All walks of life

Having been formed in an area of strong choral tradition in 1941 the Morriston Ladies Choir has gone from strength to strength.

They recognise the predominance of Male Choral music in Wales, but regard this as a stimulus and a challenge to foster public appreciation of choral music provided by a ladies' choir.

Since its formation, the Choir has naturally undergone change. In 1941 the choristers were all members of the First Aid Defence Group.

But the present membership is drawn from all walks of life including housewives, lecturers, teachers, civil servants and nurses. Similarly, with each new musical director that followed the founder Miss Lillian Abbott, the Choir's repertoire has changed.

Under the baton of Anthony Williams, Musical Director since 1976, the repertoire has broadened considerably, and now includes not only traditional Welsh Folk songs, but also music from the twentieth century and from West End Shows.

High standards and choral versatility has enabled the MLC to carve a niche for itself with a reputation for a unique, refreshing sound.

A female first in Spain

In addition to performing extensively in Wales, the Choir has also visited several other countries: 1991 - Golden Jubilee Tour to Canada, singing in the Parliament Buildings in Toronto and the National Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, to name but two venues. 1993 - a tour of Germany and Holland, where they sang in Aachen, in Cologne Cathedral and in St. Janskerk in Masstricht. 1997 - they visited Torrevieja in Spain - the first ladies choir to be invited to this beautiful area of Spain.

A standing ovation was received from a capacity audience when they sang the 'Hymn of Torrevieja' in Spanish with the composer's choir and orchestra.

In 2001 the choir celebrated its Diamond Jubilee with a tour to Helsinki, Finland which included singing at the Finnish Parliament and attending a reception, given in its honour, by H.M. Ambassador, Alyson J K Bailes.

At home the Choir give concerts regularly to raise funds for local charities and have performed with male voice choirs, military bands and orchestras.

It has appeared on the Welsh Language programme 'Heno', and has been on local radio stations, namely Radio Wales and Swansea Sound.

From Jimmy Carter to Charlotte Church

In previous years the Choir participated in the 'Festival of Welsh Ladies Choirs'; in the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea in 1993, St. David's Hall, Cardiff in 1994 & 1996, Afan Lido, Port Talbot in 1995 and at Rhyd-y-Car in 1999.

August 1995 saw the Choir take part in a concert in Singleton Park for the Year of Literature, singing in front of the ex-U.S. President, Jimmy Carter.

It also sang in the first concert performance of 'Les Miserables' in Wales at Cardiff Castle, and at the 'Proms in the Park' with Charlotte Church.

Every year, around 1st March, MLC joins with the Morriston RFC Male Voice Choir to present a concert to celebrate Wales' Patron Saint, Saint David at the Tabernacle Chapel, Morriston raising funds for local charities.

As well as performing concerts for charitable organisations, the choir also takes bookings to sing at other venues including weddings, social events, after-dinner engagements etc.

Through the dedication and hard work of the choristers and musical staff, the choir hopes their efforts will be rewarded with a greater public awareness of Ladies choirs such as Morriston Ladies Choir.