Gwalia singers from Wales in Greece

Gwalia singers from Wales in Greece

5-12 October 2022

Male Choir Gwalia Singers from Swansea of Wales has been in Greece 5-12 October.

Wales is a region of Greate Britain with a great tradition of male choirs. Songs are part of the national identity. Wales is often referred to as “The land of singing”.

The choir participated in the opening of the 3rd International Agrinio Choral Festival. In addition, choir has participated in the events for 451 years after Lepanto battle in Nafpaktos and in the choral meeting in Mesologgi.

Αναλυτικά

Participation in the Music Concert for 451 years of Lepanto Battle in Nafpaktos.

Thursday 6 October 2022

Concert in the old harbour. In the event the following ensembles took part:

String Quartette of Municipal Conservatoire of Ioannina
Mixed Choir of Nafpaktos, Conductor: Eleni Papadopoulou Aravantinou
Gwalia Singers from Wales, Conductor: Mathew Ian Sims

In the end of the concert both choir sang together the greek song “Arnini” composed by Mikis Theodorakis (poem of Nobel prized greek poet Giorgos Seferis).

You can see the full concert here

Participation in the 3rd International Agrinio Choral Festival

Friday 7 October 2022

The choir has participated in the opening of the 3rd International Agrinio Choral Festival. In the festival 33 choirs and 963 chorists from 5 choirs participated. Artistic Director of the festival: Chrysa Tasolamprou.

Before the concert, the choir had a guided tour in the city of Agrinio by members of the festival organising commitee. Agrinio has a great industrial part.

You can see photos of the concert here

Choral Meeting in Mesologgi

Sunday 9 October 2022

The concert took place in the Concert Hall of the Regional Governance. It was organised by Mesologgi Municipality, the Cultural Council of Mesologgi Municipality and the local council.

Participants of the concert

Choir of Mesologgi Cultural Center, Conductor: Spyros Cholevas
Gwalia Singers from Wales, Conductor Mathew Ian Sims

In addition the choir has a guided tour in the lagoon, the garden of the heros and in Lord Byron Museum.

You can see photos here

You can see moments of the event here

About the choir

Male voice choirs and brass bands were a feature of many industrial communities, especially mining, in Wales. The choirs hold a special place in popular culture, especially the South Wales Valleys, and for generations have been a fixture at eisteddfodau (competitive festivals of music and poetry), and at rugby matches

The Gwalia Singers are a Welsh Male Voice Choir from Swansea who were formed in 1966 with just 18 members under the direction of Bryan Myles. Today choir has more than 70 active members.