London Welsh Male Voice Choir

Event Information

The London Welsh Male Voice Choir was formed in 1902 and quickly gained a reputation for excellence in performance and success in competition in England, Wales and Paris. Disrupted by the two World Wars, the Choir was re-established in 1961 and now has one hundred members.

The Choir has sung at many of Britain’s most prestigious concert halls and cathedrals, has appeared twice at the Royal Variety Command Performance and has recorded with Charlotte Church, Aled Jones and Bryn Terfel.  In contrast, the Choir has also been the backing group to the pop band “Take That” at Earls Court. In the sporting arena it has thrilled crowds at many stadiums, including the Stade de France, Paris, Twickenham and Lord’s Cricket Ground. In August 2007 it became the first male voice choir to  sing at the new Wembley Stadium prior to the Rugby League Cup Final and has also sung many times at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, prior to Wales’s home rugby international matches.  In addition, besides touring extensively throughout England, Scotland and Wales, the Choir has performed in fourteen countries.

In November 2018, the Choir was honoured by being asked to sing at Buckingham Palace at the 70th Birthday Celebration of HRH Prince Charles, the then Prince of Wales.  This was attended by the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.

Biennially prior to Covid the Choir organised and hosted a Festival of Male Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall.  Choirs from around the world join the London Welsh Male Voice Choir and others from England and Wales in a glorious festival of traditional hymns and modern arrangements sung by over 700 voices. In October 2016, it celebrated its 25th Festival.

The next Festival at the Royal Albert Hall will be held on 7th June 2026 with 21 Guest Choirs and over 800 Voices.

In 2022 the Choir was honoured to have been selected as one of the seven winners of The Classic FM and Making Music Platinum Performance competition the only Choir selected.  

2023 was a busy year starting with singing on the pitch at The Principality Stadium prior to the Wales v Ireland match in February.   Appearances at Westminster and Ely Cathedrals, aboard HMS Victory and two Concerts for RNLI in Salcombe were highlights amongst numerous engagements with the year ending with a tour to Germany.

The Choir performed in June 2024 at a sell-out Concert at Canterbury Cathedral and at Brecon Cathedral as part of The Brecon Choir Festival in July.  Following the Cathedral theme the Choir performed at Norwich Cathedral in September and at Tuam and Galway Cathedrals in November.

2025 has been an equally busy year with Concerts in London, Colchester and Beaumaris.

The choir will be supported by Annabel Thwaite and Matthew Jones both Beckenham residents.

Refreshments

There will be a licensed Cash Only bar or bars for this event under the auspices of a TEN licence from Bromley Council. Refreshments may be purchased before the concert and during the interval only.

The usual alcohol licensing law applies.

Event Artists

Dr. Edward-Rhys Harry

Musical Director & Principal Conductor

Dr Harry is an award-winning conductor and composer from Penclawdd on The Gower Peninsula. He has established himself both nationally and internationally as a choral clinician with a passion for vocal and choral music of all genres from community singing to symphony choruses and has conducted at concert halls, opera houses, palaces, churches and cathedrals… (click for more information)

Annabel Thwaite

Accompanist

Recognised as one of the most versatile and charismatic pianists, Annabel has won all the major accompanying prizes, including the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier, Gold Medal, and Richard Tauber Piano Prizes. She has collaborated with renowned artists such as Roberto Alagna, Bryn Terfel, David Kempster, “Only Men Aloud!, the Michael Clark Company and Ensemble Midtvest. As… (click for more information)

Matthew Jones

Violist and Violinist

Described by ‘Fanfare’ Magazine as ‘the finest violist since William Primrose’, Matthew enjoys a diverse career, equally at home as soloist or chamber musician performing classical or contemporary repertoire or giving fully improvised concerts. Recent performance venues include London’s Wigmore Hall and South Bank and a critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall recital debut in 2008. He… (click for more information)