Meet the Choir Members
Blaenavon Male Voice Choir is made up of around 40 members who share a passion for music and Welsh tradition. Currently, ranging from 18 to 86 years old.
Our choir consists of members with various backgrounds, including teachers, engineers, retirees, and students. This diversity adds depth and richness to our performances, showcasing the talents of our dedicated singers.
Meet our Musical Team
Andrew Protherough Jones
Musical Director
Andrew is the Musical Director of the Blaenavon Male Voice Choir. With a wealth of experience and a passion for choral music, Andrew leads the choir with dedication and skill.
His leadership emphasizes both musical excellence and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among the members. Under his direction, the choir continues to uphold its long-standing traditions while also expanding its repertoire and performing at prestigious events and competitions. Andrew’s expertise ensures that the choir remains one of the leading male voice choirs in Wales.
Gaynor Smith
Pianist
Gaynor was born and raised in Blaenavon. After graduating, she has worked as an accompanist for many choirs and soloists over the last 30 years.
In 1995 Gaynor agreed to support Blaenavon Male Voice Choir, often covering for a number of choir accompanists.
Gaynor works closely with Andrew and
Ailisa-Jane to help form an excellent new
musical team that will lead the choir to future successes.
Ailsa-Jane Frazer
Pianist
After graduated from Sheffield University in 1996, she has focused on performance and piano accompaniment.
After teaching in a grammar school in Lancashire for 8 years she moved to Prague, Czech Republic, where she was head of music in a British international school.
Ailsa-Jane has recently moved back home to South Wales and is delighted to be accompanying Blaenavon Male Voice choir.
Our Committee
Ben Chester-Master
Chairman and Baritone
Ben is a man of many passions, balancing his role as chairman of the Blaenavon Male Voice Choir with aviation, motorcycling and building 3/4 scale replicas of WW 2 fighter aircraft. Other interests include writing and of course, singing.
For him, joining this Welsh Male Voice Choir, as a Baritone, was the culmination of a long held ambition and his love for the Borderlands of Wales.
Ben is delighted to be part of the Choir’s growth and development.
Lee Matthews
Vice Chairman and Baritone
Lee Matthews, the vice chair of the Blaenavon Male Voice Choir, plays a vital role in supporting the leadership and management of the choir.
Having sung as part of the choir for over 25 years, his. musical skills are wide ranging - having been a campanologist (bell ringer) since the age of 12.
His involvement in the choir carries a deep personal significance, as his family represents four generations of dedicated members, reflecting a rich legacy of commitment to the choir and Welsh choral tradition.
Geraint York
Secretary and Baritone
Geraint York, the secretary of the Blaenavon Male Voice Choir, is deeply rooted in the choir's traditions, with his family spanning three generations of active members. This connection reflects a longstanding commitment to the choir and highlights the deep cultural and familial ties within the group. As secretary, Geraint plays a crucial role in handling the administrative tasks of the choir, such as maintaining records, organizing meetings, and managing communication between members and the leadership team.
Tim Phillips
Treasurer and Top Tenor
Tim plays a vital role in managing the financial health of the choir. This involves overseeing the choir’s budget, tracking income and expenses, and ensuring that all financial transactions are recorded accurately.
Antony Yemm
Fundraising and Sponsorship and Baritone
Antony Yemm, the Fundraising and Sponsorship Manager for Blaenavon Male Voice Choir, is instrumental in driving wider support and securing vital resources, enabling the choir to grow from strength to strength. With a strong background in management, Anthony ensures the choir's sustainability and continued success.
Daniel Davies
Patrons Officer and Bass
Daniel serves as the crucial bridge between the choir and its supporters, fostering relationships that enhance community engagement and financial backing. This role involves cultivating and maintaining positive connections with patrons and sponsors,
Mike Tanner
Welfare Officer and Baritone
The welfare officer addresses any concerns related to member welfare, such as mental health, emotional support, and interpersonal dynamics within the choir.
Eric Watson
Financial Secretary and Baritone / 2nd Tenor
Eric provides financial management support
Mike Clarke
Librarian / Social Media and Bass
Mike Clarke, our librarian and social media/webmaster. In addition to managing the choir's music library and handling its online presence, Mike is also a former scrum-half and loves to travel. His work to grow our Facebook presence to well over 3 thousand followers is a testament to the hard work and his attitude to every session we have.
Lawrence Worsley
Public Relations / Webmaster / IT and Second Tenor
Lawrence is focused on public relations as well as driving our online presence.
Gwillym Leek
Committee Member and Top Tenor
Andrew Thomas
Committee Member and Second Tenor
Join Our Choir Today
Experience the power of harmonies and the joy of singing with us. No prior experience necessary - all are welcome to join our choral family.