Welsh male voice choir to perform at two Mayo venues

WELSH male voice choir Meibion Marchan are to perform in Westport and Turlough this October bank holiday weekend.

Under the direction of Ioan Rees, accompanied by Sion Edwards, Meibion Marchan are the embodiment of the tradition of Welsh four parts harmony singing.

They started out as a group of lads from the Ruthin, north Wales, area who came together occasionally to compete in local Eisteddfodau - festivals that include several ranked competitions including music and poetry. The choir have gone on to compete at numerous festivals and competitions and on the prestigious stage of the Wales Millennium Centre at the Cardiff National Eisteddfod in 2019 and the Pan Celtic Festival in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

There is a long and strong tradition of male voice choir singing in Wales. The phenomenon is attributed to the coal, metal and slate mining industries of the past, in which thousands of men were employed. Many joined choirs as a pass-time and release from the sufferings endured due to the extremely hard work in the mines.

Today the tradition continues with over 80 male voice choirs in Wales singing on a regular basis.

On Saturday, October 28, at 6 p.m., Meibion Marchan will be joined by the Mayo Male Voice Choir in concert in Holy Trinity Church, Westport. The concert will finish well in time for those who wish to catch the Rugby World Cup final! Admission is free, with kind donations at the door going towards the maintenance of the church.

On Sunday, October 29, at 2 p.m., Meibion Marchan will also sing at the National Museum of Country Life, Turlough. This half-hour informal performance takes place in the exhibition galleries at the museum. All are welcome and admission is free.