This is a choir with both a great history and, we believe, a great future, In 2024 we will celebrate a hundred years since we were founded by Fred Tomlinson. He took a group of local singers and made them a choir which, among other honours, would go on to win the Llangollen Eisteddfod an unprecedented THREE CONSECUTIVE TIMES ( 1952-54 )
Fred led the choir for over 50 years before handing the baton to his son , Ernest, an accomplished arranger and composer, We won more competitions later under the 24 year leadership of Beatrice Wade, and her successors, until our current maestro, Matthew Thomas, took over the reins in 2015. Matthew has brought a 21-st century approach to our repertoire, adding a more theatrical element and delivering excellent performances at concerts and competitions, winning ” Song of the Competition ” at the Cornwall International Choir Festival 2019, and more recently, the Lancashire Choir of the Year Award 2022.
But it is not only competitions we take seriously. Our love of singing starts here in the Valley, where we regularly perform to raise funds for local charities, which also gives us the chance to let our hair down a little and really entertain our friends and neighbours. As well as our true choir repertoire Matthew has now developed ” The Irwell Shantymen ” a parallel group offering a more varied repertoire.
Country representing: England
Have you been to the Llangollen Eisteddfod before? Yes
Where and how often do you rehearse? St Peter’s Church, Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancs. Rehearsals every Monday evening 7.30-9.30pm plus additional section rehearsals as needed.
Do you have any interesting stories about your group? The Choir celebrates its Centenary this year (1924-2024). During its 100 years the choir won the Llangollen Eisteddfod an unprecedented three consecutive times (1952-54). We recently won the Lancashire Choir of the Year 2022.There are many stories and history of the choir that can be found in “The History of Rossendale Male Voice Choir 1924-1999” which is available on our web site.
How would you best describe your group? A group of men from all walks of life that love to sing and entertain audiences within our local Rossendale Valley area and beyond. We have a strong social side to the choir which is enhanced when we have trips to festivals at home and abroad. In May this year we are going to Belgium for a series of concerts and singing at the Menin Gate. Under our very talented Musical Director -Matthew Thomas- the choir is going from strength to strength and increasing membership where sadly some male voice choirs are in decline.
Website: rossendalemalevoicechoir.co.uk
X (formerly known as Twitter): @RossenMales
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