 The
Choir was formed in 1929 by a Welshman, Jack Thomas, who moved to
Tintagel to quarry slate and was choirmaster until his death in
1955.Cliff Inman,
a member of the Choir, then took over and was
choirmaster until 1962. Arthur Biddick, took over the baton
until 1968. Mel Rowe then became conductor until 1989.
Penny
Mendoza took command until December 1993, when she retired.
Penny had been the lead soprano with the BBC Singers and many other
choirs.
At
the beginning of 1994 Tony Tournoff was invited to become
Musical Director of the Tintagel Orpheus Male Voice Choir and stayed
with them until September 1997. The choir then had its second Lady
Musical Director, Mrs. Elizabeth Wade, known to everyone as
"Buffy" and she was with the choir for
three years. In 2000, Edna Sewell
took over the baton to become its third lady Musical Director.
David Sherbird, became the choir's conductor in 2004.
Taking
over the baton at the end of 2007, Penny Barclay ( see profile )
is now the choir's professional Musical Director.
Sheila Flower was the accompanist from 1950-2000 and husband
Bob sang in the choir from 1950-2000 and was the choir's
longest serving member. He was Treasurer from 1953-2000.
Joining the
choir at the beginning of 2008, their new accompanist and member of
the artistic team is retired professional musician Alan
Dawe ( see profile )
"Sing as we go ... "
The Choir
is much travelled, having sung in Austria, Switzerland, Germany and
the South of France. They have sung five times in Liverpool (in both
Cathedrals), Warwick, Cardiff, Bristol, Wigan and three times with
the Massed Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall, London and many
other venues in England.
In
the five visits to the Cornwall County Music Festival in Truro they
have managed to win the Championship Cup for Male Choirs under 40
members, four times.
In 1990 after 61 years they produced their first Professional
Commercial recording.
In June 1994 the Choir spent an enjoyable weekend sharing in the
Bi-Centenary celebrations at Holy Trinity Church in Wavertree,
Liverpool and in October the Choir combined with 26 other Cornish
Male Choirs in a 1000 Voice Concert in the Royal Albert Hall.
At the end of
1995 the choir produced their second recording
In 1996 the Choir spent a weekend visit with the City of Cardiff
Male Voice Choir and in 1997 they visited York, singing in the
Minster and giving a Concert at Fulford Church.
In 1998 they visited Wigan and Liverpool singing with the Parkside
Colliery Male Voice Choir.
In 1999 they visited Hadley Male Voice Choir in Telford and had a
fine weekend visiting the Ironbridge area.
In May 2000 the choir went to Swansea, giving a concert in the
chapel used by The Morriston Male Voice Choir for their practices.
The Morriston members there were delighted with the sound produced
by a small choir of only 23 members. Their top tenor section is
about 30 strong whereas the Tintagel Orpheus Male Voice Choir top
tenor section numbered only six.
This year (2008) the choir visited and
performed at Winchester Cathedral and Osborne House on the Isle of
Wight. They also
combined with other Cornish Male Choirs and took part in the BBC
Songs of Praise from Truro Cathedral. (due to be broadcast on
2nd. November 2008 ).
80th. Anniversary Season 2009
Shortly to finish their 2008
season of summer concerts the choir will be beginning to prepare for
it's important Anniversary Season next year. Rehearsals will
commence in September for an ambitious and exciting new repertoire
which will be performed at its Summer Concerts in Tintagel and also
at a series of Gala Concerts to be held at different venues
throughout the year.
They will be taking a short
break from rehearsals in May ... but not from singing ... as the
choir will be crossing the water to visit their Celtic cousins and
to perform in Co. Kerry in the Republic of Ireland.
Because of
the importance of the 2009 season ... if you would like the Choir to
perform at your Charity Event or Fundraiser please contact us as
soon as you have confirmed dates as availability will be limited.
Contact the Secretary on
01840 770616 -
admin@tintagelmalevoicechoir.org.uk
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Tintagel - KERNOW