is believed they will have spent around £40,000 during their visit between June 10-14.
Denbighshire County Council is helping towards the costs of the performances which begin on Saturday, June 11, at St Asaph Cathedral.
Peter visited the cathedral with Ann last September to talk about the visit and the cathedral impressed him greatly. They will be joined in the cathedral by Trelawnyd and Bro Glyndwr male voice choirs.
“Joining them on the bill will be Piantel, a piano and harp duet featuring Annette Bryn Parri and Dylan Cernyw along with Ann Atkinson will also sing as well as conducting her choir.
The second concert will be on Sunday, June 12, at St Collen’s Church in Llangollen.
“I think it’s possible that some members of the choir will be meeting up with old friends they have not seen in 25 years. I know some members of the choir go to Wales on their holidays. Only a few weeks ago one told me he had been on holiday in Llangollen. It’s a very special place for us.”
The Weerter male choir was founded in 1966 and has travelled to concerts and major competitions in Poland, Hungary, Austria, Germany, England, Malta, Belgium and the Czech Republic. When they appeared at Llangollen in 1986 they achieved an award of merit. Like most successful choirs Weerter has produced many records and CDs.
Ann added: “We’re really looking forward to their visit and I am sure the concerts will be absolutely wonderful.
“We are particularly grateful to Denbighshire County Council for helping to make this possible. It will be a terrific advertisement for the county and will provide a boost for the local economy.”
For more information about the concerts and how to book ticket contact Gwyn Jones on 01745 822788 or visit the website www.corbroglyndwr.org.uk
