Top Welsh choir to perform in Kenton

A world famous choir from Wales will be performing in Kenton next month (April).

The Pelenna Valley Male Voice Choir will be raising the roof at All Saints Church on Saturday April 9 (6:30pm) to raise money for local cancer charity FORCE.

The concert is being staged in memory of John Hunt, founder and former chairman of the Kenton Friends of FORCE group.

He loved singing and had close links with the choir for many years. At his funeral, Pelenna musical director Dr Michael Thomas offered to bring the choir back to Kenton.

“Many will remember this choir visiting the village before,” said Kenton Friends of FORCE committee member Jane Cockram. “They have always enjoyed their visits and the audience have been captivated by their voices.

The varied programme will include Welsh classics like Cwm Rhondda and Men of Harlech, a Tom Jones medley and popular show and chart songs. FORCE fundraiser Mervyn Hayes will also perform two solos.

Pelenna Valley Male Voice Choir was founded in 1980 in the small village of Tonmawr. It has had a long association with world renowned mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, who grew up nearby, and also performed at the 70th birthday of Hollywood star Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Tickets on sale

Tickets for their Kenton concert cost £6 and are available from Jane Cockram (01626 890688), Peter White (01626 890620) or from Kenton Post Office.

“We are including Cwm Rhondda for everyone to join in. This was one of Johns favourites,” said Jane. “I have been involved with Kenton Friends of FORCE for a good few years now and helped John, along with the rest of the committee, with previous concerts by this choir. I said that I would take on the organising of this visit as it has involved seeking out sponsors to cover the cost of the coach to transport the choir to us. I was determined that it would happen and its going to! My great friend Pat Burton, who took over the Chair of Kenton FoF when John gave up, also died of cancer two years ago. She too loved the choir and their visits. In my mind, this is just as much for her as for John.”