More than most nations, Welsh culture and history is reliant upon the 'little' common experience than the grand. Is it the general Welsh penchant for pessimism, that precludes us from maintaining meticulous everyday records of what we create or happens? Is it the occasional flash of irrepressible optimism, which causes us to fervently believe fame will make our grassroots organisations or humble selves such a household name, recording details is pointless? Could it possibly be our predominantly unpretentious nature, which allows the sands of time to obscure or completely conceal everyday events, people and experiences? Perhaps we believe nothing will change and in true mediaeval tradition, the oral tradition of verbally handing down stories from generation to generation will suffice.
Such considerations cannot be aimed at Pendyrus Male Voice Choir. The Rhondda Fach choristers know the exact date when they were established. They know the names of the two individuals who sought to bring the choral tradition to where there was none - Tylorstown.
Despite decades of trying to improve their lot with some success, for working people the early 1920’s was plagued by poverty and mass unemployment. By the 1930s it got worse with the Wall Street Crash. Still, out of this adversity, two young out-of-work miners, Ben Jones and Emlyn Drew who lived in the village of Tylorstown, took advantage of their imposed time at ‘leisure,’ and formed the choir.
In a remarkable organisational, communication and logistical feat for the period, both men contacted friends and former work-mates. Astonishingly, within weeks enough men had shown interest to make the idea a reality.
A local baker and amateur musician with conducting experience, accepted the invitation to conduct the new choir.
On Saturday 24th May 1924, the Pendyrus Choir was formally inaugurated in the local Miners’ Federation hut Tylorstown.
Pendyrus was the name of two local farms (Pendyrus Uchaf and Isaf). This was how the area was known, prior to Alfred Tylor designating his name to the small satellite village close to the larger Treorci.
As fascinating as the history of the choir is, it was amazing to discover one hundred years on, Pendyrus have made the celebration of the day on which their founding brothers first came together a whole weekend event. Concerts will be held on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th. Again, a logistical, organisational and communicative feat of the twenty-first century. Rhondda Fach Leisure Centre is the venue for all three concerts.
Tonight’s concert was pure magnificence. The choir seemed to be singing for every Pendyrus Choir member from the past to the present. Their pride at having reached their centenary was plain and joyous for all to see and hear.
Then there were the voices of Shân Cothi and Rebecca Evans CBE. Both ladies were made for life and life was made for them. They are forever effervescent, filling every moment whether in song or conversation. So it proved this evening. Their constant high levels of performance and expertise are mind-boggling.
People need to support this long-established choir’s celebrations – they will be glad they did. I wonder what Ben and Emlyn would think of what their work achieved one hundred years on?
Diolch i bawb am noson hyfryd. Ymlaen Côr Meibion Pendyrus.